Is collagen good for dogs?

Collagen is celebrated in human wellness for encouraging glowing, youthful skin - but did you know it can have lots of benefits for dogs, too? 

Alongside a well-balanced, nutritious diet, collagen can be a powerful supplement for dogs’ bones, joints, skin and coat, and even help with digestion. 

But before you grab some to add to your pooch’s next meal, let’s go into exactly what collagen is, how it could benefit your dog, and tips for adding it to their diet in a safe way.

What benefits does collagen have for dogs?

Collagen is highly useful for dogs, with a range of benefits for different scenarios. When taken regularly, collagen can help:

• Support healthy joints and mobility. As collagen is one of the major building blocks of cartilage, it's perfect for supporting the strong, healthy joints that keep your pooch active and mobile.
  
  With enough collagen, your dog’s knees, shoulders, carpals, hips and other joints will remain cushioned and resilient as the joining bones rub together - therefore able to absorb movement and flexing without wearing down as easily.
  
  
• Maintain strong bones. Your dog’s bones are made up of around 90% type I collagen, which forms a fibrous network in its internal structure.
  
  This provides bones with a particular strength that means they’re rigid and able to withstand weight, without being brittle. Without collagen, the fibres in the bones would be fragile and prone to splintering, even if getting enough other nutrients.
  
  
• Promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. Collagen is also the major structural component of the dermis layer of skin (the middle layer) which keeps skin firm, resilient and less prone to drying or flakiness.
  
  Having enough collagen means your pooch’s skin will be hydrated, plump and comfortable. Healthy skin like this forms a foundation for healthy hair follicles, which means a smooth, shiny coat.
  
  
• Aid digestion and gut lining repair. Collagen contains smart amino acids such as glutamine, glycine and proline; a trio of workers which help maintain and repair the intestinal lining in a dog’s body.
  
  This lining is essential for proper nutrient absorption and also prevents ‘leaky gut’ - where toxins and partially digested food escape into the bloodstream.
  
  
• Speed up recovery from injuries. As collagen is sort of a ‘building block’ for bones, skin and cartilage, it’s an excellent support for quick recovery from injuries. If your pooch is recovering from an injury, cut or surgery, collagen supplements or collagen-rich foods for dogs can contribute to getting your dog back on their feet. 

What dogs would benefit from collagen?

Though collagen is an all-rounder type nutrient which every dog needs, some dogs will particularly benefit from getting collagen supplements in their diet, including:

• Ageing dogs who are losing muscle tone, as collagen production slows down with age
  
  
• Arthritic dogs with stiff, aching joints or who limp after/during walks
  
  
• Dogs with skin issues like dry, flaky skin or a dull coat
  
  
• Dogs who are recovering from surgery or injury
  
  
• Large breeds are more likely to suffer from joint degradation due to their larger, heavier frames. The same also applies to working or very active dogs, or overweight dogs. 

How do you get collagen into your dog’s diet?

Collagen is a naturally occurring substance in a dog’s body; however, it’s not produced in high enough amounts over time, so it can be supplemented through foods and specialist collagen supplements.

Animal bones and cartilage-rich body parts such as chicken feet or wings are bursting with collagen, but bones can be dangerous for dogs as they tend to splinter or cause a choking hazard, so a safer option can be supplements and dietary add-ons like Bone Broth for dogs. 

Dog-friendly Bone Broths tend to be unsalted and contain no artificial ingredients or additives, and they can be either drizzled onto your dog’s regular food or given as a lip-smacking, savoury drink in a water bowl. 

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You can also get collagen powders or collagen chews made for dogs, or try dog treats with collagen (which are usually meaty and delicious for pooches). 

What are dog-safe foods that have collagen?

If you want your dog to get more collagen but want alternatives to meaty bones, you could try dog-safe foods such as:

• Unseasoned fish skins
  
  
• Cooked egg whites stirred into your dog’s regular food
  
  
• Bone broth for dogs, either served on its own or with their usual dinner to add some collagen-rich juiciness to their food.
  
  Pooch & Mutt Bone Broth for Dogs also contains prebiotics, apple cider vinegar and chicory root for added gut-nourishing benefits.

How to safely feed your dog collagen

If you’re ready to add a dose of collagen to your pooch’s diet, follow these tips on how to do so safely:

• Always start with small amounts - especially if you opt for concentrated supplements like a powder or chew. Always read the pack for correct dosage instructions and give it to your pooch bit by bit each day, to see how they digest it.
  
