Quick Answer: Both bovine and marine collagen can be effective for dogs when properly hydrolysed. Bovine collagen (from cattle) provides Types I and III collagen and is the most common choice for dog supplements. Marine collagen (from fish) provides primarily Type I. For most dogs, bovine collagen is the practical choice due to availability, proven track record, and multi-type collagen profile.
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You're comparing dog collagen supplements and notice some say "bovine" while others say "marine."
Does it matter? Is one better than the other for your dog's joints?
Here's what the difference actually means.
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What is Bovine Collagen?
Bovine collagen comes from cattle, specifically from the hides, bones, and connective tissues.
Key characteristics
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Source: Cowhide, bones, and connective tissue
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Collagen types: Primarily Types I and III
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Availability: Widely available, well-established supply chains
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Quality markers: Look for grass-fed, pasture-raised sources
Why Types I and III matter
Type I collagen makes up approximately 90% of your dog's total collagen. It's found in skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and the connective tissue supporting joints.
Type III works alongside Type I in skin and blood vessels, and supports gut lining integrity.
Together, they support the entire joint structure, not just cartilage.
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What is Marine Collagen?
Marine collagen comes from fish, typically sourced from fish skin and scales.
Key characteristics
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Source: Fish skin and scales (often from cod, tilapia, or wild-caught fish)
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Collagen types: Primarily Type I
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Molecular size: Often has smaller peptide size than bovine
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Quality markers: Look for sustainably sourced, wild-caught fish
The absorption claim
Marine collagen is often marketed as having "better absorption" due to smaller peptide size. While marine collagen peptides can be slightly smaller on average, the difference in absorption is minimal when both are properly hydrolysed.
The key factor for absorption is hydrolysis (breaking down the collagen), not the source.
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How They Compare
Collagen type profile
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Bovine: Types I and III (supports joints, skin, gut, bones)
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Marine: Primarily Type I (supports joints, skin, bones)
Bovine provides a broader collagen profile, which may offer more comprehensive support.
Absorption
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Bovine (hydrolysed): Good absorption when properly hydrolysed
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Marine (hydrolysed): Good absorption, potentially slightly faster
The difference is minimal. Both absorb well when hydrolysed to small peptides.
Taste and smell
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Bovine: Typically tasteless and odourless when processed correctly
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Marine: May have slight fishy smell or taste (varies by processing quality)
For fussy dogs, bovine collagen is often the safer choice.
Price
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Bovine: Generally more affordable
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Marine: Often more expensive due to processing costs
Sustainability considerations
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Bovine: Uses by-products from the meat industry that would otherwise be waste
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Marine: Uses fish by-products, but sustainability depends on fishing practices
Both can be sustainable choices when sourced responsibly.
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Which is Better for Dogs?
For most dogs, bovine collagen is the practical choice.
Why bovine works well for dogs
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Closer to what dogs naturally eat: Dogs are carnivores that naturally consume collagen from mammalian sources
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Types I and III together: Provides comprehensive support for the whole joint structure plus skin and gut
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No fishy smell: Easier to mix into food without fussy dogs noticing
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Proven track record: Most canine collagen research has used bovine sources
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Better value: More affordable per gram of collagen
When marine collagen might be considered
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Beef allergy: If your dog has a diagnosed beef allergy (uncommon)
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Personal preference: If you prefer a fish-based product for ethical or other reasons
Note: Fish allergies are more common in dogs than beef allergies. If your dog has food sensitivities, consult your vet before choosing either source.
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What Actually Matters More Than Source
The bovine vs marine debate misses the most important factor: hydrolysis.
Hydrolysed peptides are essential
Whether bovine or marine, collagen only works if it's hydrolysed into small peptides that can be absorbed.
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Non-hydrolysed collagen: Poor absorption regardless of source
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Hydrolysed peptides: Good absorption from either bovine or marine sources
Always check that your supplement specifically states "hydrolysed collagen peptides."
Quality sourcing matters
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For bovine: Look for grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle
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For marine: Look for sustainably sourced, wild-caught fish
Correct dosing matters
The best collagen in the world won't work if you're under-dosing. Follow the serving guide on your product's pouch based on your dog's weight.
Consistency matters
Daily supplementation over time produces results. Sporadic use won't work regardless of collagen source.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is marine collagen better absorbed than bovine?
This is a common marketing claim, but the difference is minimal when both are properly hydrolysed. Studies show that hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides absorb well from the gut and accumulate in target tissues. The hydrolysis process matters more than the source.
Can my dog be allergic to bovine collagen?
True beef allergies in dogs are uncommon (chicken is a more common allergen). If your dog has diagnosed food allergies, consult your vet. Note that collagen peptides are highly processed and may not trigger reactions even in dogs with mild sensitivities.
What about chicken collagen?
Chicken collagen (often from chicken sternum) provides primarily Type II collagen, which is specific to cartilage. It can be useful for joint cartilage support but doesn't provide the comprehensive Type I and III support that bovine offers. Some supplements combine sources.
Is one source more ethical than the other?
Both use by-products from existing food industries. Bovine collagen comes from parts of cattle that would otherwise be waste. Marine collagen uses fish parts that would be discarded. Both can be sustainable when sourced responsibly.
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The Bottom Line
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Both bovine and marine collagen can work when properly hydrolysed
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Bovine is the practical choice for most dogs: Types I and III, proven track record, tasteless, better value
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Hydrolysis matters more than source: Always choose hydrolysed collagen peptides
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Don't overthink it: Consistent daily dosing matters more than bovine vs marine
Focus less on source debates and more on giving your dog quality hydrolysed collagen consistently.
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Our Choice: Grass-Fed Bovine Collagen
Our Pure Collagen and Mobility & Joints products use hydrolysed collagen peptides sourced from grass-fed cattle.
We chose bovine collagen because it provides Types I and III together, is tasteless and odourless (important for fussy dogs), has the most research behind it for canine use, and offers excellent value.
Follow the serving guide on your product's pouch based on your dog's weight.
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Important: This information is for educational purposes and doesn't replace veterinary advice. If your dog is showing signs of joint problems, pain, or mobility issues, consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment. The guidance in this article is based on current veterinary research and best practices, but every dog is different.
Last Updated: February 2026
