COLLAGEN FOR DOGS

Collagen is popular especially in the more senior dogs or those with joint or skin issues. Hyaluronic acid is also beneficial when added to collagen supplements to improve joint mobility and skin suppleness.

Collagen for dogs has become a very useful supplement option for both adults and seniors. This can be had alone or in combination with dog probiotics or other healthy nutraceuticals.
The popularity of these supplements in dogs follows closely that of collagen in humans, as a beneficial role for joints, cartilage, and skin.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, both for humans and dogs.It’s a primary component of connective tissues in bones, tendons, ligaments, skin, and cartilage.

As animals age (us and dogs included!), collagen production decreases, leading to common age-related issues such as joint pain, less elasticity in the skin, and other ailments.

Several scientific studies have shown that increasing the amount of collagen in the body can lead to positive health outcomes.

This includes improvement of several symptoms such as joint pain, mobility, and skin health.

Natural Sources of Collagen for Dogs

Collagen comes from natural sources, whether from daily food or from supplements.

The following food sources have the highest concentration of collagen. Some collagen supplements are also made from these food sources. Usually, the source will be specified on the label.

The sources rich in collagen are:

1) Bone Broth: This is a rich source of natural collagen. Bone broth can be made at home from beef, chicken, or fish bones. You just have to simmer them for several hours as this simmering will extract the collagen from the bones.

2) Fish Skin: Fish like salmon have skins very rich in collagen. Make sure they are sourced from clean waters and are properly prepared. The fish should be cooked first to prevent food poisoning and infection with bacteria such as Salmonella.

3) Chicken Feet and Necks: These parts are often discarded in human cuisine but are a collagen-rich treat for dogs. Some pet shops will sell dog treats in the form of chicken feet, necks, pork ears, etc.

Hyaluronic Acid for Dogs

Hyaluronic Acid is a substance found naturally in the body, primarily in the skin, connective tissues, and eyes. Its main role is to help with hydration as it can retain vast amounts of water.When used alongside collagen, the two can work synergistically to optimize the health benefits for dogs.

Hyaluronic acid for dogs is always best used in combination with collagen in either a bought supplement or if you make the collagen-rich food yourself at home.

What are the Benefits of Combining Hyaluronic Acid with Collagen for Dogs?

1. Better Joint Lubrication
The hyaluronic acid and collagen for dogs work synergistically. While collagen provides the building blocks for connective tissues, hyaluronic acid helps with the lubrication of the joints.

The dogs who will benefit the most from this synergistic approach are the older breeds or the breeds predisposed to joint problems.

Joint problems can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, osteoarthritis, or other age-related issues.

Some of the breeds predisposed to these include Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Dachshunds, and Great Danes.

The overall benefit of the extra lubrication from hyaluronic acid, coupled with collagen's structural support can potentially alleviate discomfort and improve their mobility.

2. Improved Skin Hydration
The synergistic effect wins here again. Collagen promotes skin elasticity and hyaluronic acid acts to retain moisture. This can improve the hydration of a dog's skin. Subsequently, their skin and fur will look healthier than before.

The benefit is particularly useful in environmental conditions where dry skin is prevalent or as your dog ages. With aging, dogs will have thinner and develop dryer skin.

So, when dogs have conditions where dry skin is a common symptom, or in environments that predispose dogs to dry skin (for example windy weather or cold winters), the combination of collagen and hyaluronic acid can be especially beneficial.

They work together to maintain skin hydration, resilience, and overall health, making them potent tools against skin dryness and related issues.

3. Faster Healing
Both collagen and hyaluronic acid play a role in the wound healing process.
Collagen again helps improve the structure of the skin during the wound healing, and the hyaluronic acid improves the wound's hydration, thus promoting quicker healing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you do decide to buy collagen for dogs, we would strongly recommend you buy one with hyaluronic acid.

Otherwise, you risk missing out on a vital element and not making the most out of the supplements you are buying for your dog.

References

1. Stabile M, Lacitignola L, Samarelli R, Fiorentino M, Crovace A, Staffieri F. Evaluation of clinical efficacy of undenatured type II collagen supplementation compared to cimicoxib and their association in dogs affected by natural occurring osteoarthritis. Res Vet Sci. 2022 Dec 10;151:27-35. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.06.030. Epub 2022 Jul 10. PMID: 35853328.
2. Varney JL, Fowler JW, Coon CN. Undenatured type II collagen mitigates inflammation and cartilage degeneration in healthy Labrador Retrievers during an exercise regimen. Transl Anim Sci. 2021 May 10;5(2):txab084. doi: 10.1093/tas/txab084. PMID: 34124592.
3. Varney JL, Fowler JW, Coon CN. Impact of supplemented undenatured type II collagen on pain and mobility in healthy Labrador Retrievers during an exercise regimen. Transl Anim Sci. 2022 Aug 27;6(3):txac123. doi: 10.1093/tas/txac123. PMCID: PMC9512092.