Collagen for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
Are you a pet owner on a mission to keep your furry friend happy and healthy? If so, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’re going to share everything you need to know about collagen – an essential protein in the body. Learn all about collagen for dogs, including what it is, its benefits, and how you can provide your dog with collagen.
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 makes connective tissues in the body. According to Harvard School of Public Health, this directly impacts essential parts of the body, including the skin, bones, joints, and muscle mass.
Fun fact: There are 28 different types of collagen, each with its own function in the body.
Dogs (and humans) naturally make their own collagen proteins. However, collagen production reduces as dogs age or if health issues arise. Low collagen levels can affect a K9's skin and joint health. Fortunately, collagen supplements can remedy this.
Keep reading to learn how you can help your K9 maintain healthy collagen levels.
Benefits of Collagen for Dogs
Collagen offers many benefits to improve your dog's overall health. When collagen is digested, it's broken down into amino acids and then distributed to the parts of the body that most need protein.
Note: Adding collagen to your senior dog's diet is essential since their collagen production is slower. However, doing this for younger dogs also can keep them healthier and happier for longer.
Improves Skin and Coat Health
If skincare is important to you, you may notice that collagen is in many human skincare products. This is because this protein is found in deeper layers of the skin to support skin health. It can do the same for your pet.
Collagen for dogs can improve their skin and coat by providing skin elasticity and restoring moisture and softness. This is especially good for the fur-babies who suffer from hot spots, seasonal allergies, or other skin conditions.
Relieves Joint Pain
One of the hardest things for pet owners is to watch their older dogs suffer from mobility issues. This can happen when the loss of collagen results in less support for connective tissues and joints.
Fortunately, you can prevent some of this by adding collagen to your fur-babies diet. Collagen can improve joint pain to help with mobility so your dog can run and play for years to come.
Supports Digestive Health
If you’ve noticed changes in your dog’s digestive health, collagen supplements can help.
As collagen produces connective tissues and amino acids, it helps maintain the stomach and intestines’ lining to support a healthy digestive system. This ensures your pup is absorbing nutrients and digesting food appropriately.
A Tasty Treat
The best thing about collagen for dogs is that it can be a tasty treat. All dogs love a good treat, right?
Collagen comes from animal sources that consist of connective tissues, like beef and fish. So, giving your pup natural, grass-fed beef treats can boost their collagen in a delicious way. This is also beneficial for dogs who aren’t big eaters since it’s appetizing.
Is human collagen good for dogs?
No, we don't recommend giving your K9 the same collagen supplements people take. We say this because collagen for people may include extra ingredients that you don't want your dog to have. Instead, opting for a collagen product specially made for pets is best.
Where can dogs get collagen from?
Collagen for dogs can come in many different forms – their everyday food, bone broth, treats, bones, vegetables, etc.
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 owners opt for 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. The easiest and healthiest way to provide this is with dog treats and bones that are free from any preservatives, fillers, and other additives.
The Best Collagen Dog Treats
Collagen for dogs can come in many different forms. This includes their everyday food, bone broth, treats, bones, vegetables, etc. With that said, a healthy, delicious treat is the best and easiest way to ensure your fur baby has enough collagen.
Our favorite collagen dog treats below are:
- Locally sourced beef: Each treat is made from free-range grass-fed beef cattle born and raised on US farms.
- Single-ingredient: They don’t contain any preservatives, cheap fillers, processed grains, or other additives.
- Low calorie: Each treat contains ample protein for a healthy, strong, and lean dog.
- Delicious with little to no odor: Each treat tastes great, with little to no odor.
- Excellent for training and rewards: If you’re training your K9 or like to treat them with a reward every now and then, these treats are perfect for that.
Beef Jerky Strips
These beef jerky strip pretzels are great for active chewers and breeds of all sizes.
Purchase your dog beef jerky strip here.
Slow Roasted Beef Lung Bites
These small treat bites are perfect for training or giving your small, medium, or large pup several small snacks throughout the day.
Purchase your slow-roasted beef lung bites here.
Beef Trachea Chews
These 7-inch beef trachea chews are a delicious treat for large dogs.
Purchase your beef trachea chews here.
Collagen for Dogs: Key Takeaways
Collagen benefits dogs in many ways because it produces connective tissues in their body. This helps maintain healthy skin, bones, joints, and muscles.
Help your K9 stay happy and healthy for a long time to come by offering your pup treats that supplement collagen production as they age. And, remember, even younger dogs can benefit from collagen as it helps reduce the risk of premature aging.
To find delicious, all-natural, single-ingredient treats your pet will love, check out more from K9 Connoisseur here.