Collagen

In recent years, the role of collagen has garnered increasing attention due to its potential health benefits. Whilst much of the research on collagen has focused on human health, there is growing evidence suggesting similar benefits for our canine companions.

Collagen is a fibrous protein (the most abundant in the mammalian body), composed of amino acids, that serves as a fundamental building block in the body. It contributes significantly to the structural integrity of tissues such as skin, tendons, bones, joints, and ligaments and forms the connective tissue that supports joints, skin, skin elasticity and internal organs.

Collagen for dogs

For dogs, incorporating collagen into their diet can yield numerous health benefits, enhancing overall well-being and potentially alleviating certain conditions. Clinical trials show that collagen supplements are well tolerated and quickly absorbed and that during the period of the trial owners noticed a significant improvement in mood and willingness to move and play after treatment[1].

Collagen synthesis and vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a crucial role as a cofactor in the enzymatic reactions that are essential for collagen synthesis. Specifically, it is required for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in the collagen molecule. This hydroxylation is necessary for the stability and proper formation of collagen fibrils. Vitamin C is also involved in the cross-linking of collagen molecules, which is essential for the structural integrity of collagen fibrils and their resistance to degradation.

Benefits of Collagen for Dogs

Joint Health and Mobility

Collagen is integral to joint health, providing the necessary building blocks for cartilage, which cushions joints and enables smooth movement. As dogs age, their natural collagen production decreases, potentially leading to joint pain and arthritis. Supplementing with collagen can help maintain cartilage integrity and reduce symptoms of joint deterioration.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint diseases in dogs (and humans), particularly in older patients. After testing the bioactivities of collagen hydrolysates on 52 dogs over 16 weeks, one 2021 study[2] found that dogs with osteoarthritis showed improvements in muscle mass and significant reduction in pain levels after regular collagen supplementation. Even in studies where collagen and green tea supplements didn’t visibly improve lameness on a clinical rating, they did appear to alleviate chronic pain and improve daily living for arthritic dogs[3].

Skin and Coat Health

The skin (epidermis) is the largest organ in dog’s body; it serves to protect against the environment and to regulate temperature. Collagen supports skin elasticity and hydration, which in turn can lead to a shinier, healthier coat. In addition, dogs with adequate collagen levels often exhibit less shedding and fewer skin irritations: collagen’s role in skin health is particularly beneficial for breeds prone to dermatological issues. Animal studies have shown that collagen can also be useful in wound healing[4] and is suitable for skin repair for veterinary purposes[5].

Digestive Health

Collagen contains amino acids such as glycine, proline, and glutamine, which are beneficial for gut health. These amino acids, particularly glycine, support the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract lining and may help improve digestive function and nutrient absorption[6].

Bone Health

In addition to its benefits for joint cartilage, collagen contributes to bone strength by providing the matrix in which calcium and other minerals can be deposited. This matrix is crucial for maintaining bone density and preventing fractures, especially in older dogs or those predisposed to bone-related conditions.

Muscle Mass and Recovery

As dogs age or undergo periods of increased physical activity, maintaining muscle mass and supporting muscle recovery becomes crucial. Collagen provides essential amino acids that contribute to muscle protein synthesis, potentially aiding in muscle repair and recovery[7]. While specific studies focusing solely on dogs are limited, research in humans supports the notion that collagen supplementation can benefit muscle health indirectly through improved overall protein intake and amino acid availability.

So where can we find collagen naturally?

Beef broth, fish broth or chicken broth

Meat

Egg whites and eggshell membranes

Chicken feet

Fish, fish skin and scales (See Oven-dried salmon skins)

 

gelatinous fish brothin a special Doggy Delly jar

A Very Gelatinous Fish Broth!

