Collagen for Dogs: Everything I Know Revealed!
On Wednesday, I was walking down my neighborhood street with Bruno, enjoying the crisp morning air. We stopped by Mrs. Jenkins' (not her real name) front yard, where she was busy planting flowers. As Bruno sniffed around, I noticed how shiny his coat looked in the sunlight.
Mrs. Jenkins complimented him, saying, "He looks healthier every time I see him!" I smiled, knowing that his vibrant energy and glossy coat were thanks in part to collagen for dogs. It's worked wonders for him. And here's why I started my dogs early on collagen supplementation.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein that plays an essential role in the body for humans and dogs alike. In fact, it's the most abundant protein in the body.
Collagen is a structural protein. It gives connective tissues in the body support and resilience. Skin, joints, blood vessels, and the digestive tract are just some of the parts of the anatomy that benefit from it.
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, collagen supplementation can directly impact essential body parts, including the skin, bones, joints, and muscle mass.
Dogs (and humans) naturally make their collagen protein out of the food they eat. But as we age (dogs and people), we lose collagen and, with it, some of the elasticity, strength, and resilience in our tissues.
This can lead to achy joints, thin, loose skin, and digestive issues. These are only a few of the issues, but you get the point. This stuff is important.
Collagen supplementation seeks to replenish some of the loss or at least slow it down.
How many types of collagen are there?
There are 28 types of collagen, each of which is needed for a specific body part. Now, I've seen people use this fact to overcomplicate collagen supplements. They say you have to have this kind for this benefit. But that's just marketing. And here's why.
When collagen is digested, it's broken down into amino acids. It doesn't matter what type it is. The body reassembles it.
So, here's the thing!
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the type of collagen depends on "how the molecules are assembled, the cell components that are added, and where the collagen is used in your body."
So, when I supplement my dog's collagen production, I ensure they have all the amino acids (tiny molecules) they need. And I trust their body to determine which kind of collagen they need most.
Benefits of Collagen for Dogs
1. Improves Skin and Coat Health
If you have a skincare regimen like mine, you may notice that collagen is in many human skincare products. This is because this protein is found in deeper layers of the skin and supports skin health. A review of the best studies on collagen supplementation has shown that consuming it can improve skin hydration and elasticity.
Now, these are human studies. But dog anatomy is very similar in this regard.
Collagen can improve dogs' skin and coat by providing skin elasticity and restoring moisture and softness. This is especially good for fur babies who suffer from hot spots, seasonal allergies, or other skin conditions.
2. Relieves Joint Pain
Collagen can improve joint pain and help with mobility in older dogs, allowing them to run and play for years to come. It can also slow collagen loss in younger dogs. That's important because my family loves to hike with our dogs.
Studies (I linked to above) have shown that collagen supplementation can improve bone and joint strength. These tissues are critical for stability. Lack of stability causes joints to degrade and hurt.
One of the hardest things for me to watch as a dog mom was my older dog (who's no longer with us) suffering from mobility issues. She didn't want to move. This can happen when the loss of collagen results in less support for connective tissues and joints. I didn't know back then what I know now. So, this time around with my 3 current dogs, I started each of them early on collagen for dogs.
This misery is preventable, and my pups are worth it. I know you feel the same way.
3. Supports Digestive Health
As collagen produces connective tissues out of the amino acids, it helps maintain the stomach and intestines' lining to support a healthy digestive system. This ensures my pups are absorbing nutrients and digesting food appropriately.
Studies have shown that it can also reduce inflammation and improve the gut microbiome by supporting the environment in which those probiotic microorganisms live. This may improve digestion.
4. Can Be a Tasty Treat
Collagen comes from animal sources that consist of connective tissues, like beef and fish. So, when you give them natural, grass-fed beef treats, it can boost their collagen in a delicious way. This is also beneficial for dogs who aren't big eaters since animal products are appetizing.
