Are Vital Proteins Collagen From Grass-Fed Cows? Sourcing Facts

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to market research, global sales of grass-fed collagen are projected to grow significantly, reflecting a rise in consumer interest in ethically sourced and high-quality supplements. This growing demand leads many to question: are Vital Proteins collagen from grass-fed cows?

Quick Summary

Vital Proteins sources its collagen from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows, but cannot guarantee a 100% grass-fed diet due to factors like weather. This practice aligns with ethical sourcing and offers consumers high-quality, bioavailable collagen peptides.

Key Points

Sourced from Grass-Fed and Pasture-Raised Cows: Vital Proteins confirms its bovine collagen is from cows raised predominantly on outdoor pastures with access to grass, air, and water.
Not Guaranteed 100% Grass-Fed: Due to circumstances like inclement weather requiring indoor housing, the diet of the cattle may be supplemented, meaning the '100% grass-fed' claim cannot be guaranteed.
Ethical and Sustainable Practices: Vital Proteins prioritizes partnerships with suppliers committed to high standards of animal welfare and sustainability, including upcycling hides from the meat industry.
High-Quality Peptides: The collagen is hydrolyzed into peptides for high bioavailability and efficient absorption by the body.
Focus on Purity: The final product is free from added hormones or antibiotics and undergoes quality testing.
Supports Skin, Joints, and Bones: Vital Proteins collagen provides Type I and III collagen, which support the health of skin, bones, and joints.

Sourcing the Source: Decoding Vital Proteins' Commitments

For many health-conscious consumers, the origin and ethics of their supplements are just as important as the health benefits they provide. When it comes to collagen, particularly from a brand as popular as Vital Proteins, a common question arises: is their collagen sourced exclusively from grass-fed cows? The answer is nuanced, as Vital Proteins explicitly states their collagen comes from grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine hides, but with a specific caveat regarding the '100% grass-fed' claim.

Vital Proteins explains that their bovine collagen is sourced from cattle that have been raised predominantly on outdoor pastures with access to fresh grass, air, and water. They also use the term 'pasture-raised' interchangeably with this lifestyle. This farming practice is considered more humane and environmentally friendly than conventional, feedlot-based methods. However, the company acknowledges there may be times when farmers must move cattle indoors for the animals' welfare, such as during inclement weather or drought. When this happens, the cows' diet may diversify, meaning the brand cannot guarantee their product is sourced from cattle who have been 100% grass-fed throughout their entire lives.

The Nuance of 'Grass-Fed' vs. 'Pasture-Raised'

The distinction between these terms is crucial for understanding Vital Proteins' sourcing. While the two terms are often used together, they have different meanings.

Grass-Fed: Refers to the animal's diet, which consists mainly or entirely of grass and forage. True 100% grass-fed and grass-finished animals never receive grain. Vital Proteins' use of 'predominantly' signifies that while grass is the primary diet, other food sources may be introduced.
Pasture-Raised: Refers to where the animal is raised, meaning they have access to and spend a significant portion of their lives on a pasture. This ensures more natural living conditions compared to confinement feeding operations, and Vital Proteins commits to this standard.

By stating their collagen comes from 'grass-fed and pasture-raised' cows, Vital Proteins is transparently communicating their commitment to ethical sourcing while acknowledging the practicalities of farming, which prevent a 100% grass-fed guarantee.

Benefits of Ethically-Sourced Collagen

Opting for collagen from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows offers several advantages beyond animal welfare. The diet and living conditions of the animals can influence the end product.

Richer Nutritional Profile: While research is ongoing, studies on beef suggest that grass-fed animals can have a healthier fatty acid profile and higher levels of certain phytonutrients compared to their grain-fed counterparts. These characteristics are often associated with better overall nutrition.
Purity: Pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle are typically raised without the routine use of antibiotics or growth hormones, which can be a concern for some consumers.
Sustainability: Pasture-based farming supports sustainable agriculture by improving soil health and reducing the environmental impact associated with large-scale grain production and feedlots.
Upcycling: Vital Proteins also highlights that their collagen peptides are an upcycled byproduct of the meat and leather industries. Cattle are not raised specifically for collagen, making it a sustainable use of material that would otherwise be discarded.

