What Is Collagen? Why Does Your Dog Need It?

This well-tolerated supplement can relieve joint pain, improve skin health, build muscle, and prevent bone loss—in you and your dog.

Last Updated:June 17, 2025

Why give your dog collagen? For the same reasons you might take it: collagen peptide supplements may build muscle, prevent bone loss, ease joint pain, and improve skin health. Most come as a tasteless hydrolyzed powder, easy to stir into dinner for benefits. Mix some into your smoothie or coffee while you're at it!

This well-tolerated supplement can relieve joint pain, improve skin health, increase muscle mass, and prevent bone loss in both you and your dog.

5 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Collagen Supplementation For Dogs (& People!)

#1 Improve Skin, Hair, Fur & Nail Health

Numerous studies show collagen supplementation strengthens skin and boosts elasticity and hydration.

#2 Relieve Joint Pain

Collagen helps maintain the cartilage that cushions joints. As collagen drops with age, the risk of degenerative joint disorders like osteoarthritis rises. Most dogs over eight have arthritis. Clinical trials over the past decade clearly show orally given collagen peptides help osteoarthritic dogs, states Scientific Research. Another study found undenatured type II collagen eased inflammation and cartilage wear in healthy Labrador Retrievers during exercise. A review of osteoarthritis studies in people found collagen significantly improved joint stiffness and symptoms.

Collagen supplements benefit skin, joint, bone, muscle, and heart health.

#3 Help Prevent Bone Loss

Bones are mostly collagen, so when the body makes less, bones weaken and break more easily. Studies suggest collagen peptides may help treat and prevent osteoporosis.

Collagen is the body's most abundant protein. It's the main part of connective tissues—tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles—giving skin structure and strengthening bones.

#4 May Reduce the Risk of Heart Conditions

In a six-month human study, adults taking collagen daily had significantly less artery stiffness. Their HDL (good) cholesterol also rose about six percent. HDL lowers the risk of heart conditions like atherosclerosis.

#5 Healthy Gut + Better Mood

Though more studies are needed, proponents say collagen may improve gut health and mood.

This article originally appeared in the award-winningModern Dogmagazine.Subscribe today!