Full-spectrum liquid collagen supplement for adult dogs. Multi-collagen formula targeting skin barrier repair, coat quality, joint mobility, and gut health — delivered in a cold-pressed liquid format for maximum bioavailability. This document is a factory sampling brief for manufacturer review and prototype formulation.
Most collagen supplements for pets are powders or chews — compressed forms with poor absorption rates. VitaFlow is built around a cold-processed liquid matrix delivering active ingredients at up to 95% bioavailability, with a natural flavor profile dogs accept without masking additives.
Per 1 mL serving. Formula mirrors the leading category benchmark — same 6 active ingredients, same concentrations — with cost-optimized sourcing swaps that preserve efficacy without the branded ingredient premium. Factory to confirm achievable concentrations and propose stability-based adjustments.
| Ingredient | Type / Sourcing Note | Target per 1 mL | Function | Cost Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides | Types I & III — bovine preferred (cheaper than marine). Grass-fed traceable source. | 800 mg | Skin barrier, coat quality, connective tissue | Low cost |
| Type II Collagen (Undenatured) | Generic chicken sternum collagen — do NOT use branded UC-II® (Lonza). Generic equivalent, $8–12/kg vs $200+/kg branded. | 40 mg | Joint cartilage, inflammation modulation | Save 90% |
| MSM | Methylsulfonylmethane — commodity ingredient, widely available in CN. OptiMSM not required. | 400 mg | Keratin synthesis, anti-inflammatory | Low cost |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Low MW fermented (microbial) HA. Avoid premium sodium hyaluronate brands. Chinese-manufactured HA is top-quality at fraction of Western cost. | 50 mg | Skin hydration, joint lubrication | Mid cost |
| Vitamin C | L-Ascorbic acid — commodity. Lowest cost per mg of any ingredient on the list. | 50 mg | Collagen synthesis co-factor, antioxidant | Low cost |
| Natural Bacon Flavor | Pork-derived natural flavor — matches category standard. Do not substitute with chicken or salmon flavor (palatability risk). | 150 mg | Palatability — drives repeat purchase | Low cost |
Ingredients must remain stable in aqueous solution. Shelf life target: 18 months unopened, 60 days after opening (refrigerated). No artificial preservatives — acceptable: potassium sorbate at approved pet levels, rosemary extract. The key cost saving vs. benchmark is replacing branded UC-II® with generic undenatured Type II chicken collagen at the same 40 mg dose. Same active mechanism, no IP risk. Factory to submit stability protocol and COA alongside first prototype.
| Dog Weight | Daily Dose | Supply per 100 mL |
|---|---|---|
| Under 25 lbs (<11 kg) | 1 mL | ~60 days |
| 25–75 lbs (11–34 kg) | 2 mL | ~30 days |
| Over 75 lbs (>34 kg) | 3 mL | ~20 days |
Administer once daily. Mix directly into food or deliver via dropper. Formula designed to be odorless and palatable — flavor driven by natural flavoring only, no artificial masking.
"The dropper must deliver a precise 1 mL per full draw. Calibration marks at 1 mL, 2 mL, and 3 mL required on the dropper stem."
— Packaging RequirementRepairs skin barrier from within. Reduces scratching, hot spots, and dry skin within 4–6 weeks of consistent use. Biotin and Omega-3 drive visible coat improvements — shine, density, reduced shedding.
UC-II Type II collagen and MSM work together to reduce joint inflammation and maintain cartilage integrity. Targeted at active dogs and seniors experiencing stiffness or reduced range of motion.
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides contribute to intestinal wall integrity, supporting dogs with leaky gut, loose stools, or food sensitivities. No fillers or binders — gentle on sensitive stomachs.
Daily structural support for connective tissue, nail strength, and immune function. Works as a foundation supplement across all life stages — complementary to existing vet treatments.
Launch with one SKU — Natural Bacon flavor. Bacon is the highest-palatability flavor in the liquid pet supplement category and the format used by the market leader. Avoids split inventory, simplifies labeling, reduces MOQ. Expand to additional flavors only after first production run validates formula.
Facility must hold current cGMP certification for dietary supplements (21 CFR Part 111 or equivalent). NASC membership preferred. ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000 food safety certification acceptable.
Certificate of Analysis required for each batch. Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury), microbial (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria), and active ingredient potency verification against label claim.
All active ingredients must be non-GMO. Collagen source must be traceable — bovine from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals or marine from wild-caught cold-water fish. No rendered by-products.
Target landed COGS under $6.00 per 60 mL unit at 1,000 MOQ. The biggest lever is the collagen ingredient swap — generic undenatured Type II replaces the branded UC-II® at identical dosage. All other ingredients are commodities.
| Cost Component | Benchmark (branded) | Target (generic) | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type II Collagen (40mg/mL × 60mL) | ~$2.40/unit (UC-II® branded) | ~$0.24/unit | −90% |
| Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides (800mg/mL × 60mL) | ~$1.20/unit (bovine) | ~$1.00/unit | −17% |
| MSM + Vitamin C + Flavor | ~$0.40/unit | ~$0.35/unit | −13% |
| Hyaluronic Acid (50mg/mL × 60mL) | ~$0.60/unit | ~$0.45/unit | −25% |
| Bottle + dropper + label + carton | ~$1.80/unit (amber glass) | ~$1.20/unit | −33% |
| Filling + QC + overhead | ~$0.80/unit | ~$0.70/unit | — |
| Total estimated COGS (60 mL) | ~$7.20/unit | ~$3.94/unit | −45% |
Switching from amber glass (UV-protective but expensive) to a frosted HDPE or PET bottle with UV inhibitor additive saves ~$0.50–0.70/unit with no meaningful shelf-life impact for a refrigerated product. Factory to quote both options. Final decision depends on brand positioning — glass signals premium; plastic enables sharper retail price.
Most pet supplements are built for shelf margin, not for dogs. VitaFlow is a clean-formula product with no compromise on active ingredient concentration — every mL delivers what the label promises.
Please prepare one prototype based on the formula specification above — single SKU, Natural Bacon flavor, for internal evaluation and palatability testing.
"We evaluate palatability through a 2-week blind feeding trial with a panel of 10 dogs before confirming any formula. COA and stability data are required before evaluation begins."
— Evaluation ProtocolPrototype samples requested within 45 days of brief acceptance. Formula sign-off and first production run targeting Q3 2026. DTC launch planned Q4 2026.
Factory to confirm receipt, flag any formulation constraints, and return a sampling timeline with preliminary MOQ and pricing. All samples and documentation to be shipped to address provided separately. This brief is confidential — not for distribution.