Collagen is a building block of life and the most abundant protein in the body. Your dog’s joints, ligaments, cartilage, blood vessels and connective tissues are made from this protein. About 30% of the total protein in a dog’s body is collagen!
As dogs (and people) get older, their collagen production slows and decreases but we can use supplementation to improve your dogs health in many areas.
The earlier you include both a collagen supplement and feed foods high in collagen, the better. By adding good souces of collagen (eggs, meats, and the right type of bones) and including a natural collagen supplement, you're giving your dog a better start at life and supporting your friend into old age.
Collagen can be used for:
- Supporting coat and nail health
The key sign of good health, collagen will improve the health of the coat and will strengthen claws. The skin is 70% collagen so you'll notice softer, smoother, and shinier fur. Claws (nails) will be stronger and less likely to crumble and wear too quickly. - Reduced skin allergies
Collagen heals the gut lining and helps with food sensitivities and allergies. Collagen helps form connective tissues and creates a protective lining in the gastrointestinal tract. - Building (and maintaining) muscle
The amino acids present in collagen improves muscle building and metabolism. - Strengthen cartilage, bone, tendon and ligaments
Collagen makes up 70 to 90% of a dog’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Collagen lubricates and protect connective tissues so when these levels drop, dogs become more susceptible to injury. Adding collagen will improve joint health and reduce these chances. - Reducing arthritis, inflammation, and pain
Collagen loss plays a role in arthritis, tendonitis and joint pain, so supplementing can help improve these conditions. In turn, this lubricates joints for better mobility. - Improves digestion
Collagen is now being used in the form of 'bone broths' for people to heal the gut and it does the same for dogs! It breaks down proteins and soothes the lining of the gut, enabling healing to take place. - Wound healing and immune health
The amino acid 'arginine' improves immune system function and wound healing.
McDowells Forever Young supplement contains a blend of Grass-fed Beef Collagen Hydrolysate and Glucosamine HCL. The combination of these two ingredients will assist your pet to lead a happy and healthy life2. Our Forever Young Supplement is a preventive health formula as it may help replace collagen that stops being produced with age.
Animal Botanical Forever Young Supplement has no odour, is tasteless and sticks to dry food.
References
(1) The Effectiveness of Specific Collagen Peptides on Osteoarthritis in Dogs-Impact on Metabolic Processes in Canine Chondrocytes
July 2017
(2) Glucosamine and chondroitin use in canines for osteoarthritis: A review. Angel Bhathal et al. Feb, 2017.