Just like humans, active pets experience occasional joint discomfort, in fact, 52% of dog owners say that their pets experience some sort of joint pain.[i] Collagen—particularly type II—is emerging as a key nutrient to support joint health in companion animals. Here, Juliana Erickson, Associate Director of DFS & Ingredients Portfolio VOC Innovation Product Marketing at Lonza Capsules & Health Ingredients, explains how the science-backed benefits of undenatured type II collagen can help brands elevate their pet joint health supplements.

Pet’s joint health is at the forefront of consumer’s minds

Joint discomfort in pets is on the rise. While even healthy pets can experience everyday wear and tear on their joints, one of the most common causes of chronic pain in pets is osteoarthritis (OA), which is likely to affect up to two out of every five dogs.[ii] In tandem, there is a societal shift from pet ownership to ‘pet parenting’—a trend where consumers ‘humanize’ their companion animals.[iii] Together, this has led to a surge in demand for pet health solutions that help keep animals active and comfortable. 

With pets living longer and obesity becoming a more common concern, the prevalence of OA is growing,[iv] making proactive joint health support crucial for helping pets maintain mobility and joint comfort as they age. As a result, the pet supplements market is expanding rapidly, with the hip and joint health category holding the largest share globally.[v] 

For brands to stand out in this growing sector, ingredient choice is key. Science-backed ingredients offer manufacturers an opportunity to develop the most effective products for companion animals. Backed by over two decades of science, collagen is a key nutrient to support pets’ joint health. 

 

The importance of undenatured type II collagen for joint health

An important protein in the bodies of both humans and animals, collagen exists in various types, with type II being particularly important for joint health. Type II is the major supporting collagen of articular cartilage, corresponding to 90-95% of the collagen that exists in the joint.[vi] This makes it a potent nutrient for mobility and joint health. 

The collagen that harnesses its power is Lonza’s UC-II® undenatured type II collagen. This premium undenatured type II collagen ingredient is proven to help maintain or support joint flexibility and mobility in companion animals. Its science-backed benefits are demonstrated through a comprehensive body of brand-specific evidence-based research, spanning more than two decades and multiple human and companion animal studies. Furthermore, UC-II® undenatured type II collagen has been proven to provide joint and mobility benefits at a very low daily dose, without compromising on efficacy.

Support joint health, flexibility and mobility, even at low doses

Research shows that with one daily dose of 40 mg, UC-II® undenatured type II collagen helps support joint health and mobility in both OA and healthy companion animals. Scientific studies have reported that this low dose can reduce overall pain in OA dogs by 33% after just 30 days,[vii] and by up to 81% after 150 days.[viii] Furthermore,  exercise-induced pain was reduced by 90% in animals receiving UC-II® undenatured type II collagen for 150 days.⁸ Additionally, in healthy and active animals 40 mg per day of UC-II® undenatured type II collagen has been proven to support mobility—after 13 weeks of supplementation, dogs receiving this ingredient also showed reduced inflammatory markers and cartilage degeneration after long runs (5 or 16 km) compared to dogs receiving placebo.[ix]^,[x]

UC-II® undenatured type II collagen offers manufacturers the opportunity to develop effective, convenient products that encourage compliance. Moreover, it is formulation friendly, meaning that it can be easily incorporated into numerous applications such as treats or chews.[xi] In fact, in an exploratory study of dogs with degenerative joint disease and chews containing 40 mg UC-II® undenatured type II collagen, pet owners reported seeing improvement in joint comfort and mobility.[xii] This efficacy at such low doses is enabled by UC-II® undenatured type II collagen’s structure and unique mechanism of action.

The unique science behind UC-II® undenatured type II collagen

Unlike other forms of collagen on the market, UC-II® undenatured type II collagen retains its 3-dimensional shape which is key to collagen’s function for joint health. Within the nutraceutical space, collagen is typically available in two forms: hydrolyzed collagen peptides or undenatured type II collagen. 

To make hydrolyzed collagen, the protein is broken down into smaller fragments through a hydrolysis process. In contrast, undenatured type II collagen preserves the complete, native structure, enabling it to deliver effective joint health benefits at a significantly lower dose. Lonza’s UC-II® undenatured type II collagen is uniquely developed through a proprietary gentle manufacturing process which makes it resistant to breakdown from gastric acid and digestive enzymes, preserving its structure, including bioactive regions called epitopes.[xiii]

It is this preserved structure of UC-II® undenatured type II collagen that enables its unique mechanism of action which triggers the animal’s immune system to build new cartilage in three steps: 

1. First, the ingredient travels through the gut to a collection of immune cells called Peyer’s patches, where the collagen binds via its epitopes. 
2. This binding triggers an immune response and the production of a special type of immune cell, regulatory T (Treg) cells. 
3. The Treg cells release cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β, which stimulate chondrocytes (the cells responsible for cartilage formation), to restore and build joint cartilage.[xiv]^,[xv]

Through this, UC-II® undenatured type II collagen helps to promote optimal joint function, support a healthy inflammatory response, and preserve cartilage—which translates to joint health and mobility benefits for pets. 

 

Help pets keep up with their owners

UC-II® undenatured type II collagen, with its proven joint health benefits and ease of formulation, opens up exciting innovation opportunities for manufacturers, and allows brands to create premium and effective solutions for pets, standing out in the booming joint health market. From walking in the park and running round the garden, to jumping and playing fetch with their favorite toy—help companion animals keep up with their owners, with UC-II® undenatured type II collagen.

Ready to learn more? Visit Lonza Capsule & Health Ingredients website today.