  
• Don’t use bone broth for made for humans or human collagen supplements - it’s always best to use health foods specifically made for dogs, or even make a clean, unsalted bone broth made at home. Be sure it’s well strained and free of any small pieces they could choke on.
  
  
• Store-bought bone broth for dogs is full of collagen, much easier to prepare and could give you more peace of mind than making it yourself.
  
  
• If you want to give your dog collagen-rich animal parts such as chicken feet or beef trachea, make sure they are freeze-dried and not just cooked, as this can cause splintering and choking hazards. It’s worth getting advice from your vet before giving these to your pooch.
  
  
• Finally, always chat to your vet in advance of trying a new supplement such as collagen. They can let you know whether it would be suitable for your particular pooch.
  
  

What are the risks of giving collagen to dogs?

Collagen is pretty safe for dogs, but there is always a risk if you give your pooch too much too soon, so administering the correct dosage is really important. 

Watch out for the following risky side effects of collagen for dogs:

• An upset stomach such as diarrhoea, bloating or gas
  
  
• Itchy paws or skin if your pooch’s body doesn’t agree with collagen
  
  
• Too much collagen-rich food can lead to a decreased appetite
  
  
• Harder poops, if your pooch isn’t hydrating with water alongside collagen-rich foods
  
  
• Your dog could gain weight if you supplement with too many collagen-infused treats
  
  
• Choking hazards if you supplement collagen via raw animal bones or hard chews

FAQs

What is collagen?

Collagen is a kind of protein - in fact, it’s the most abundant protein in the body. Collagen acts like a structural material, almost like a squashy scaffolding; which keeps skin firm, joints cushioned and tissues strong.

Dogs, just like humans, naturally produce collagen in their bodies, but production slows down with age. There’s some evidence to suggest getting collagen through food can support the body’s depleting collagen resources and go some way in slowing its breakdown in skin, tissue and joints.

Where does collagen come from?

As collagen is produced naturally in the body, collagen supplements mainly come from animal tissues, such as bones, cartilage, tendons and skin. Lots of pet products with collagen use animal sources like beef, chicken, fish and eggs.

Many collagen supplements for dogs also use hydrolysed collagen (collagen peptides), as it’s easier for dogs to digest. You can also get collagen from bone broth, made from boiling down bone and other animal parts to make a nutrient-rich broth. 

At what age should dogs have collagen?

Collagen is an important, naturally occurring substance in the body, so dogs can benefit from supplementing at any age. However, it’s especially useful for senior or aging dogs (usually age 7 or over), large or giant breeds, overweight dogs or very active dogs - basically any dogs who put extra strain on their tendons and joints.

There is some evidence that giving collagen to your pooch early can help slow down age-related decline, but there probably isn’t much benefit to giving collagen supplements to a puppy or a very young dog. Chat to your vet if you aren’t sure whether your dog will benefit. 

How much collagen should I give my dog?

This depends on the breed and size of your dog, and in what format you’re giving them collagen. It’s usually 1-2 grams a day for small dogs and around 3-5 grams for bigger dogs, but always check the product label for the exact dosage. 

If you’re using dog-friendly bone broth, this should also be used as a supplement - not a meal. Give smaller dogs around 100-200 ml a day, medium-sized dogs around 300-400ml, and larger dogs between 400-500ml. Again, always check the dosage instructions on the pack.

Can dogs have human collagen supplements?

Ideally, no. Some plain, unflavoured human collagen powders may be safe, but many contain sweeteners (like Xylitol), flavourings or additives that are toxic to dogs. Human bone broth might also contain salt or added seasonings that aren’t friendly to a dog’s sensitive stomach. It’s best to use dog-friendly collagen products to be safe. 

Is collagen good for dogs with arthritis?

Yes, collagen is a really useful supplement for dogs with arthritis and other conditions which cause aching joints or reduced mobility.

In combination with other joint-boosting supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, it can form a super group of natural aids for your pooch’s bones and joints. Always speak to your vet before giving supplements to your arthritic dog, especially if they are already on medication. 

Our Bone Broth for Dogs is rich in beneficial, naturally occurring collagen, gut-nourishing ingredients like chicory root and apple cider vinegar, and joint-soothing glucosamine and chondroitin - for a happy and mobile dog who feels forever young.