If your dog is accustomed to extreme physical work, depends on his appearance or is in recovery from a past illness, he will require prime nutrition to maintain great health and fitness. Using supplements can help your dog build muscle and strength when added to the proper diet and exercise regimen.
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The Facts
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There are some precautions about adding supplements to your dog's diet. The most important is that no supplement should be used without complete support from your veterinarian. But they can be very beneficial. Building good quality muscle is important for your dog's overall health and helps keep his weight balanced, since muscle uses energy while at rest as well as while working
Types
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Muscles are made from amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Start by feeding your dog high-quality food that contains good protein his digestive system can easily use.
Amino acid complexes, especially those containing B vitamins, are a good way to add high-quality protein to your dog's diet. Use a formulation especially for dogs; human formulations can contain ingredients your dog can't use and might upset his digestive system.
Rice bran oil has recently become a supplement added to canine diets to build muscle tissue. Keep in mind that it is a plant-based steroid, so your pet may test positive for steroid use if he is in competitions while taking this supplement. Rice bran oil should be given in concentrated liquid form; powders and capsules might pass right through your dog without being absorbed.
Benefits
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Even if your dog is not a super athlete, the stress of travel, shows and recovering from illness can be lessened by muscle supplements. There are health benefits beyond just enhancing musculature--your dog's immune, digestive and circulatory systems can benefit from the extra protein, vitamins and minerals.
Joint health is vital to overall health, too. Stronger muscles improve the function of joints, reducing arthritic symptoms and the chance of injury. Just as with humans, a good physique usually means a healthier body overall.
Expert Insight
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Strength training helps your dog perform all types of athletic feats, even if they do not directly involve muscle strength. Strength training involves bursts of speed or energy such as retrieving, jumping and physical play. It is important your dog has adequate muscle development to perform these intense activities and reduce the risk of lasting injury.
Warning
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It is extremely unhealthy to give your dog steroids. Steroids have the same effects on canine health as they do in humans, so do not compromise your dog's life by giving him steroids--unless they are prescribed by a veterinarian for an underlying health condition.
Misconceptions
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Muscle supplements will not cause explosive growth in your dog's physique. Only the proper types of exercise will develop muscle groups. Supplements simply make it easier for your dog to develop and maintain the muscles that grow through exercise and good nutrition.
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