References:

[1] Martello EBM, Adami R, Biasibetti B, Dosio F, Pastorino D, Bruni N. Evaluation of The Efficacy of a Dietary Supplement in Alleviating Symptoms in Dogs with Osteoarthritis. J Food Nutr. 2018;4:1–8.
[2] Eckert T, Jährling-Butkus M, Louton H, Burg-Roderfeld M, Zhang R, Zhang N, Hesse K, Petridis AK, Kožár T, Steinmeyer J, Schauer R, Engelhard P, Kozarova A, Hudson JW, Siebert HC. Efficacy of Chondroprotective Food Supplements Based on Collagen Hydrolysate and Compounds Isolated from Marine Organisms. Mar Drugs. 2021 Sep 26;19(10):542. doi: 10.3390/md19100542. PMID: 34677442; PMCID: PMC8541357.
[3] Comblain F, Barthélémy N, Lefèbvre M, Schwartz C, Lesponne I, Serisier S, Feugier A, Balligand M, Henrotin Y. A randomized, double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of a diet supplemented with curcuminoids extract, hydrolyzed collagen and green tea extract in owner’s dogs with osteoarthritis. BMC Vet Res. 2017 Dec 20;13(1):395. doi: 10.1186/s12917-017-1317-8. PMID: 29262825; PMCID: PMC5738810.
[4] Kožár, Martin & Staroňová, Radka & Šišková, B.. (2022). The Efficiency of the Natural Collagen Coating in the Treatment of Extensive Chronic Defects of the Skin and Surrounding Tissues in Dogs. Folia Veterinaria. 66. 67-74. 10.2478/fv-2022-0039.
[5] Kaasi A, Lima-Neto JF, Matiello-Filho JA, Calejo MHS, Jardini AL, Kharmandayan P. Regenerative collagen biomembrane: Interim results of a Phase I veterinary clinical trial for skin repair. F1000Res. 2018 Jun 12;7:729. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.15138.1. PMID: 30687496; PMCID: PMC6338246.
[6] Razak MA, Begum PS, Viswanath B, Rajagopal S. Multifarious Beneficial Effect of Nonessential Amino Acid, Glycine: A Review. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:1716701. doi: 10.1155/2017/1716701. Epub 2017 Mar 1. Erratum in: Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022 Feb 23;2022:9857645. doi: 10.1155/2022/9857645. PMID: 28337245; PMCID: PMC5350494.
[7] Assies M, Berger B, Stegen B, Rohwedder T, Doherr M, Böttcher P. Evaluation of the Effects of an Undenatured Collagen Type-2-Based Nutraceutical (ARTHROSHINE® HA²) on Recovery Time after TPLO in Dogs: A Prospective, Randomized Study with Objective Gait Analysis as the Primary Outcome Measure. Animals (Basel). 2024 Jan 18;14(2):298. doi: 10.3390/ani14020298. PMID: 38254467; PMCID: PMC10812682.

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Want to know more? The studies may be useful:

  • 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. PMID: 36172458; PMCID: PMC9512092.
  • Martello E, Bigliati M, Adami R, Biasibetti E, Bisanzio D, Meineri G, Bruni N. Efficacy of a dietary supplement in dogs with osteoarthritis: A randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. PLoS One. 2022 Feb 16;17(2):e0263971. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263971. PMID: 35171954; PMCID: PMC8849458.
  • Gencoglu, H.; Orhan, C.; Sahin, E.; Sahin, K. Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II) in Joint Health and Disease: A Review on the Current Knowledge of Companion Animals. Animals 2020, 10, 697. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10040697
  • Bhathal A, Spryszak M, Louizos C, Frankel G. Glucosamine and chondroitin use in canines for osteoarthritis: A review. Open Vet J. 2017;7(1):36-49. doi: 10.4314/ovj.v7i1.6. Epub 2017 Feb 24. PMID: 28331832; PMCID: PMC5356289.
  • Shenoy M, Abdul NS, Qamar Z, Bahri BMA, Al Ghalayini KZK, Kakti A. Collagen Structure, Synthesis, and Its Applications: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2022 May 9;14(5):e24856. doi: 10.7759/cureus.24856. PMID: 35702467; PMCID: PMC9177216.
  • Deparle L.A., Gupta R.C., Canerdy T.D., Goad J.T., D’Altilio M., Bagchi M., Bagchi D. Efficacy and safety of glycosylated undenatured type-II collagen (UC-II) in therapy of arthritic dogs. J. Vet. Pharmacol. Ther. 2005;28:385–390. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2885.2005.00668.x.
  • Schunck, Michael & Louton, Helen & Oesser, Steffen. (2017). The Effectiveness of Specific Collagen Peptides on Osteoarthritis in Dogs-Impact on Metabolic Processes in Canine Chondrocytes. Open Journal of Animal Sciences. 7. 254-266. 10.4236/ojas.2017.73020.

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • As some commercial foods contain collagen as an ingredient, check the label to see whether it’s in your dog’s food before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.

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