You notice everything. The hesitation at the stairs. The stiffness after their morning nap. The coat that's lost its shine. The way they're not quite themselves anymore.

These aren't separate problems. They're all connected to one thing: your dog's collagen levels are dropping.

Here's what collagen actually does, why the form matters more than you think, and how to choose the right supplement.

What Collagen Actually Does For Dogs

Collagen makes up 30% of your dog's total protein. It's the structural foundation for almost everything.

Think of it like a bank account. Throughout your dog's life, their body makes deposits (producing new collagen) and withdrawals (natural breakdown from daily activity). In a young, healthy dog, deposits keep pace with withdrawals. The account stays full.

Where collagen works:

• Joints & connective tissue – Forms the cartilage, tendons, and ligaments that allow smooth, comfortable movement
• Skin & coat – Creates the structural layer that keeps skin hydrated and resilient
• Gut lining – Provides amino acids that maintain the integrity of the intestinal wall
• Bones – Creates the protein matrix that gives bones their strength

As dogs age, deposits slow down. Withdrawals continue. The account becomes overdrawn.

This is what causes the signs you're seeing: joint stiffness, a dull coat, itchy skin, digestive issues.

Why Your Dog Loses Collagen

Natural aging is the main culprit. Production slows down year after year.

But other factors accelerate the decline:

• High activity levels – More wear and tear on joints
• Breed predisposition – Large breeds and breeds prone to joint issues
• Previous injuries – Damage that never fully healed
• Poor diet – Not enough building blocks to maintain production

The good news? You can replenish it.

The 5 Ways Collagen Supports Your Dog's Health

1. Supports Flexible Joints & Lasting Mobility

This is what most people know collagen for.

By providing the building blocks for tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, collagen helps support cushion and flexibility in the joints. It contributes to the health of the entire structure, not just the cartilage.

Most owners notice their dogs moving more comfortably around week 4.

2. Promotes Healthy Skin & a Lustrous Coat

True coat health starts from within.

Collagen helps maintain skin elasticity and hydration. This supports a healthier, more resilient skin barrier—your dog's first line of defence against common skin issues. The result? A visibly shinier, softer coat.

3. Aids Digestion and Supports Gut Health

The amino acids in collagen—particularly glycine—help maintain your dog's gut lining.

This supports the digestive system and healthy nutrient absorption. Especially beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

4. Strengthens Nails and Paw Pads

Brittle, cracked nails are often a sign of collagen deficiency.

By providing the core protein that makes up nails, daily supplementation helps strengthen them from the inside. Less breakage, less discomfort.

5. Helps Maintain a Strong Skeletal Framework

Collagen provides the protein matrix within bones. It's essential for their strength, density, and ability to withstand daily stress.

This supports your dog's overall structural robustness from puppyhood through their senior years.

Why Hydrolysed Peptides Matter

Standard collagen? Your dog's body can't absorb it.

It's too big, too dense. The molecules are insoluble and resistant to digestive enzymes. Most of it passes straight through without being absorbed.

Hydrolysed collagen peptides are different.

Hydrolysis breaks collagen down into tiny pieces called peptides. These are small enough to actually get into your dog's bloodstream and reach their joints, skin, and gut.

Scientific studies prove this: hydrolysed peptides are rapidly absorbed from the gut, travel intact through the bloodstream, and accumulate significantly in cartilage and other tissues.

That's why we only use hydrolysed collagen peptides. Supplements that don't absorb are useless.

Understanding Collagen Types

Think of collagen not as a single ingredient, but as different building materials with specific jobs.

Type I & III Collagen

These are the most abundant types, making up the vast majority of your dog's total collagen. They're the primary building blocks for:

• Skin and bones
• The connective tissue that stabilizes and supports joints
• Strong, supple joint capsules

Type II Collagen

This is specialized, found predominantly in cartilage that cushions the joints. While important, it only represents a small fraction of the body's total collagen.

Our approach: By replenishing Types I & III—the body's most-used collagen—you strengthen the foundational structure that holds the joint together.

What's Happening in Your Dog's Joints

Nearly 1 in 5 dogs over one year old has osteoarthritis.

Here's what's happening: The cartilage cushioning their joints breaks down faster than their body can rebuild it.

The destructive cycle:

1. Cartilage breaks down – Due to age, genetics, or injury, cartilage cells become damaged
2. Enzymes attack – Damaged cells release enzymes that eat away at the collagen framework. This causes pain and triggers inflammation
3. Inflammation accelerates damage – The inflammatory response signals the body to continue breaking down tissue, leading to more cartilage loss

Essentially, the joint's "shock absorber" wears thin.

