Healthy, active animals make owners happy. More and more pet food brands and manufacturers are therefore looking for natural ingredients that support pets’ joints. One of the most proven solutions is collagen for animals, a naturally occurring protein that helps maintain strong cartilage and connective tissue.
At Nutriliq, we support brands, distributors, and manufacturers who want to develop their own supplements. This article explains exactly what collagen does, why it’s important for animals, and how you can incorporate it into your products.
Collagen is a natural structural protein found in skin, tendons, cartilage, and bones. It keeps joints supple and skin firm. As animals age, their natural collagen production decreases.
This deficiency can lead to stiff joints, reduced mobility, or pain during movement. That’s why collagen is increasingly being added to supplements and food for dogs, cats, and horses. By supplementing with food, you support the repair and preservation of cartilage.
In short, collagen is a building block that helps keep animals active and healthy for longer.
Collagen comes in various forms. Pet food and supplements primarily use type II collagen, derived from cartilage. This type contains natural substances like chondroitin and hyaluronic acid, which keep joints supple.
A good example is Colartix collagen, a pure ingredient made from bovine cartilage. Through a special process, the collagen is broken down into small peptides, which are easily absorbed by the animal’s body.
Research shows that a daily dose of approximately 1 gram of Colartix collagen produces noticeable results after just a few weeks. Animals move more smoothly and show fewer signs of joint pain. Moreover, the product is completely natural and well-tolerated.
Collagen for animals is useful for:
older animals with wear and tear or stiffness;
active dogs that run or jump a lot;
animals with a predisposition to joint problems (such as large dog breeds);
young animals in the growth phase, to build strong joints.
By including collagen in their daily diet, these animals can continue to move smoothly for longer.
Collagen powder is very versatile. It can be incorporated into various forms of animal feed or supplements, such as:
Soft chews: soft chews with a pleasant taste, ideal for daily use.
Liquids: liquid supplements that are easy to dose.
Powders: handy for sprinkling over food or incorporating into capsules.
Gummies: a tasty and fun way to give collagen.
Collagen Colartix is heat-stable and highly soluble, making it suitable for production processes such as baking or extrusion. This means it retains its effectiveness regardless of the form in which it is processed.
At Nutriliq, we believe in collaboration, trust, and quality. We’ll help you with every step of the development process:
Customised formula: together we determine the correct dosage and combination with other ingredients, such as glucosamine or omega-3 fatty acids.
Product form: from powder to soft chew, liquid or paste – whatever suits your brand best.
Private label: we develop products under your name, with support from our R&D team.
Quality and traceability: we only work with approved raw materials and transparent origins.
In concrete terms, this means: you bring the vision, we take care of the formula, production, and packaging. This creates a supplement that perfectly aligns with your brand and your customers.
A Belgian dog food manufacturer wanted to develop a chew for joints. Together with Nutriliq, they developed a recipe using Colartix collagen as the main ingredient, combined with fish oil and MSM.
After a few test batches, the product was on the market within six months. Customers noticed a visible difference in their older dogs – they moved more easily and stayed active longer.
That is exactly where collagen for animals makes the difference: a measurable result that inspires confidence in owners and brands.
1. From what age can I give collagen to animals?
From adulthood, usually from one year of age. In older animals, collagen helps keep joints supple.
2. Can collagen be combined with other supplements?
Yes, collagen works well with glucosamine, MSM, and omega-3. This enhances their effect.
3. Is collagen suitable for all animal species?
Yes, especially dogs and cats, but also horses benefit from extra collagen in their diet.
Want to discover what collagen for animals can do for your brand? At Nutriliq, we’ll help you step by step, from idea and recipe to packaging and production.
Contact us at info@nutriliq.eu or schedule a no-obligation consultation via this link.
Together we ensure strong joints and healthy animals. With quality, trust, and customized solutions.