Collagen for Dogs: What It Is and How It Shows Up in Treats

This is a plain guide to collagen for dogs. It covers what collagen is, where you'll see it in dog products, and what to check on a label before you buy. It won't tell you which brand to pick, and it won't promise results.

We make a chew with collagen in it, so we're not neutral. We've kept this guide to what's well established, and we point you to your vet for the questions only they can answer about your dog.

What collagen is

Collagen is a protein. It's the most common protein in the bodies of mammals, dogs included. It's found in connective tissue, skin and bones, and in tendons, ligaments and cartilage.

Think of it as part of the body's framework. Long collagen fibers give tissue its strength and its shape.

Like all proteins, collagen is made from amino acids. It's especially rich in glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, which is why you may see those names in articles about it.

A dog's body makes its own collagen, using protein from food. Dogs also make their own vitamin C, which the body needs to build collagen. People can't make vitamin C, which is why we have to get it from food.

Types of collagen you may see on a label

There are many types of collagen. Labels usually mention one or two at most, and many don't name a type at all. These are the ones you're most likely to see:

• Type I. The main type in skin, tendons, ligaments and bone.
• Type II. The main type in cartilage.
• Type III. Found alongside type I, in skin and blood vessels.

A label that doesn't name a type isn't a red flag by itself. It just means you'll want to read the rest of the label more closely.

Can dogs have collagen?

Yes. Collagen is already part of what many dogs eat. It's in meat, skin and connective tissue, so a diet with animal protein includes some.

A collagen chew or powder is another way to give it. A few things to keep in mind:

• Use products made for dogs. Supplements made for people can contain ingredients that aren't safe for dogs. Xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free products, is one example.
• Skip bone broth made for people. It often contains onion or garlic, which aren't safe for dogs.
• Pick the right size. Any chew should be big enough that your dog can't swallow it whole. Stay nearby while your dog chews.
• Count the calories. Chews count toward your dog's daily food.
• Check with your vet first if your dog has a health condition, takes medication, eats a special diet, or is pregnant or nursing.

Is collagen good for dogs?

It's a fair question, and the honest answer is that it depends on your dog.

Collagen itself is a normal part of a dog's body and diet. Whether a collagen supplement is a good fit for your dog is a different question. Your vet is the best person to answer it, because they know your dog's age, weight, diet and health.

You'll see a lot of strong claims about collagen online. Be careful with any product or article that promises a specific result, or a result by a certain date.

Here's what we'll say about our own chews, and no more. ChipperPaw Hip & Joint Chews are made with collagen to support hip and joint health, and dogs take them like a treat.

Collagen for dogs: what owners use it for

You'll find collagen in a few kinds of dog products. Here's how they're usually described, in plain terms.

Hip and joint products

You'll see collagen in a lot of hip and joint products. Some chews, including ours, are made with collagen to support hip and joint health.

Skin and coat products

You'll also see collagen in some skin and coat products. Read the label to see what each one says it's for.

Chews and treats

Collagen chews are easy to give, because dogs take them like a treat. Long-lasting chews such as beef collagen sticks are sold as treats, not as measured supplements.

Whatever the product, the claim on the label is the maker's. Ask your vet how it fits with your dog's diet and routine.

Common forms of collagen for dogs

Chews

Soft or firm chews you give once or more a day, as the label directs. They're easy to give and easy to remember, especially if you tie them to a meal or a walk. Our first product is a chew.

Powders

You mix them into your dog's food. They let you adjust the amount, but you have to measure each time, and picky eaters may notice the change.

Beef collagen sticks

Long chews made from beef hide. They're sold as long-lasting chews, not as measured supplements. Pick a size your dog can't swallow whole, and take the stick away once it gets small enough to swallow.

Bone broth

Broth made by simmering bones contains gelatin, which is cooked collagen. Pet bone broths are sold as food toppers. Only use broth made for dogs.

Collagen terms on a label, explained

Collagen labels use a handful of terms. Here's what they mean.

• Hydrolyzed collagen, or collagen peptides. Collagen that's been broken down into smaller pieces.
• Gelatin. Collagen that's been cooked. It's what makes cooled broth set like jelly.
• Undenatured collagen. Collagen processed without high heat, so its structure stays intact. You'll often see it as undenatured type II collagen.
• Bovine, marine, chicken or porcine collagen. The animal it comes from: cattle, fish, chicken or pigs.

How to choose the best collagen for your dog

There's no single best collagen for every dog. The best one for yours fits their size, diet and routine, and comes from a maker that's clear about what's inside. Use this checklist when you read a label.

• A clear collagen source. The label should say where the collagen comes from, such as beef, chicken or fish. This matters if your dog has to avoid a protein.
• The form of collagen. Look for terms like hydrolyzed collagen, collagen peptides or undenatured collagen.
• The amount per serving. A good label tells you how much collagen is in each chew or scoop.
• Serving directions by weight. The amount should change with your dog's size.
• The full ingredient list. Read past the first line, and check for anything your dog has to avoid.
• Active and inactive ingredients. Many dog supplements list these separately. The inactive ones are what hold a chew together and give it flavor.
• Calories per chew, if it's listed.
• Who makes it. Look for a company name, an address and a way to contact them.
• A lot number and a best-by date. These let the maker trace a batch if there's ever a problem.
• Careful claims. Be wary of labels that promise fast or dramatic results.

Some makers will share test results for a batch if you ask. It's worth asking, and how a company answers tells you something too.

When you've narrowed it down, take a photo of the label to your next vet visit. It's the easiest way to get a straight answer about your own dog.

Starting something new

If you and your vet decide to try a collagen chew, a slow, steady start makes it easy to keep track.

1. Check with your vet, especially if your dog has a health condition or takes medication.
2. Start with the serving on the label for your dog's weight.
3. Give it at the same time each day so you don't forget.
4. Watch your dog over the first few days. If anything seems off, stop and call your vet.
5. Adjust meals if you need to, since chews add calories.

Storing collagen chews

Follow the storage directions on the package. In general, keep chews sealed, somewhere cool and dry, and out of your dog's reach. Dogs are very good at finding a pouch left on the counter.

Questions to ask your vet

Bring these to your next visit, along with the label of anything you're thinking about.

• Is a collagen supplement a good fit for my dog's age and health?
• How would it fit with my dog's food and any medication they take?
• What serving makes sense for my dog's weight?
• Is there anything on this label you'd want my dog to avoid?
• What should I watch for after we start?

Where ChipperPaw fits

Our first product, ChipperPaw Hip & Joint Chews, is made with collagen to support hip and joint health. Dogs take it like a treat.

We'll publish the full ingredient list, the collagen source and serving guidance for each size before launch. Until then, we'd rather leave it blank than guess. [Ingredients to be confirmed]

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