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, collagen is built from amino acids. However, collagen’s distinctive amino acid composition includes high levels of glycine (Gly) and proline (Pro), along with hydroxyproline (Hyp), a derivative of proline. These amino acids are arranged in a repeating pattern, often following the sequence Gly-Pro-X or Gly-X-Hyp (where X can be any amino acid).

All collagen types consist of three polypeptide chains that form a triple helix. Depending on the type, these chains may be identical or composed of two or more different chains.

Over time, collagen undergoes natural cycles of breakdown and regeneration. Daily wear and tear—as well as the ageing process—can accelerate its degradation. As pets age, collagen production slows, resulting in thinner, more fragile skin, reduced elasticity in tendons and ligaments, and stiffer, potentially painful joints.

Dietary Collagen & Collagen Peptides

At GA Pet Food Partners, we take pride in sourcing the finest meat and fish ingredients directly from trusted suppliers.. These ingredients naturally contain collagen, though the amounts can vary across different animal tissues. For example, when testing various parts of a whole chicken, the highest collagen content is found in the skin, followed by the carcass (bones and cartilage), with lower amounts present in skeletal meat and internal organs.

Kibbles prepared with naturally collagen-rich ingredients, such as freshly prepared meat and fish materials, are digested and absorbed by pets. This process provides the essential building blocks, particularly the amino acids glycine and proline, that support the body in producing more collagen, thereby helping to maintain healthy bones, joints, and skin.

The GA Difference

Research has shown that collagen peptides are more readily absorbed by the digestive tract than intact proteins. To maximise the potential benefits of dietary collagen, optimal absorption is key.

Thanks to our latest R&D work on protein hydrolysis and our innovative ‘Highly Digestible Protein (HDP) process, GA Pet Food Partners is able to “pre-digest” the collagen in our selected meat and fish ingredients. Through carefully controlled enzymatic hydrolysis, the collagen is broken down into peptides before being incorporated into our delicious kibble.

Potential Benefits of Dietary Collagen and Collagen Peptides

While research in dogs and cats remains limited, studies in other animals and humans suggest that dietary collagen and collagen peptides may offer several health benefits for pets:

Bone Health

Collagen is essential for bone health, providing the protein matrix that supports bone mineralisation.

Bone collagen is in a constant state of breakdown and renewal, so supplementing with dietary collagen or collagen peptides can help maintain strong, healthy bones throughout life.

Skin and Coat Health

The dermis of a dog’s skin is predominantly composed of collagen. Ensuring a good supply of collagen in the diet can help maintain skin elasticity and support overall skin and fur health.

Joint Health

Healthy joints require robust cartilage, ligaments, and tendons—all of which contain high levels of collagen.

Supporting collagen levels in the diet is crucial not only for young, active dogs but also for preventing age-related joint pain and mobility issues.

By incorporating collagen-rich ingredients and utilising advanced processing techniques, GA Pet Food Partners aims to deliver pet food that supports your pet’s overall health and well-being.

Article written by Dr Adrian Hewson-Hughes