wanting to put on muscle mass

[Kendall Aliza]

I've had my new dog for a few months now and I have noticed that he is not putting on the muscle mass that I'd like him have. We are pretty active--- 20 minute walks 2x a day, several games of throwing around his favorite ball, and lots of just running around in the yard. I realize that these are all very cardio oriented exercises... Are there foods that could help? Or new ways/games we could play that would be more oriented to the building of muscle mass? I am currently feeding Chicken Soup, he is 11 month old retriever mix, weighs 38 lbs (he should stay right around 40 lbs), and his previous owner obvously did not give him proper care. Any thoughts?

[aussiesmum]

Swiming might help.

[Hee Yung Lee]

Swimming is a good idea! You could also try giving him healthy, high protein treats. I give Bogart freeze dried liver every once in awhile and he also has these liver chip things (can't think of the name right now).

[Summer Magic]

Hi Kendall
I don't know if this will help you or not, but my daughter breeds, raises and trains American Sport horses. When she wants them to put on muscle mass for an event an exhibition she increases their protien intake and does low impact exercises such as walking and trotting to build their muscles. She has found on her own that strenuous exercise does not build but slow movement for an extended period of time will build up muscle tissue.

Judy

[Chris Smith]

I agree with the increased protein intake (but be careful not to overdo it).

I would also try doing tug of war type games. My dog has become very muscular and strong and I think it is from pulling and tugging type of activities. With tug of war, his jaws and mouth have of course become stronger, but he pushes so hard with all fours that I think it increases his body muscle and his leg strength.

We also do walks and hikes up hills. He can fly up them (sometimes I will try and sprint up too but I can't keep up with him). I think this has also increased his muscle mass more than just flat walks or him doing lots of retrieving.

And, as others said, swimming would probably be great for it.

[Andre Mendizabal]

Nala is in a half raw half kibble diet, and when we first start her protein intake increased, it helped with her muscle mass, she has very muscular and strong legs, she doesn't swim (hates water), but she will do the walks, trots, tug-o-war, and also a lot of jumping (there's a brick square like 1.5mt high, were she jumps up to see into the kitchen window, she does this several times a day and has helped her build muscular mass in her back legs).

Right now she's the strongest beagle we know, she has a perfect weight and a lot of energy....

Anyway, your pup is still young, so maybe he'll start gaining muscle a little after his first year... Nala has gained muscle since after her 11 month old birthday, before that she was a tall skinny gal!!!!

[Frances Grady]

yes, all these things will help with building muscle i dont know if your wanting to build the muscle temporarily or forever but i run my dog not to fast not to slow. a regular human treadmill would work, also there is a product on the market for building muscle i saw it in a pet product magazine. like someone else has said tug o war will help and just using those muscles which will help build endurance which dogs have alot of already but my dog could run all day and shes fast! just like a good athlete you must work your dog out at least twice a week to keep those muscles toned.

Id slit my wrists before id ever hurt a child.....Micheal Jackson

[Kendall Aliza]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I want the muscle mass for the long haul... He has been pretty good with putting on pounds he was missing, but I was just worried that I wasnt doing all I could to build up his muscles. In the next year I hope to have him looking they he was built to look, even though he will always have this massive head. :)