Are Collagen Chews Good for Dogs?

by Britt

Published: April 7th, 2024

Photo credit: EugeneEdge / Shutterstock.com

Are you searching for a tasty treat to keep your pup occupied? Have you heard the warnings made by experts about the potential dangers of rawhide chews and are struggling to find a healthy alternative for your dog? A newer type of dog chew is gaining popularity in the pet world, beloved both by pets and their parents alike.

Let’s discuss the benefits of collagen chews and why this would be a great option for your dog.

What Are Collagen Chews?

Before we get into the benefits, we’ll start with the basics. What exactly is a collagen chew? Like rawhide, a collagen chew is a dried animal product. However, it is made from the inner layer of a cow's skin instead of the hide. This may seem like a minor difference, but it makes the product much easier to digest, making it safer for pet parents concerned about the risk of obstructions associated with rawhide.

Collagen chew products are available in various forms, including flat chews, sticks, traditional bone shapes, and rings. Each variation of the chew ranges in size, thickness, and, therefore, chew difficulty level.

Do Vets Recommend Collagen Sticks?

Yes! Many veterinarians recommend collagen chews as a healthy alternative to rawhide. This healthy and natural chew option offers many health benefits, including joint issues and dry skin. Most collagen chews are made from all-natural ingredients and are free from fillers, artificial colors, and artificial flavors, making them a healthy replacement for your dog’s favorite rawhide bones.

Is Collagen Better Than Rawhide?

While both collagen chews and rawhides are long-lasting chew options, collagen chews address many of the health concerns related to rawhide. If your dog loves rawhide chews, this is a great alternative. Like rawhides, collagen chews are long-lasting. However, if your dog swallows a portion of the chew, its digestibility makes it less likely that you will find yourself at an emergency vet paying for surgery to remove an obstruction.

Are Collagen Sticks Better for Dogs Than Bully Sticks?

Both collagen chews and bully sticks are natural chews, meaning they are better options than many other options on the market. However, choosing the best option for your dog among natural options will depend on several factors, including your dog’s preferences and needs. For example, a heavy chewer will thrive with a different product than a dog that enjoys a more casual chew.

There is nothing wrong with giving your dog bully sticks. They are a high-protein natural chew that most veterinary professionals support. To determine the best chew for your dog, we recommend weighing the pros and cons of each option.

Here are a few factors to consider:

Bully sticks have a higher protein content. Collagen sticks, on the other hand, contain high levels of (obviously) collagen. Each has its own health benefits.
Collagen sticks tend to be harder to chew than bully sticks, making them a better option for heavy chewers.
Bully sticks are a little easier for younger dogs, senior dogs, and dogs with dental issues.
Bully sticks traditionally have a stronger smell, which can be more enticing for many dogs. However, that smell may be problematic for people who are sensitive to odors.

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Collagen Bones?

While collagen is considered safe for most dogs, your dog may have an allergy to the animal it comes from. For example, collagen chews made from the inner layer of a cow’s skin can trigger an allergic reaction in dogs allergic to beef. If you have a dog with food allergies, take the time to read the package to identify the source of the collagen before giving it to your dog.

How Often Can I Give My Dog Collagen Chews?

As with any treat offered to your dog, collagen chews should be given in moderation. They are high in calories, meaning too many chews could lead to unwanted weight gain.

The exact number of chews your dog can safely have will depend on several factors, including age, weight, dietary restrictions, and the chew you are considering. Most brands include feeding recommendations on the package to help you make the best choice for their product.

For example, the Nothin’ to Hide Collagen-Based Dog Chews from Fieldcrest Farms are a favorite in our house. Their website recommends no more than two chews per day for the average dog.

Photo credit: sophiecat / Shutterstock.com

7 Health Benefits of Collagen Chews for Your Dog

In addition to being a good rawhide alternative, one of the biggest reasons pet parents are embracing collagen-based chews is the health benefits these products offer our pups. After all, who wouldn’t love a product that gives excellent health benefits while making their dog feel like they are getting a special treat? It’s the best of both worlds!

Mental Enrichment

There has been much chatter recently in the pet space about the importance of mental enrichment to give our dogs the best possible lives. The most common products associated with providing our dogs the mental stimulation and enrichment they need are food puzzles and snuffle mats, but chewing is another mental enrichment activity that has been associated with lower levels of stress, anxiety, frustration, and boredom.

Healthy Joints and Muscles

One struggle faced by many dog parents, especially as their pups enter their golden years, is the need for products that will help support healthy joints and muscles. This is especially important for those of us with larger dogs prone to arthritis and hip dysplasia.

