Polyphenols

What Are Polyphenols?

Polyphenols are natural plant compounds that act as powerful antioxidants and cellular protectors. They are found in fruits, vegetables, herbs, teas, and other plant-based foods, where they help defend plants from environmental stress, UV radiation, and disease.

For dogs, polyphenols are not essential nutrients like vitamins or minerals, but they are being explored for their potential role in supporting immune health, inflammation balance, and longevity. Many pet parents come across polyphenols in canine supplements, particularly in formulations that support joint health, cognitive function, and overall cellular defense.

How Do Polyphenols Work in the Body?

Polyphenols function as antioxidants, meaning they help neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage cells over time. In doing so, polyphenols may:

• Protect against oxidative stress – A key factor in aging and chronic disease.
• Support a balanced inflammatory response – Helping with joint health, recovery, and immune function.
• Encourage gut microbiome balance – Some polyphenols act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
• Support brain health & cognitive function – By shielding neurons from oxidative damage.

Because inflammation and oxidative stress play a role in many age-related and metabolic conditions, polyphenols have become a focus in canine nutrition research.

Where Are Polyphenols Found?

Polyphenols are most commonly found in deeply colored fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods, including:

• Berries – Blueberries, cranberries, and blackberries contain polyphenols known as flavonoids and anthocyanins.
• Turmeric – The source of curcumin, a widely studied polyphenol for joint and inflammation support.
• Green & Black Tea – Rich in catechins, though caffeine-containing teas should be used cautiously in pets.
• Japanese Knotweed – A natural source of resveratrol, which is researched for longevity and cellular protection.
• Olive Oil – Contains hydroxytyrosol, a polyphenol linked to heart and immune support.

Since polyphenols occur naturally in plant-based ingredients, dogs may already receive some exposure to them through commercial or home-prepared diets that include fruits and vegetables.

Key Polyphenols in Canine Health

Several polyphenols are already used in dog supplements due to their specific benefits:

• Curcumin (from Turmeric) – Known for its anti-inflammatory and joint-supporting properties.
• Resveratrol (from Japanese Knotweed & Berries) – Studied for its potential role in longevity and cellular defense.
• Boswellic Acid (from Frankincense) – Often included in joint health supplements.
• Quercetin (from Apples, Capers, and Kale) – Sometimes called “nature’s antihistamine” due to its role in immune regulation.

Do Dogs Need Polyphenol Supplements?

Polyphenols are not required in a dog’s diet, but supplementation may be beneficial for:

• Senior dogs – To support brain, heart, and joint health.
• Active or working dogs – To help with recovery from exercise-related oxidative stress.
• Dogs with immune or inflammatory concerns – To help regulate cellular and immune function.

However, not all polyphenols are equally bioavailable to dogs, meaning their absorption and effects depend on diet formulation, dosage, and companion nutrients.