In conversation with Natalie Leuwer, Category Management & Product Marketing Food, Gelita, she delves into the journey behind developing petagile, their core mission, and expansion plans.
Question- What led GELITA to develop PETAGILE® specifically for pet joint health?
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder in humans and pets, whereas canine, feline and equine versus human OA have similar location & pathogenesis. It is a chronic progressive disease. The predominant clinical signs are pain and immobility. The major risk factors are overweight, genetic pre-disposition, and injury trauma.
Current treatments are limited and often attempt to treat OA symptoms rather than improve joint structure and function. Therefore, developing a specific collagen peptide solution for pets, was a logical next step.
Question- How do PETAGILE® collagen peptides function to support joint cartilage in pets?
Why is this a major cause of concern for pets? PETAGILE® contains Bioactive Collagen Peptides® (BCP), which are specifically designed peptide fragments. These peptides stimulate cartilage cells (chondrocytes) to naturally increase the production of cartilage components. This mechanism helps slow down cartilage degradation and inflammatory processes, leading to improved mobility and reduced pain in affected pets.
Question– How can PETAGILE® be incorporated into different pet food and supplement formats?
As a natural, white, taste- and odorless powder, PETAGILE® can be easily incorporated into a wide range of applications. It is suitable for use in powdered products as well as in dry, wet, baked, or extruded pet food and supplement formulations. It is even perfect to be easily incorporated in water.
Question– What dosage guidelines does GELITA recommend for various pet sizes or species?
The recommended daily dosage for dogs and cats is 1 g per 5 kg of body weight. For horses, the recommended daily amount is 50 g.
Question- How does PETAGILE® differentiate itself from traditional joint-support ingredients in the pet care market?
Unlike many conventional joint health supplements for pets, PETAGILE® directly stimulates cartilage cells (chondrocytes) to naturally increase cartilage components. In 2024, a placebo-controlled, double-blind interventional study demonstrated that clinical signs of naturally occurring canine osteoarthritis were not only halted but improved, as measured by objective assessment methods after a 12-week test period. Furthermore objective assessment (treadmill analysis) showed improved walking and running behavior.
Question– How does PETAGILE educate pet parents on the importance of this subject?
PETAGILE® supports education and awareness by making joint health improvements visible and tangible for pet parents. Through observational studies, before-and-after videos, images, and real-life stories document changes in mobility, activity levels, and overall quality of life. These materials allow pet owners to directly see how improved joint health can help pets regain comfort, mobility, and joy in everyday life.
In parallel, GELITA underlines the importance of this topic through a strong scientific commitment. The effects of PETAGILE® are investigated in structured scientific studies, reflecting the company’s serious and evidence-based approach to pet joint health.
Natalie Leuwer
Category Management & Product Marketing Food
natalie.leuwer@gelita.com