Collagen supports the connective tissues in your dog’s body, such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. It helps keep them strong and functioning while providing elasticity. These are key components in your dog’s joints and can wear down over time due to repeated use and movement. This isn’t to say collagen-based products will prevent arthritis, but they can help slow the effects of aging on the body and slow the development of arthritis in older dogs.

Better Skin and Coat Health

Are you looking for solutions to give your dog a shiny, healthy-looking coat? Does your dog struggle with dry or sensitive skin? Humans often use collagen products for healthy skin. They are said to improve skin elasticity, suppleness, and hydration, all of which will also improve a dog’s skin. This protein also plays a key role in keeping your dog’s coat looking shiny, glossy, and healthy.

Stronger Nails

If you have ever had to deal with a broken nail in your dog, you know how frustrating that can be for them. Not only does it hurt (a lot) due to all the nerve endings in the nail, but it also bleeds considerably. Collagen helps to boost the proteins and amino acid peptides to encourage the growth of strong, healthy nails, preventing brittleness and breakage.

Bone Strength

Do you ever worry about your older dog suffering from injuries due to bones that have weakened with age? We’ve all heard the jokes about an elderly person “breaking a hip,” but we don’t want that to be a reality for our furry friends. Much like your dog’s nails, collagen works to help improve the strength of their bones. This prevents injuries by allowing the bones to stand up to your dog’s daily routine, stopping the bones from becoming brittle and easily broken.

Improved Gut Health

You may be surprised to learn that collagen-based products can also improve your dog’s digestive health. More specifically, they support a healthy gut. Collagen boosts the digestive system in several ways, including reducing inflammation in the gut, strengthening the lining of the stomach and intestines, promoting beneficial gut bacteria (yes, some bacteria are good for your dog), and improving the rate of nutrient absorption to ensure your dog gets the most out of their meals.

Relieve Arthritis Aches and Pains

This isn’t as obvious a benefit and won’t relieve all the pain your arthritic dog may be feeling overnight. However, if your dog is still in the early stages of arthritis, adding collagen to their daily routine may help to keep them comfortable.

It helps to support healthy cartilage, which is lost due to arthritis. Unfortunately, it won’t help to regenerate cartilage, but it can help to strengthen and support the cartilage that your dog has left. It also helps to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation not only includes swelling in the joints themselves, which causes pain, but it can also impact nerves in the body, causing additional pain or reducing movement and muscle control.

What Are the Possible Risks of Collagen Chews for Dogs?

The most significant risk in giving your dog collagen chews is that they could break off and swallow a larger piece of the chew, as they could with rawhides or bully sticks. This introduces concerns like choking and obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract or the bowels. An obstruction occurs when the body cannot break down a substance fast enough to allow it to pass safely through the digestive tract.

Collagen chews are more digestible than rawhide, meaning the risk is far greater. However, a bully stick may be the better option for dogs known to swallow pieces of their chews due to its high digestibility level.

The best way to prevent obstruction from any form of chew is to supervise your dog carefully. The final piece is the biggest culprit, as your dog is finishing their chew. Products are available designed to hold bully sticks and collagen sticks, preventing your dog from accessing the small final pieces of the chew. We have had a great experience with the Bow Wow Buddy Safety Device from Bow Wow Labs with our pups. You simply place one end of your dog’s chew stick in the holder and tighten it to hold it securely out of your dog’s reach.

Another significant risk to consider is the impact harder chews like collagen chew can have on your dog’s teeth. While a healthy adult dog can chew these products without problems, the same can’t be said for those whose teeth may not be as strong. This includes young puppies, seniors, and those who have previously experienced dental problems. If you want to give your dog the benefits of collagen, there are still treat products that are easier to chew (and don’t last nearly as long), but these high-risk groups should not be given a traditional collagen chew for fear of tooth breakage.

Final Thoughts on Dog Collagen Chews

If you have a dog who is a chewer, one of the best approaches to saving your shoes and table legs is to offer a safe alternative. Collagen chews are not only safe but also provide many health benefits for your dog, making them a popular recommendation from veterinarians.

From thin collagen sticks and chews to larger collagen bones for heavy chewers, there are products for dogs of all sizes, ages, and chewing abilities.

Treat your pup to something special and try a collagen chew today!

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Auf Wiedersehen Wiener Dog - Will Germany Ban Dachshunds?

