For the past few years, collagen has become a popular supplements in humans. Lately, this trend has spread to our animal companions. Certain dog foods are now supplemented with collagen, and of course you can add our very own formula of collagen to your dog's food as a topper as well.
Although we have covered the benefits of collagen in dogs a few times before, I wanted to focus on summarising the research in this post. We haven't just created this bovine collagen product to have something to sell. It is in fact based on various published research as you can see from the papers below.
First, let's cover some basics.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein that forms the structural component of connective tissues. It is mainly found in skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Collagen is essential for maintaining the integrity and elasticity of these tissues. In dogs, as in humans, collagen production decreases with age, leading to joint problems and other health issues.
These joint problems can include stiffness, pain, and decreased mobility. In summary, adding collagen to their diet can help mitigate these issues by providing the necessary building blocks to support joint health, skin health, and overall well-being.
The Science Behind Collagen Supplements
I have summarised a few research papers to make them easy to understand below. I have also linked to them under the main author name/ date of publication if you are curious and want to read the research in full.
1. Study on Joint Health and Dysplasia
A study conducted by Martí-Angulo et al. (2014) explored the efficacy of an oral hyaluronate and collagen supplement in preventing and treating elbow dysplasia in dogs. The study involved 105 Labrador dogs, divided into two groups, with one receiving the supplement and the other serving as a control.
Results showed that the collagen & hyaluronic acid treated group had a significantly lower incidence of elbow dysplasia and improved joint health compared to the control group.
This study suggests that collagen supplements can play a crucial role in maintaining joint health and preventing degenerative joint conditions.
2. Study on Osteoarthritis
Research by Schunck et al. (2017) examined the impact of specific collagen peptides on osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. The study demonstrated that collagen peptides not only reduced inflammatory markers and enzymes responsible for cartilage breakdown but also promoted the synthesis of new cartilage components like type II collagen and aggrecan.
This dual action of reducing inflammation and stimulating cartilage regeneration underscores the potential of collagen supplements in managing osteoarthritis in dogs. It underline the fact that collagen supplementation targets both the painful joint inflammation that we see in OA, and also new cartilage formation.
3. Study on Chondroprotective Food Supplements
A study Eckert et al. (2021) explored the efficacy of various chondroprotective food supplements, including collagen, in dogs with joint issues.
A chondroprotective compound is one that delays development of osteoarthritis and reduces joint inflammation - source.
The findings from the above study indicated that these supplements, especially when combined with other ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, significantly improved joint function and reduced symptoms of arthritis.
This supports the idea that collagen can enhance the overall effectiveness of joint supplements. Adding other components to collagen, such as glucosamine can aid the effects of collagen alone.
4. Study on Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II)
This systematic review by Gencoglu et al. (2020) provides an in-depth analysis of the benefits of undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) in managing osteoarthritis (OA) in companion animals, including dogs.
The study highlights that UC-II significantly reduces pain, lameness, and overall discomfort in arthritic dogs, showing greater effectiveness at lower dosages compared to traditional supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin.
UC-II works by inducing oral tolerance, a mechanism that helps modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in the joints.
How Collagen is Absorbed and Utilised in Dogs
When collagen is ingested, it is broken down into smaller peptides in the digestive system. These peptides are then absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to various tissues, including joints, skin, and intestines.
Once the collagen peptides reach these tissues, the peptides stimulate the production of new collagen fibers, helping to repair and maintain the structural integrity of these tissues.
Choosing the Right Collagen Supplement
When selecting a collagen supplement for your dog, consider the following:
• Purity and Source: Look for high-quality collagen derived from reputable sources, free from additives and contaminants.
• Type of Collagen: Type II collagen is particularly beneficial for joint health as it is a primary component of cartilage.
• Formulation: Supplements that combine collagen with other beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, and chondroitin can offer enhanced benefits. Vitamin C, one of the only four components of our collagen product is also beneficial as it is known to stimulate further collagen production.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we now know that several studies have concluded that adding collagen to your dog’s diet can offer numerous health benefits, particularly for joint health and mobility. Supported by scientific research, collagen supplements can help mitigate the effects of aging and improve your dog’s quality of life. As always, consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen if you have any specific concerns.
If you’re interested in enhancing your dog’s health with collagen supplements, explore our natural collagen for dogs food topper, which contains bovine collagen, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and vitamin C.
