Type I and III collagen is abundant in the dermis layer of the skin providing structural support as well as elasticity to maintain the firmness and suppleness of this organ – a very important barrier to keep moisture in and invading organisms and toxins out of the body.

Type II collagen is the predominant component of cartilage, the extremely strong, flexible and semi-rigid support tissue found at points where two bones meet, providing a smooth surface that allows joints to move easily and a ‘cushion’ effect to absorb the shock of impact, especially on the ends of weight-bearing bones (e.g. hip, elbow joints).

Collagen is also present in all the smooth muscle tissues, blood vessels, digestive tract, heart, gallbladder, kidneys and bladder, holding the cells and tissues together.

How is collagen made?

Like all proteins, the building blocks for collagen are amino acids. However, collagen has a distinctive amino acid composition and sequence, being particularly enriched with glycine (Gly) and proline (Pro) as well as a derivative of proline, hydroxyproline (Hyp). These amino acids have a regular arrangement in each of the three collagen subunit chains. The sequence often follows the pattern Gly-Pro-X or Gly-X-Hyp, where X may be any of various other amino acid residues.

All types of collagen are composed of 3 polypeptide chains which are formed into a triple helix. Depending on the collagen type, these three chains might all be identical or may consist of two or more different chains.

As with all proteins, collagen does not last forever – a natural cycle of breakdown and regeneration occurs constantly. However, the breakdown can be exacerbated by daily wear & tear and ageing. With age, collagen production slows, and connective tissue structures weaken. The results being the skin gets thinner and easier to damage, tendons and ligaments become less elastic, joints get stiff and/or more painful to move, etc.

Dietary collagen & collagen peptides

A unique feature of GA Pet Food Partners is collecting the finest meat and fish ingredients at the source. We know that these ingredients naturally contain collagen, although the amounts vary between different types of animal tissues. If we test different parts of a whole chicken, for example, we see that collagen is most abundant in the skin, followed by the carcass (from the bones and cartilage), with lower amounts in skeletal meat and internal organs (viscera).

Kibbles made with natural collagen-containing ingredients, such as certain Freshly Prepared meat and fish materials, will be digested and absorbed by the pet providing the building blocks (particularly amino acids glycine and proline) for the body to make more collagen, which can help maintain healthy bones, joints and skin.

The GA difference

Research has shown that peptides are more easily absorbed from the digestive tract than intact protein. To maximise the potential beneficial effects of dietary collagen, it is important that the collagen is optimally absorbed.

Thanks to our latest R&D work on protein hydrolysis and the introduction of an innovative ‘Highly Digestible Protein’ (HDP) process, here At GA Pet Food Partners, we can “pre-digest” the collagen within our selected meat and fish ingredients into collagen peptides using carefully controlled enzymatic hydrolysis before incorporating them into a delicious kibble.

Potential benefits of dietary collagen and collagen peptides

Although research in dogs and cats is limited, evidence from studies in other animals and humans suggests that dietary intake of collagen and collagen peptides may have many beneficial health effects in pets.

Bone health

Collagen is essential for bone health. It provides the protein matrix (‘scaffolding’) on which calcification (bone mineralisation) can occur.

Bone collagen undergoes continual breakdown, repair and renewal, so providing nourishment through dietary collagen or collagen peptides is important to help maintain life-long strong, healthy bones.

Skin and Coat health

Like in humans, the dermis layer of the skin in dogs is mainly made of collagen – providing a good supply of collagen in the diet should help maintain skin elasticity and support the skin and fur health.

Joint health

Healthy joints require healthy cartilage and ligaments in particular plus strong muscles, tendons and connective tissue – all of which contain high levels of collagen.

Maintaining healthy joints is as important in young, active, healthy dogs as preventing the problems that come with ageing, like joint pain and mobility issues.

Article written by Dr Adrian Hewson-Hughes