Germany’s beloved dog breed, the dachshund, could soon be banned under a new law that prohibits the breeding of dogs with “skeletal anomalies”.The draft of the bill, published in February, is currently being reviewed by the authorities and was introduced as a part of the Animal Protection Act. The new bill aims to strengthen existing laws on “torture breeding” and to regulate the online animal trade. The draft of the protection law said it could ban the reproduction of breeds prone to particular health problems, such as spinal problems linked with short legs and long back which are characteristic of the dachshund breed.According to the German Kennel Club (VDH), the bill could be interpreted as a ban on breeding dogs with any major size deviation from the original wolf type. In addition to dachshunds, other dog breeds like the German shepherd, miniature schnauzer, beagle, and Jack Russell terrier could be affected by the bill. The breeding restrictions could also be applied to flat-faced breeds like the English bulldog, pug, and French bulldog.“Some of the disease characteristics listed in the draft law are too vague and undefined,” said Leif Kopernik, the chief executive of the VDH. “Whether too small or too large, if the Animal Welfare Act were to be implemented in its current form, many popular and healthy breeds could be banned from breeding,” he said, according to the New York Times. The VDH has launched a petition to save “our favorite dogs” saying the proposed bill would leave too much room for interpretation in deciding what can be considered a genetic defect. The German Kennel Club agrees that many of the proposed changes, such as stricter regulations for online animal trade and taking action against illegal puppy trade are good measures that make sense. “However, the animal protection law contains requirements that could mean the end of many healthy dog breeds in Germany,” said VDH on its website.Although the proposed changes could affect several dog breeds, the dachshund is at the center of the discussion. Often called dackel by Germans, the dachshund has been the country’s national symbol for many years. The breed has been around for several centuries and was bred specifically for digging and clawing into underground dens to hunt for badgers. These sausage-shaped dogs have strong claws and sharp teeth which proved extremely useful when hunting. According to Sandra Karthauser, a breeder of rough-haired dachshunds from Munster, there is no evidence that dachshunds are sick due to their appearance. However, she admits that certain breed lines might be predisposed to herniated discs and other health issues.“But to ban the whole breed because of this, that doesn’t make sense to me. Then you can also ban Labradors because some suffer from hip dysplasia along with other breeds that might suffer from debilitating diseases and ailments,”  she added.Germany’s agricultural ministry refuted that the new bill would ban particular dog breeds, including the dachshund. “We aren’t seeking to ban the dachshund. What we are aiming at with this reform is a ban on torture breeding.”The goal of this new regulation is to forbid breeding practices that cause long-term suffering to the dogs. “We want to consistently protect animals from pain, suffering, and damage,” said the ministry adding that the new bill is still being reviewed. Germany’s dachshund lovers and breeders hope the breeding ban won’t happen now or in the future. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is a Bearded Dragon the Right Pet for Me?

Are you considering adding a scaly friend to your family? Bearded dragons have captured the hearts of reptile experts and casual pet lovers alike with their unique appearance, interesting personalities, and low-maintenance care requirements.However, owning a reptile is a significant commitment, regardless of what type of reptile you choose!Before bringing a new pet into your home, you must weigh the pros and cons. This guide will explore the key factors to consider when deciding if a bearded dragon is the right fit for your lifestyle and living situation.Bearded Dragon Behavior and Temperament One reason bearded dragons have gained so much popularity as pets is their calm and docile temperament. While many reptiles are resistant to being tamed, bearded dragons are generally highly responsive to their owners. They are attentive pets that enjoy spending time with their person. They tolerate being touched and handled well, rarely biting or scratching in response. In fact, many learn to ride around on their owners’ shoulders, perched happily. While they enjoy spending time with their person, they also need their alone time. Many owners see this as a positive as it allows them to go to work, run errands, or even participate in social events without worrying about their pet’s separation anxiety (a concern many dog owners know well). Of course, there are always exceptions – but generally speaking, these gentle and highly social pets are an excellent option for reptile lovers interested in forming a special bond with their new companion. Choosing Your Bearded Dragon If reading that description of the bearded dragon makes you excited that you’ve found your perfect reptile companion, it’s time to discuss how to find your new friend. This includes not only finding a pet whose personality is a good match for your own but also ensuring that your new lizard is healthy. There are two different approaches to finding a new reptile. First, you can connect with a reputable bearded dragon breeder. Purchasing your reptile from a breeder generally involves a contract that is designed to protect both you and the breeder, guaranteeing the health of your new pet on the day it is adopted. Alternatively, you can contact your local shelter or reptile-specific rescue organizations. Here are a few important considerations when searching for your new pet: Check all over for any sign of visible injuries, such as scratches, cuts, scars, or burns. While you could take on an injured reptile without any long-term issues, you may also find yourself dealing with secondary complications like infections. Run your fingers along the tail. A healthy tail will feel round and plump at the base, near the body. If it feels sunken into the body or overly bony, that’s a red flag. Look into the reptile’s eyes. You want to choose a bearded dragon who is alert and aware of your presence. It should hold its head upright, with its eyes following your movements. Sunken eyes are also a concern.Check their face for any signs of inflammation or pus. Ensure they don’t have runny eyes. Assess the quality of the bearded dragon’s skin. Loose or discolored skin is a sign of underlying illness.Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the breeder or rescue worker who is showing you the young bearded dragon. Ask about whether they have noticed any sign of illness or injury. You can also ask about the state of their “droppings.” Sure, it’s not the most exciting conversation – but it is a good indicator of a reptile’s well-being. Most importantly, don’t feel pressured into bringing a new pet home. If you are being pushed to make a snap decision, that is a warning sign that they may be trying to hide something.

