🐾 Why Collagen Became a Staple for Our Dogs

January 5, 2026

🐾 Why Collagen Became a Staple for Our Dogs

We didn’t plan to create a collagen supplement.

It started when our dog, Biggs, broke his elbow last Summer. Everything slowed down. We became super cautious—crate-rest, calm walks, restricted movement, and 17 weeks of recovery ahead. Supporting him wasn’t just about making sure he took it easy; it was about giving his body the right building blocks to heal properly.

We started looking closely at what would actually support the healing of his bones and surrounding tissues. That led us back to our own supplement cupboard — and the collagen we already use ourselves. At first it felt like an abstract ingredient, but the more we learned, the more it became something practical—necessary, even.

🦴 What Collagen Is (and Why It Matters)

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your dog’s body—and yours. It forms the structural framework of joints, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin, and connective tissue—essentially the scaffolding that keeps everything working together.

You can think of collagen as the glue that holds your dog together.

Dogs naturally produce collagen, but also get some through whole foods like bones, skin, and connective tissue. But just like in humans, collagen production can slow with age, injury, or sustained physical demand or inactivity. When that happens, providing collagen through the diet can help support the body’s natural maintenance and repair processes.

🧬 What Collagen Does in the Body

Collagen provides amino acids that help support:

Joint structure and everyday mobility
Tendons and ligaments under load
Cartilage and connective tissue resilience
Skin elasticity and coat condition

Unlike ingredients that act quickly or dramatically, collagen works quietly in the background. Its role is long-term—supporting the tissues your dog relies on every single day, whether they’re sprinting, training, recovering from injury, or simply ageing gracefully.

🔬 What the Science Says

Collagen has been widely studied in both humans and animals for its role in joint and connective tissue health.

In dogs:

Research suggests collagen supplementation can help support joint comfort and mobility, particularly in active or ageing dogs.
Studies also indicate benefits for connective tissue resilience, which is especially relevant during periods of recovery or reduced movement—something we experienced firsthand with Biggs.

In humans (and what that may indicate for dogs):

Human research has consistently shown that collagen supplementation can support:

Joint comfort and function
Tendon and ligament health
Skin elasticity and tissue maintenance

While canine-specific research is still developing, dogs share many of the same structural needs. The underlying mechanism—supplying amino acids used to maintain and repair connective tissue—is well understood.

🧠 Why We Use It at Native Breed

When Biggs broke his elbow, his recovery highlighted how interconnected everything is. Limited movement affects muscles, joints, and connective tissue all at once. Supporting one area means supporting the whole system.

That experience is what led us to create Native Breed Grass-Fed Bovine Collagen + Beef Liver.

We chose:

Grass-fed bovine collagen for its rich amino acid profile and bioavailability.
Grass-fed beef liver to naturally enhance palatability and add nutrient density—including vitamin A, iron, and B-vitamins that support overall vitality.

The result is a simple, natural supplement that fits easily into Biggs’ routine—and could fit into your dog’s too.

⚖️ Safety & Use

Collagen is a natural component of your dog’s body and diet, and it’s generally well tolerated when used appropriately.

A few sensible guidelines:

Introduce gradually and feed at the recommended amount for your dog’s size.
Use consistently—collagen supports long-term maintenance rather than instant results. We opt for giving it to our dogs daily.
Speak with your vet if your dog has specific health conditions or is recovering from injury or surgery.

Our collagen is designed as a food supplement, intended to support healthy dogs through everyday movement, activity, and ageing.

🐕 The Bottom Line

Collagen isn’t just for senior dogs—it’s for any dog who moves, plays, trains, or is recovering from life’s knocks.

It can help support:
✅ Joint comfort and everyday mobility
✅ Tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue
✅ Healthy skin and coat
✅ Long-term structural support as dogs age

For us, collagen became essential when Biggs needed it most. Today, it remains part of how we support both our dogs—because strong structure is the foundation of an active, happy, and long life.

At Native Breed, we believe our dogs deserve the same thoughtful approach to wellness we’d choose for ourselves—backed by nature, chosen with purpose.