The result? Stiffness, swelling, pain, and a dog who doesn't want to play anymore.

How collagen helps: By providing the nutritional building blocks that support the remaining cartilage and the entire joint structure. The most important of these building blocks is collagen.

Hydrolysed Collagen vs. Bone Broth

Both contain collagen. They work differently.

Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides (Our Pure Collagen)

• 100% pure collagen
• Maximum absorption
• Targeted support for joints, skin, coat, bones
• Tasteless and odourless

Bone Broth Collagen (Our Beef Bone Broth)

• 40% collagen plus natural gelatin
• Rich in minerals and nutrients from slow-simmered bones
• Whole-food approach
• Great for gut health and picky eaters
• Irresistible flavour

Which one?

• Pure maintenance and prevention: Pure Collagen
• Joint issues or senior dogs: Mobility & Joints (our 6-in-1 formula)
• Gut health or fussy eaters: Beef Bone Broth
• Maximum support: Use both (they work together)

How to Use Collagen

How Much to Give

Our serving sizes vary based on the weight of your dog to ensure they're getting the optimal serving.

Small dogs (under 10kg): Follow product guidelines
Medium dogs (11-20kg): Follow product guidelines
Large dogs (21-30kg): Follow product guidelines
Extra-Large dogs (31kg+): Follow product guidelines

(Check the guide on your product packaging for exact measurements)

How to Give It

Sprinkle it on their food. It's tasteless and odourless, they won't even know it's there.

Works with dry food, wet food, raw food. Mix it in or leave it on top. Doesn't matter.

When to Give It

Morning, evening, whenever you feed them. Timing doesn't matter. Consistency does.

When You'll See Results

Most owners notice changes around week 4.

Some dogs respond faster. Some take 6-8 weeks. This depends on age, severity of issues, and overall health.

Stick with it. You're rebuilding tissue, not masking pain.

What to look for:

• Week 2-3: Improved coat texture, less itching
• Week 4-6: Better mobility, easier getting up, more enthusiasm for walks
• Week 6-8: Noticeably improved joint comfort, sustained energy

Not All Collagen is Created Equal

When choosing a collagen supplement, the form matters more than anything else.

What to look for:

✓ Hydrolysed collagen peptides – Ensures absorption
✓ Types I & III collagen – Supports the entire structure
✓ No fillers or artificial ingredients – Clean formula
✓ Powder form – Easy to dose, mixes invisibly into food
✓ Vet-backed formulation – Science, not marketing

What to avoid:

✗ Undenatured collagen (won't absorb)
✗ Chews with fillers and additives
✗ Vague labelling about collagen type or source
✗ Brands that don't specify hydrolysed peptides

Which Formula is Right for Your Dog?

We offer three formulas. Each serves a specific purpose.

For Daily Foundational Wellness

Pure Collagen →

100% pure hydrolysed collagen peptides. Clean, simple, effective.

Best for:

• Dogs of all ages
• Daily maintenance and prevention
• Supporting overall wellness
• Owners who want a single, foundational supplement

Benefits: All five core benefits—joints, skin, coat, gut, bones

For Targeted Joint Support

Mobility & Joints →

Our advanced 6-in-1 formula for dogs showing signs of stiffness.

Best for:

• Dogs with existing joint issues
• Senior dogs
• Large breeds prone to arthritis
• Post-surgery recovery

What's in it:

• Hydrolysed collagen peptides
• Glucosamine (cartilage support)
• Hyaluronic acid (joint lubrication)
• Natural anti-inflammatories

Benefits: Maximum support for pain-free movement and mobility

For Gut Health & Fussy Eaters

Beef Bone Broth →

Premium bone broth powder with 40% collagen content.

Best for:

• Picky eaters
• Dogs with digestive issues
• Owners wanting a whole-food approach
• Dogs who need extra hydration

Benefits: Gut health, joint support, minerals, irresistible taste

Add water for a gravy. Sprinkle dry as a topper. They'll lick the bowl clean.

Why Pat's Pet Kitchen?

We don't cut corners.

✓ Only hydrolysed peptides (because absorption matters)
✓ No fluff, no artificial flavours
✓ Vet-backed formulas
✓ Proudly made in England
✓ Powders (no more chews left in the bowl)

If it isn't good enough for you, it isn't good enough for them. All our products are made from human-grade ingredients.