Sourcing Standards & Certifications

Vital Proteins takes steps to ensure product quality and ethical sourcing. This includes working with suppliers who meet social and environmental standards, pursuing third-party certifications like Whole30 Approved, and maintaining extensive quality procedures. The company is also committed to supply chain traceability and aims for a deforestation-free primary supply chain.

Vital Proteins vs. Other Collagen Sources: A Comparison

To better understand Vital Proteins' product, it's helpful to compare grass-fed bovine collagen with another popular source: marine collagen.


Feature	Vital Proteins (Grass-Fed Bovine)	Marine Collagen (Fish-Sourced)
Source	Hides from pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle	Skin, scales, or bones of fish
Collagen Types	Primarily Type I and Type III	Primarily Type I
Key Benefits	Supports skin, bone, joint health; rich in glycine, proline, hydroxyproline	Focuses heavily on skin elasticity and hydration; high bioavailability
Bioavailability	Very high due to hydrolysis into peptides	Considered highly bioavailable
Ethical/Sustainability	Pasture-raised and upcycled; ethical concerns are minimal given pasture-based sourcing	Upcycled from fishing byproducts; sustainability depends on fishing practices
Dietary Notes	Suitable for Paleo and Whole30; not pescatarian	Suitable for Pescatarian diet; not vegan

How to Choose the Right Collagen for You

Making an informed decision about which collagen supplement is right for you involves evaluating your personal dietary needs, ethical standards, and health goals. For those seeking a product that prioritizes animal welfare and sustainable practices, Vital Proteins' commitment to pasture-raised, grass-fed sourcing makes it a strong contender. Their transparent communication about the 100% grass-fed limitation allows consumers to make a choice based on full disclosure.

A simple checklist for consideration:

Check Certifications: Look for third-party verifications on the packaging that align with your values, such as Whole30 Approved or NSF Certified.
Consider Your Diet: If you are a pescatarian, you'll need a marine-based collagen. If you follow a Paleo or Whole30 diet, Vital Proteins is a suitable option.
Research Product Claims: Always look for companies that are transparent about their sourcing, like Vital Proteins is on their website.
Evaluate Your Goals: While both bovine and marine collagen offer benefits, some choose bovine for broader support of skin, joints, and bones, while others focus on marine for its specific skin-focused benefits.

Conclusion

In summary, when it comes to the question, "Are vital proteins collagen from grass-fed cows?", the definitive answer is that they are sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows, but with the specific qualification that their diet may not be exclusively grass throughout their lives. Vital Proteins is transparent about this, explaining that adverse weather can lead to periods of indoor feeding. The brand commits to ethical, pasture-based sourcing and upcycling practices, and this approach is reflected in their high-quality, bioavailable collagen peptides. For consumers who prioritize these factors alongside the widely-recognized benefits of collagen supplementation for skin, joint, and bone health, Vital Proteins remains a reliable and responsible choice.

Vital Proteins Social and Environmental Responsibility

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Vital Proteins states that while their collagen is from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows, they cannot guarantee a 100% grass-fed diet throughout the animals' lives. This is because cows may be moved indoors during adverse weather, and their diet may be supplemented.

Grass-fed refers to the animal's diet, which consists of grass and forage. Pasture-raised refers to the animal's living conditions, meaning they have access to and spend time on outdoor pastures. Vital Proteins commits to both standards, but the 'grass-fed' label is qualified by seasonal variations.

Yes, Vital Proteins considers their collagen to be a sustainably sourced and upcycled byproduct of the meat and leather industries. The company collaborates with suppliers who uphold social and environmental standards to ensure transparency and minimize waste.

Vital Proteins bovine collagen products primarily contain Type I and Type III collagen, which are beneficial for the health of skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints.

Grass-fed collagen is often preferred for ethical and environmental reasons, and research on grass-fed beef suggests a potentially healthier fatty acid profile. While both provide amino acids, the main advantage of grass-fed collagen relates more to sourcing practices rather than dramatically different health outcomes.

Yes, Vital Proteins bovine collagen peptides are both Paleo-friendly and Whole30 Approved. This is because they are made without added sugars, gluten, or dairy.

Vital Proteins does pursue third-party certifications, such as NSF, to ensure product quality. Their commitment to sourcing and manufacturing integrity includes extensive quality processes.