A novel study published in Nature has found that beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) could support an ageing dog's muscles, while enhancing their overall activity.
In this trial, dogs with Duchenne muscular dystrophy — a severe neuromuscular disease — were given the anabolic metabolite, which initiated an increase in protein synthesis, as well as a reduction in biomarkers of muscle and collagen breakdown.
Although HMB has been touted as an important muscle health ingredient in humans, little research has been done into the potential of the nutraceutical in dogs.
According to the TSI Group, "these results set HMB apart from other pet nutrition ingredients that rely primarily on anectodal or less specific functional claims."
Combatting ageing in companion animals
Age-related muscle loss isn't specific to humans, and our beloved pets can also experience this quality of life-reducing phenomenon.
To keep their companion animals happy and active for as long as possible in their latter years, owners may need to assist their dog by protecting their existing muscle mass, while also promoting metabolic processes that support muscular function.
As HMB can have these effects in humans, researchers at the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences at Texas A&M University hypothesised that daily supplementation with the metabolite could promote musculoskeletal health.
To assess this, they conducted a placebo-controlled crossover study, where dogs under three years old with DMD received either 3g of HMB or a placebo for a four week period.
This was then followed by a 2–3 week washout period and then a switch to the opposite treatment group to assess the overall impact of HMB on all dogs tested.
Throughout the study period, each dog's activity levels were assessed, as well as metabolic markers of protein synthesis/metabolism, muscular and skeletal degradation.
HMB supports protein metabolism
Through this study, researchers found that daily supplementation with 3g of HMB could boost a dog's daily activity — including both exertional (running) and non-exertional (walking) activity.
Dogs consuming HMB supplements also had a reduced rest time, suggesting that their muscles were more equipped to be active for prolonged periods.
From the assessment of musculoskeletal health-related biomarkers, researchers also found that dogs experienced significant improvements to their protein and amino acid metabolism markers.
Concentrations of hydroxyproline, a common marker associated with collagen degradation, were also reduced in dogs taking HMB.
These findings suggest that HMB plays a key role in enahncing muscle turnover in dogs with DMD — a key process involved in the maintenance and building of muscle mass.
No adverse side effects of HMB supplementation were reported during the study span.
The uncovered potential of HMB in pet health
HMB has long been touted as a key muscle health ingredient in humans, but now there is research supporting its role in pet health.
"This research provides direct evidence of its efficacy in companion animals — particularly those losing muscular mass and function," notes Shawn Baier, a HMB and muscle health-focused researcher who works alongside the TSI Group.
“Healthy bones, joints and muscles contribute to a pet’s mobility and overall quality of life. By utilising HMB to support muscle health, dog owners could indirectly aid their companion animal in maintaining a healthy weight, ensuring joint health and enhancing mobility," he noted. "All these factors contribute to a happier, more active life for pets."
Bair also noted that, although these effects were seen in younger dogs with a neuromuscular condition, it could be inferred that HMB supplementation would have a similar impact on ageing canines.
"By targeting the root causes of muscular loss in pets at a cellular level, HMB supplementation could preserve lean muscle mass, improve protein synthesis and reduce muscle breakdown, which would greatly benefit ageing dogs who are more prone to muscular degradation," he added.
The study also confirms the safety of HMB supplementation in dogs — even at high doses — suggesting that the ingredient is suitable for long-term support.