06/02/2026
Dogs🐾 benefit from something as simple as an apple🍎. A new peer-reviewed systematic review published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science highlighted quercetin, a powerful flavonoid✨ found in apples, as one of the most promising natural compounds for supporting long-term health.
Research suggests quercetin helps reduce inflammation, protect cells from oxidative damage, support beneficial gut bacteria, strengthen the gut barrier, and promote healthy metabolism, all of which are closely linked to healthier aging.
Choose organic apples🍏 or spray free apples when possible, as conventionally grown apples are among the fruits most commonly found to contain pesticide residues. Remove the seeds and core, but leave the skin on (that’s where the quercetin is) before sharing a few bites with your dog. If you’re choosing a variety, Red Delicious🍎 apples are considered one of the richest sources of quercetin among commonly available apples.
This is also one of the reasons Dr. Karen Becker chose hypoallergenic organic apple fiber as the carrier in the Proactive Paws™ formulas instead of ingredients like beef liver or cellulose. Apple fiber helps make her human grade formulas suitable for pets with food sensitivities, while also acting as a prebiotic that nourishes beneficial gut bacteria and supports the production of health-promoting short-chain fatty acids.