Followers Cry Fowl as Staffie Peggy and Magpie Molly, Separated

Fans of the social media darlings start an online campaign to reunite the odd couple.

Does My Dog Need a Stroller?

Is a dog stroller a necessity or an extravagant splurge? While some may raise an eyebrow at the site of a dog riding comfortably in their stroller, these seemingly luxury items offer many benefits for both dogs and their owners. From providing a safe and comfortable way to transport your dog in various settings to accommodating mobility concerns and enhancing their quality of life, let’s explore why a dog stroller may be a great choice for your dog. Plus, I’ll share tips for choosing the best dog stroller for your pup and how to incorporate it effectively into your daily routine. What Are Dog Strollers? Let’s start at the beginning. What exactly are dog strollers? Are they the same as baby strollers? Can the two be used interchangeably? While dog strollers look similar to baby strollers in many ways, they have a few key features that differentiate the two. Most importantly, dog strollers incorporate a way to keep your dog secured and held in place so they can’t hop out and escape, like a zippered mesh cover or a leash attachment that can be hooked to their harness. They are often described as a “fancy dog crate on wheels.” The most basic models are soft-sided dog crates with wheels and a handle. But most offer other features, like adjustable or padded handlebars, cup holders, storage pockets and compartments, sunshades, and ramps for easy access. Is it Okay to Put Your Dog in a Stroller? An important question that every pet parent should ask when being introduced to a new product is whether it’s actually safe and beneficial for your pet. After all, just because it’s being sold and marketed doesn’t mean it’s good for them. When it comes to dog strollers, the answer is “maybe.” If you have a healthy dog, only taking them out in a stroller and not making space for the exercise and physical activity they require can lead to a whole list of health problems. However, there are many situations where a dog stroller can be used to improve your dog’s quality of health. In short, this means that, yes, there are times when it is okay to put your dog in a stroller. It is our responsibility as dog parents to recognize the right time and place for their use. Are Dog Strollers Only for Small Dogs? One of the most common misconceptions about dog strollers is that they are only designed for small dogs or toy breeds. While this is arguably the most common type of dog stroller on the market, it’s not the only option. Recognizing the benefits these products offer, many brands now make dog strollers with larger dogs in mind. This includes creating sturdier frames that can support heavier weights, offering more room for large dogs to sit or lie down comfortably, and even adding features like ramps to help our larger friends get in and out of the stroller when lifting them isn’t an option. A great example is the HPZ Pet Rover Titan-HD, designed for dogs up to 100 LBS. So, while your standard stroller may not be the right solution (not without breaking it), big dog strollers are available!

