Is Collagen Good for Dogs? 4 Questions Answered
Did you know dogs and humans both produce collagen? In fact, all mammals are abundant in this protein. While your Cadet’s body makes its own collagen, you’ve probably noticed an array of chews and supplements for your dog. This may have you wondering: is collagen good for dogs when added to their diet? And what exactly is collagen, anyway? We’ve answered four key questions!
Question #1: What Is Collagen?
Collagen is the primary building block of the body’s connective tissue, which includes:
- Bones
- Ligaments
- Muscles
- Skin
- Tendons
Collagen offers structure, strength, and support to this tissue, serving as the “glue” that holds the body together. It also assists in allowing blood to clot and replacing dead skin cells, promoting your pup’s health inside and out (and yours, too!).
Question #2: So, Is Collagen Good for Dogs?
Yes! Collagen is good for dogs and offers many of the same benefits it gives humans. Ensuring your Cadet has enough collagen will aid these functions:
Digestive System
Collagen helps break down proteins in the digestive system, allowing the gut to smoothly and effectively pass food through the body. It also aids in reinforcing the stomach lining, which could help protect against ulcers and gastritis (inflammation of the gastrointestinal lining).
Speaking of digestion, collagen helps manage your dog’s stomach acid levels. When they don’t produce enough acid, their stomach has a harder time breaking down food and makes problems like indigestion and nutrient malabsorption (the inability to absorb nutrients from food) more likely. Collagen improves stomach acid production, preventing these digestive issues.
Skin and Coat Health
Who doesn’t want their dog to have a shiny, lustrous coat? Collagen is a building block of the skin’s dermis layer, which lies below the epidermis and supports the skin’s overall structure. Adding more collagen to the dermis helps restore moisture to the skin, giving the coat that vibrant sheen we all appreciate!
If your dog’s skin is affected by seasonal allergies, hot spots, or other conditions, collagen can help restore it. This protein hydrates the skin, relieving itchiness and other dry skin symptoms.
Appetite
Getting picky eaters to gobble up their dinner may be a challenge! Collagen-rich foods can help stimulate your dog’s appetite because the animal proteins they’re made from are naturally appealing to most furry friends.
Foods with collagen may also increase feelings of fullness and help regulate metabolism, according to Healthline. From getting your dog to eat to improving their gut health, collagen will help them digest meals easily and enthusiastically!
Mobility
Think about all the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that spring into action when your dog exercises. Collagen helps keep these body parts strong so they can keep walking, running, and jumping with vigor. Strong connective tissue also helps prevent potential problems like torn ligaments and hip dysplasia, and muscles will have an easier time recovering after intense physical activity.
Collagen is good for dogs’ joints, which is especially important for furry friends in their golden years. Dogs produce less collagen as they age, contributing to arthritis and tendonitis. Ensuring they have enough collagen can help delay these joint-related issues. Speaking of which…
Question #3: Can Dogs Have Collagen Added to Their Diet?
Dogs can absolutely have collagen added to their daily routines. Although they naturally produce their own, giving them chews, treats, and other products with collagen can help bolster their connective tissue and prevent the health concerns mentioned earlier.
One important caveat: although there are many human-specific collagen supplements and foods, it’s best to avoid giving them to your dog. These items often contain added ingredients that are not healthy for our furry friends, so stick with products that are specifically intended for dogs.
Question #4: What Are the Best Ways to Give Dogs Collagen?
If you’re thinking about adding some collagen to your Cadet’s diet, you’re in luck! Here are the best sources of collagen for dogs.
Beef Hide Chews
Sourced from the finest-quality cattle, beef hide chews contain naturally occurring collagen and offer dogs a savory chewing experience. These long-lasting chews not only keep dogs happy and busy, but they also help clean teeth through chewing action.
Chicken Liver
Another savory reward, chicken liver contains omega fatty acids, zinc, copper, vitamin C, selenium, and, of course, collagen. For an extra-special and long-lasting chew, our shish kabob dog treats are crafted with real chicken liver your Cadet will love!
Collagen Sticks
Collagen sticks are often made from just one ingredient, such as beef, chicken, or fish. Yet another long-lasting option, collagen sticks are safe for dogs and will help keep your furry friend healthy and occupied!
Collagen Supplements
Similar to collagen sticks, supplements contain collagen from beef, chicken, or other proteins. They may also contain added flavor for an extra-enticing experience.
Marrow Bones
You might already know that dogs can have beef bones, but marrow bones in particular are high in collagen. They’re also high in fat however, so limit these chews to an occasional chewing surprise.
🐕 Related: Why Do Dogs Like Bones and Other Natural Chews?
BONUS: Bully Hide Sticks
Our collagen-rich Bully Hide Sticks combine two of dogs’ favorite natural chews: real bully stick and premium beef hide. Each stick contains the select top layer of beef hide—the most digestible cut of rawhide available—wrapped with 100% real bully stick and oven-roasted to bring out the irresistible bully flavor.
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A Joint Effort
Your dog’s body produces collagen, but getting some more of this healthy protein in their diet can help them feel their best and stave off potential issues down the road. Just remember to supervise your Cadet while they chew!
If you’re thinking about picking up treats with collagen for dogs, your furry friend might also enjoy some other nutritious dog-friendly foods. Learn more about these delicious snacks:
