5 Natural Collagen Sources for Dogs
This post shows you the 5 natural collagen sources for dogs.
Collagen is a vital protein for your dog’s joints, skin, and overall health, and the good news is that you can boost their collagen intake naturally.
You probably take collagen yourself, as it’s one of the most important anti-aging proteins! However, not all collagen supplements are effective, and not all of them have the same bioavailability.
So, where we can, we should try to get collagen from food!
As dogs age, their natural collagen production declines, leading to stiffness, weaker skin, and dull coats. In this article, we’ll share 5 natural collagen sources for dogs to help your pup stay healthy and active.
What will work for you from this guide is that these foods are simple to find and easy to share with your dog!
1 Bone Broth
One of the best natural collagen sources for dogs is bone broth!
If you’ve never made it before, it can feel a bit yucky to gather the ingredients and ask your butcher exactly what you need. But once you get the hang of it, you can make it in advance and store it in your freezer!
Want step-by-step details? Read my full guide on how to make bone broth here—Natural Glucosamine Sources for Dogs – Bone Broth.
Why is bone broth good for dogs? Well, along with collagen, it also has glucosamine and chondroitin, which hydrate the cartilage, keep it flexible, and support joint health! By eating bone broth, your dog’s joints become less stiff, making it easier for them to move, stay active, and remain mobile—especially as they age.
2 Chicken Feet
Another fantastic natural collagen source for dogs is chicken feet! What I like about chicken feet is that they provide hours of entertainment (at least for my small German Spitz dog!). They are also super convenient, as you can buy them in any pet store or order in bulk on Amazon.
They are rich in collagen but also glucosamine and chondroitin. Together, they all strengthen your dog’s joints and keep them healthy.
I suggest dehydrated chicken feet as a ready-to-go treat. Don’t give your dog cooked chicken feet and cooked bones, which are very dangerous to dogs.
Some dog parents like to give their dogs raw chicken feet, as they are elastic and chewy, so if you’re up for it, you can try. Personally, I don’t do this, but my Mom does with her dog, so I know it’s still safe.
3 Fish Skin (Salmon or Cod)
Fish skin is another awesome natural collagen source for dogs—especially marine collagen, which is super easy to absorb and works wonders for joint health and a shiny coat.
On top of collagen, fish skin is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 reduces inflammation, which is important for healthy joints.
Now, I promised that it will be easy to add these collagen-rich foods to your dog’s diet! But fish skin can be hard to digest and may cause diarrhea.
If you’re thinking about giving your dog cooked fish skin, like from salmon, be careful—it’s fatty, slimy, and can cause diarrhea (ask me how I know 🙃). My dog struggles with fatty foods, and let’s just say I learned this one the hard way! But hey, if your dog usually handles fish skin well, go for it—just be mindful of how much you’re giving them.
That’s why the best option is dehydrated fish skin! I’m sure you can find many good options at your pet store. You should get a high-quality product where fish skin is the single ingredient—preferably sourced from North America.
I like The Honest Kitchen one. With high-quality fish skin, you know you’re getting something clean, natural, and free from unnecessary additives.
4 Eggs
Eggs are one of the easiest and most affordable natural collagen sources for dogs!
The eggshell membrane—the thin, filmy layer inside the eggshell—has collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, all of which support joint health and mobility.
Plus, eggs are a great source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and healthy fats to keep your dog strong and healthy.
You can feed your dog cooked eggs (scrambled or boiled, no seasoning) as a nutritious meal topper.
And don’t toss those eggshells! If your dog can tolerate them, crush them up and sprinkle a small amount over their food—they’re full of calcium and that precious eggshell membrane.
Eggs are a simple, nutritious way to boost your dog’s diet with natural collagen, and chances are, you already have some in your fridge!
5 Beef Trachea
The beef trachea is an excellent natural collagen source for dogs. Like most of the items on this list, along with collagen, it also has glucosamine and chondroitin.
Similar to chicken feet, beef trachea has a chewy texture, and it cleans your dog’s teeth while keeping them entertained.
You can find dehydrated beef trachea crunchy treats in most pet shops.
You can also buy beef trachea from your local butcher and use it to make bone broth!
Adding natural collagen sources for dogs to your dog’s diet is an easy way to support their joints, skin, and overall health.
Not sure if your dog needs more collagen? Here are some signs to watch for:
If you notice any of these signs, adding collagen-rich foods to your dog’s diet could make a big difference. Plus, most of these options double as tasty treats your dog will love—so why not give them a try?
Have you tried any of these natural collagen sources for your dog? Share your experience in the comments below!
Don’t forget to pin this post so you’ll always have these tips handy!
Love, life, and fur forever!
This post showed you the 5 Natural Collagen Sources for Dogs.
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