The importance of collagen in your pet’s body
Collagen is a vital building block in the body. It is responsible for so many functions and is constructed of important proteins that have various functions in the body. It is no surprise that it is such a highly sought after addition for day to day health and that is why we are going to talk about what collagen is, what benefits it has in the body, what types there are and how this relates bone broth.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein that is found in bones, muscles, skin and tendons. But it is not just any protein, is the most abundant one that makes up one-third of the protein in the body. It is responsible for laying down the structure that comprises the body and keeps it all held together. It is insoluble and fibrous, with a harder texture.
Collagen is constructed of different amino acids that give it its powerful functionality in the body, while also being responsible for their own healing benefits.
Proline makes up about 15% of collagen and help in protecting the circulatory system, hearth health and joint strength.
Glutamine is a super important protein building block because it helps with strengthening the immune system by healing the gut. Our pets are exposed to so many toxins on a daily basis which really strains gut health, which is why it is so important to focus on healing the gut on a daily basis to keep the immune system at its peak. Glutamine has also shown to help reduce anxiety and tension, while also releasing nitrogen which can help with wound healing and muscle support.
Glycine is in our opinion one of the most important components of collagen. It is necessary for the production of glutathione in the body. Over time, the body produces less and less of this powerhouse antioxidant which is vital in reducing tissue damage and enhancing longevity. Glycine makes up 1/3 of the protein in collagen’s it makes up the largest component.
Lastly, collagen is made up of arginine which is helpful in supporting the circulatory system and heart health because it breaks down into nitric oxide in the body which is vital for oxygen and nutrient transport in the body.
Benefits of Collagen
Truly the reason we encourage feeding bone broth to your pet on a daily basis is because of the healing power of collagen which is abundant in broth. Paired with our herb selection, you are setting your dog up for healing and immunity improvement every single day.
Some benefits of collagen include:
- Repairing and sealing of the gut lining
- Reduced inflammation
- Stronger joints, tendons and ligaments
- Enhanced liver function
- Improved detoxing ability for liver and kidney
- Healthier skin and fur
These health benefits are a collaboration of the powerful protein building blocks listed above. But, not all collagen functions the same. There are actually three type of collagen which all have slightly different properties and functions in the body.
Collagen Types
Type 1
This is what makes up about 90% of the collagen in the body and is made up of strong fibers. It is what gives structure to skin, bones, tendons, tissue, teeth and cartilage. It is vital for healing wounds and keeping the bodies structure intact.
This is also the type that is highest in bone broth in general.
Type 2
This is higher in broth made from smaller, more cartilage rich bones like turkey and chicken. This type is more useful in strengthening the spongey material that protects the joints. Think of this as a pillow around mobile joints. It is very important for repairing the gut lining to strengthen the immune system and support digestion.
Type 3
This is the collagen type that is found in connective tissue like the skin, lungs and reproductive organs. It is more responsible for muscle structure and also helps keep the skin firm. This is going to be highest in beef bone broth.
Now how does this correlate to bone broth overall?
Bone broth is loaded with naturally-occurring collagen. Our slow simmer process pulls collagen from the bones in its cooked form aka gelatin. It is released into the surrounding water, making a delicious bone broth that is bursting with healing benefits for your dog or cat.
It is an easy and delicious way for them to maintain a healthy body, that can thrive in any environment while also setting them up for a long, healthy life.
To boost your pets health, shop our broth at a local retailer near you or on our website.