· By Andrea Cormie
What to Do with the Ends of Your Chew
Making the most of every Mighty Marrow®.
One of our favourite things about Mighty Marrows is that even the last little piece can have another purpose. Once your dog reaches the end of their Mighty Marrow, we recommend removing it before it becomes small enough to potentially be swallowed whole. Instead of throwing it away, save it to make a Mighty Morsel!
With a little moisture and gentle heat, the Mighty Morsel transforms into a light, collagen-rich puff that's perfect as an occasional treat and a fun new texture for your dog to enjoy.
If this method isn't for you, don't worry! Mighty Marrows are made from a naturally digestible collagen protein, and any unused end piece is biodegradable—so there's no plastic or synthetic waste left behind.
Looking for your dog's next chew? Shop Mighty Marrows®
Does Heating Damage Collagen?
No. Gentle heating methods, such as microwaving for a short time or baking in a standard oven, do not destroy the collagen protein.
Heating changes the texture of the collagen by allowing moisture and steam to expand its structure reating a light, airy or crunchy puff depending on the cooking method. While the texture changes, the protein itself remains.
Even after puffing, the treat is still a source of collagen protein. Collagen naturally contains amino acids such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are important structural building blocks found in connective tissues.
Why Does it Puff?
Mighty Marrows are made from collagen, a naturally digestible protein. As collagen is exposed to moisture and heat, steam forms within its structure. As it expands and softens, a light, airy texture is created. This is a fun way to use the last portion of your Mighty Marrow chew while getting every bit of enjoyment from it.
Can You Bake a Mighty Morsel in the Oven?
Yes! Baking creates a delicious, crunchy collagen treat your pup will love.
- Soak the Mighty Morsel in warm water for 10 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Mighty Morsel(s) on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until puffed and lightly golden brown.
- Allow the puff to cool completely.
- Break into appropriately sized pieces for your dog and serve as an occasional treat.
Tip: Every oven heats a little differently, so baking times may vary. Check the puffs regularly during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking or burning. If the puff begins to brown or burn, reduce the cooking time during your next attempt. Every microwave and oven heats differently.
The texture of a baked Mighty Morsel is more of a crunchy cookie. The different textures come from how heat is transferred and how quickly water turns to steam.
Can a Mighty Morsel Be Microwaved?
Yes! Follow these simple steps to create a light, collagen-rich puff:
- Soak the Mighty Morsel in warm water for 10 minutes.
- Place it on a microwave-safe plate lined with parchment paper.
- Microwave on high for approximately 60 seconds. If you're preparing multiple Mighty Morsels at once, additional heating time may be needed.
- Allow the puff to cool completely.
- Break the puff into appropriately sized pieces for your dog, then let them enjoy!
Tip: Every microwave is different, so cooking times may vary slightly. The puff should be fully expanded and dry to the touch. If needed, continue microwaving in 10-second intervals, checking after each interval to avoid overheating.
Important Serving Information:
The entire puff should always be broken into smaller pieces appropriate for your dog’s size. Even though the collagen becomes light and airy, the puff should not be offered whole. Breaking it into bite-sized pieces helps your dog enjoy it safely and makes it easier to control portion size.
|
Size of full Mighty Marrow |
Weight (per chew) |
Calories (per chew) |
Protein (per chew) |
Approximate Protein per inch. |
|
Small (4”x1”) |
50 g |
140-150 cal |
36 g |
~ 9 g per inch |
|
Large (6”x1.5”) |
95 g |
270-280 cal |
69 g |
~ 11.5 g per inch |
|
Jumbo (8.5”x1.5”) |
166 g |
540-550 cal |
121 g |
~ 14 g per inch |
Before You Serve: Safety First.
-
Always allow the puff to cool completely before handling or serving it to your dog.
-
Break the puff into appropriately sized pieces for your dog's size and chewing style. Please do not offer the entire puff whole.
-
Fresh drinking water should always be available.
-
Please be mindful that Collagen Puffs may become sticky after heating due to the increased moisture content. Collagen is water-soluble. We recommend wiping your dog's chin or paws after snack time if needed.
-
If your dog tends to swallow treats without chewing, offer smaller pieces and monitor closely.
-
This is intended as an occasional treat and should be included as part of your dog's daily calorie intake.
FAQs
What is a Mighty Morsel?
A Mighty Morsel is our name for a puffed collagen chew made from the end of a Mighty Marrow® collagen dog chew.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Once completely cooled, store the collagen puffs in an airtight container for several days. If they absorb moisture from the air, they may become softer over time.
Can I puff an entire Mighty Marrow?
We recommend using only the remaining end pieces after your dog has safely enjoyed most of the chew.
Why didn't my chew puff very much?
Different sizes and moisture levels can affect how much the collagen expands. Be sure to soak the chew for about 10 minutes before heating. Additional soaking time can be added to increase the puff factor.
Can puppies have collagen puffs?
Mighty Marrows are safe for all ages and stages! Always supervise your puppy while they dine.
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes! Many customers find an air fryer works similarly to an oven. Start with a low cooking time and monitor closely, as every appliance varies.
Why does the puff look different every time?
No two collagen puffs are exactly alike! Because every end piece is a slightly different size and shape, some puff into large airy pieces while others stay smaller and denser.
Why do you recommend removing the last piece?
Once a Mighty Marrow becomes small enough that your dog could potentially swallow it whole, it's time to trade chew time for puff time! Saving the end piece lets your dog enjoy every bit of the chew in a different way.
My dog swallowed a piece before I could puff it. Is that okay?
Small ends pose a choking risk as with any treat or chew. Mighty Marrows are made from digestible collagen. If your dog swallowed a piece that was appropriate for their size, it would digest normally. Monitor your dog afterward and contact your veterinarian if you are concerned.
Want to see the transformation?
Check out the action:
