Lonza Capsugel will launch its new premium collagen blend for petfood applications at Interzoo 2026 in Nuremberg from 12–15 May. Visitors to booth 7-247 will be able to explore how UC-FLEX® collagen blend is designed to help brands meet growing demand for science-backed joint health support in the petfood market.
Consumer research indicates that more than 40 percent of global pet owners are interested in petfood offering functional health benefits such as joint support. Meanwhile, petfood launches containing collagen increased by 34 percent between 2021 and 2025. In response, Lonza Capsugel is introducing its UC-FLEX® collagen blend for companion animals, combining UC-II® undenatured type II collagen with calcium carbonate.
A daily 400 mg serving delivers the validated 40 mg dose of UC-II® undenatured type II collagen shown to improve joint comfort, flexibility and mobility in dogs. Manufactured in FDA-registered and NSF food GMP-certified facilities in the United States, approved for EU imports, UC-II® Pets is blended with calcium carbonate through contamination-controlled processes intended to ensure purity, quality and reliability for pet nutrition applications.
Dr Zain Saiyed, Global Director, Research & Product Development (Dosage Form Solutions & Ingredients) at Lonza Capsugel, said the expansion of the UC-II® Pets portfolio helps bridge the gap between the proven benefits of UC-II® undenatured type II collagen and the formulation needs of petfood manufacturers.
He added that UC-FLEX® collagen blend enables brands to provide premium and trusted joint health support in formats suited to petfood applications.
Visitors will also be able to learn more about the science supporting UC-II® undenatured type II collagen for pets. The ingredient is backed by more than 20 years of research and 10 peer-reviewed publications in companion animals. Its low effective dose of 40 mg per day and formulation flexibility allow it to be incorporated into formats such as treats and chews.