Kevin the Gentle Giant Crowned World’s Tallest Dog

Some dogs are simply born to be famous! Some do it with their accomplishments, others with their latest tricks, but Kevin the Great Dane did it with nothing else but his size. He is officially recognized as the world’s tallest living dog, and he is described as a true gentle giant.Named after the main character from the movie “Home Alone”, Kevin officially claimed the world record title after he was measured at 3ft 2in (0.97 meters) from his feet to his withers. For comparison, that is the average height of a three-year-old child. An average Great Dane, on the other hand, is around 2ft 6in (0.76 meters) to the withers. The record was previously held by another Great Dane, Zeus, who tragically died at the age of three this past year, leaving the title to Kevin. Living in West Des Moines, Iowa, USA, Kevin is in the loving care of his owners – Tracy and Roger Wolfe, and their children, Alexander (12) and Ava (10). He is not the only pet in the family: he is accompanied by three other doggos, four cats, and a multitude of chickens, horses, and goats. And, besides being so tall and majestic, Kevin is just an ordinary pooch. He loves to snooze on the couch and won’t hesitate to protest if his favorite spot is taken. Still, his owners describe him as a real gentle giant. According to Tracy Wolfe, he is a true fan of snuggles and is very afraid of the vacuum cleaner. He was similarly spooked by the officials who came to measure him for his record. The measuring tape really gave him the heebie-jeebies. “Kevin is the epitome of a gentle giant,” Tracy said. “In fact, he is scared of most things. He is terrified of the vacuum. He won't let it come within 6 feet of him! He will jump and run to get away from it.”Kevin’s owner Tracy, herself employed at a vet clinic, says that he is just a big baby, and often acts as if he has no idea how big he is. “When Kevin, or any of my dogs, come to my clinic, I put a baby gate up in the door of my office. That way I can keep my door open, but keep the dogs in,” she added. “Kevin is hilarious. He will be in there and stay whenever I am in there. However, if I leave, he just steps right over the baby gate like it's nothing! I don’t think he’s aware he is as big as he is. He’s continuously trying to squeeze into small beds and sit on top of us, and do everything that the smaller dogs do.”Of course, as all dogs do, Kevin also has his naughty side. He is adept at snatching food off of counters, aided by his great height. “Kevin can be stubborn,” Tracy said. “He can be naughty. It’s usually food-related. Otherwise, he’s usually a pretty good kid.”

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New Study Reveals The Best Time To Spay or Neuter Dogs

We all know the importance of spaying and neutering our pets – it can prevent life-threatening diseases, improve their behavior, and it is generally more humane. But what is the ideal time for spaying or neutering your four-legged bestie to ensure they get to reap all those benefits without any of the risks? Not all sources agree on the ideal time, but most experts agree that it should be done around 6 months, just before the first heat cycle. However, a new study sheds more light on the timing for pet sterilization – and the dangers that premature spaying or neutering could hold.A research team based at the University of California in Davis released their latest neutering guidelines in the Frontiers in Veterinary Science journal. Original research on the matter was begun in 2013, and it showed that neutering dogs too early in their lives can increase the risk of cancer and specific joint disorders. And now, a decade later, the research has expanded to include more dog breeds and to offer better results. The team leaders, Lynette Hard and Benjamin Hart of the School of Veterinary Medicine carefully analyzed data that was gathered for over a decade, on all dogs treated at the University of California Veterinary Hospital. Five dog breeds were the focal point of the research process: German Short / Wirehaired Pointer, Newfoundland, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Mastiff, and Siberian Husky. They were analyzed for the effects of neutering and spaying before the first year of age. What was discovered is that early neutering greatly increases the risk of joint disorders in German Shorts and Wirehaired Pointer breeds. Similar was found for males of the Mastiff breed and Newfoundland females. Early neutering in female Rhodesian Ridgebacks, however, found an increased possibility of cell tumors. The Siberian Husky showed somewhat better results, with no significant risks for males, while the females showed the possibility of some disorders. "It's always complicated to consider an alternate paradigm," Lynette Hart, department vice-chair and professor, said. "This is a shift from a long-standing model of early spay/neuter practices in the U.S. and much of Europe to neuter by 6 months of age, but important to consider as we see the connections between gonadal hormone withdrawal from early spay/neuter and potential health concerns."The team emphasized the need for “personalized decisions” when it comes to neutering and spaying dogs. Each owner should take into account their dog’s breed, age, and sex before going on with the procedure. Of course, advice from the vet is also crucial. It was also emphasized that early neutering can lead to an increased risk of cancer, especially cancer of the blood vessels, lymph nodes, and mast cell tumors. The connection between cancer and neutering was traced down to the removal of sex hormones in dogs. These are crucial for the later development of the dog, such as the closing of bone growth plates.Yet even so, it was noted that neutering your pet at the right time can greatly reduce the risk of other health issues in the future, most importantly uterine infections and prostate cancer. Similarly, neutering can help with dog behavior, especially for males. They are less prone to roaming, violence, aggressive behavior, or marking territory. Ultimately, neutering also helps regulate the dog population, which reduces the number of strays and decreases the pressures on animal shelters. "We're invested in making contributions to people's relationship with their animals," said Benjamin Hart. "This guidance provides information and options for veterinarians to give pet owners, who should have the final decision-making role for the health and well-being of their animal."