Are horses still killed to make glue?

Are Horses Still Killed to Make Glue?

It’s a question that lingers in the back of many minds: are horses still being killed to make glue? The short answer is no—especially not by companies like LD Davis, a modern producer of animal-based adhesives. While it’s true that animal glue once had a murky past, with historical use of horse parts and byproducts, the industry has evolved significantly.

Today’s animal glues are made from collagen, a protein found primarily in the connective tissues and hides of animals like cows and pigs. These materials are byproducts of the meat and leather industries, not sourced solely for glue production. As LD Davis clarifies, “No animals have ever been brought into our North Carolina manufacturing plant for glue production.” This means no horses—or any animals—are specifically slaughtered for their glue-making operations.

Modern animal glues, while still referred to by that traditional name, are made under strict ethical and food-safety regulations. The raw materials are typically processed from parts that would otherwise go to waste, supporting a more sustainable use of resources. The glue you buy today, even if labeled “animal-based,” likely comes from bovine or porcine sources—ethically sourced byproducts, not dedicated slaughter.

Of course, for those seeking alternatives, synthetic and plant-based glues are widely available and often preferred for their consistency and cruelty-free appeal. But for traditional applications like woodworking, bookbinding, or art restoration, animal glue remains valued for its reversible bond and natural properties.

So while the old myth persists, the truth is far less grim. The glue industry has moved on—and so should the stories we tell about it.