I prefer not to give my dogs pills and lab-created chews with many extra ingredients. That seems unnatural to me. I was delighted when I learned that one of the best ways to give dogs collagen is through grass-fed beef dog bones and treats.
Dogs love a good dog bone. It's instinct. They gnaw on bones to clean their teeth, entertain themselves, and to self-soothe. But they also love the taste of sweet, all-natural bone marrow and meaty bits on the bone.
They don't know about the health benefits.
They just know it tastes good.
In our house, we set aside several times weekly for chew time. Each of my dogs gets their dog bone for around 20 minutes. During that time, they scrape their teeth, chew, and try to get the bone marrow on with their tongue and paws. It's like an all-natural dog puzzle toy but without the microplastics.
While marrow bones are a healthy treat, dogs need a well-balanced diet. Limiting their time ensures they get the most out of their dog treats.
Plus, you can refill the dog bone with other tasty treats when that marrow is gone. I share some of my favorite bone refill recipes here.
At what age should K9s start collagen for dogs?
If you have a senior dog, adding collagen to their diet is essential since their collagen production is slower. However, doing this for younger dogs can also keep them healthier and happier for longer.
I started each of my dogs on collagen early because I believe it's a lot easier to maintain your health than to restore it once disease takes hold.
Is human collagen good for dogs?
No, the doses are different. Plus, there may be ingredients in your supplements that dogs shouldn't have. If you're going the route of collagen supplementation, it needs to be specially formulated for dogs. Always consult a veterinarian before giving your dog any kind of supplement. That includes something as benign as collagen.
Where can dogs get collagen from?
Collagen for dogs can come in many different forms. They may get some collagen from everyday food, bone broth, treats, and bones. Even some vegetables have collagen, but not very much.
The point of supplementation is to give them extra, especially when their body becomes less efficient at making it.
Some people make homemade dog food to ensure their pet has enough collagen. If you decide to do this, it's probably best to consult your vet to ensure your K9 is getting a well-balanced, nutritious diet. Many pet parents use treats as a collagen supplement for their fur babies.
What type of collagen is best for dogs?
Many high-protein foods are a great source of collagen. For dogs, beef is said to be the best collagen supplement. If you're getting it from a natural source like single-ingredient marrow-filled bone or all-beef dog treat, then grass-fed is best. Grass-fed beef is lower in saturated fat and higher in inflammation-reducing healthy fats.
The easiest and healthiest way to provide this is with dog treats and bones that are free from any preservatives, fillers, and other additives.
What are the best collagen dog treats?
The best collagen supplements for dogs aren't supplements per se. It's almost always better to get nutrients from real food. Beef marrow bones contain tasty bone marrow that is rich in collagen. All-beef treats, organ meats, and connective tissues are also great sources.
Oh, I forgot to mention that these also include glucosamine and chondroitin. I know you've heard of those. They are also important nutrients for skin, joints, and digestion.
I gave up those dog collagen supplements a long time ago. I got tired of having to trick my dogs into taking them. I'd much rather give the collagen in a form they actually love.
Here are some other factors I consider to choose the best supplements for dogs.
- Locally sourced, grass-fed beef: I prefer free-range, grass-fed beef cattle born and raised on US farms.
- Single-ingredient: I don't want any preservatives, cheap fillers, processed grains, or other additives in my dog chews.
- Low calorie: I like them to have a lot of protein per calorie for a healthy, strong, and lean dog.
- Delicious with little to no odor: No stinky bones in my house.
- Excellent for training and rewards: Dog bones can settle rambunctious dogs and reward pups that are behaving.
Now, here are some of my favorite products. They check all the boxes.
1. Slow Roasted Beef Lung Bites
These are small treat bites. So, I get a huge 2+ pound bag and use them for training. "Sit. Good boy." "Stay". "Chair". No matter what we're working on, these treats do the trick.
I've also found they're a perfect exchange when I want my dogs to drop their dog bone when chew time is over.
2. Beef Trachea Chews
These 7-inch beef trachea chews are a delicious treat for large dogs.
You can find beef trachea chews here.
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