How collagen helps pets thrive

Within Darling Ingredients’ Sonac brand, we go beyond watching pet food trends; we actively drive them forward. As our understanding of pets’ nutritional needs evolves, we’re leading the charge in developing sustainable, functional ingredients that help them live their best lives.

 

Lately, one powerhouse ingredient is taking center stage: collagen. It’s no longer just a wellness trend for people; it is rapidly becoming a must-have in petfood for its powerful, proven benefits. The demand for collagen in petfood is exploding, and for good reason. The market is expected to nearly double in the next decade as more pet owners discover how this natural protein can help their furry friends thrive. (Future Market Insights)

 

Benefits for pets

So, what does that mean for your dog or cat? Adding collagen to their diet can lead to visible and tangible results:

• Boosting mobility: Collagen helps protect joints and cartilage, making it easier for pets to run, jump and play, especially as they get older.
• Improving skin and coat: Collagen support can lead to a healthier, shinier coat and more supple skin.
• Supporting strong bones and muscles: Collagen provides the essential building blocks for a strong, active and resilient body.
• Easing joint discomfort: Backed by collaborative research with Utrecht University (Blees et al., 2024), collagen provides highly effective nutritional support to help relieve pain and support joint function in dogs with osteoarthritis.

 

Research shows that an easily absorbed form of collagen, a hydrolysate, is particularly effective in combating joint inflammation and preventing cartilage breakdown, helping keep pets comfortable and active.

 

Innovation in every kibble

For decades, the petfood industry relied almost entirely on simple starches to bind dry kibble together. Our research, building on foundational studies conducted with Malbeck and Aldrich at Kansas State University (2017), has proven there’s a better way. We’ve discovered that collagen binds food more effectively, while fully preserving the kibble’s durability, size, consistency and mechanical strength.

 

By choosing Darling Ingredients and our Sonac brand as a trusted petfood ingredient partner, manufacturers can dramatically boost the nutritional profile, texture and processing performance of their products, all while contributing to their circular sustainability goals.

 

Ultimately, the shift toward collagen isn't just a win for pet health; it's a win for the future of sustainable manufacturing. We are proud to offer science-backed solutions that nourish animals while actively supporting a circular economy. Together with our partners, we are shaping a future where high-performance nutrition and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

 

To learn more about our petfood products, contact US.petinquiries@darlingii.com.