Researchers bridge the gap between human and veterinary applications for HMB, by demonstrating its benefits for dogs losing muscle mass and function.
Age-related muscle loss doesn’t just affect people. It’s also a common, but often overlooked, aspect of aging in pets. Now a new study, published in Nature, is the first to demonstrate HMB’s ability to improve daily activity and protein metabolism in dogs with clinically relevant muscle loss. These results set HMB apart from other pet nutrition ingredients that rely primarily on anecdotal or less specific functional claims.
Optimal Musculoskeletal Health is Critical to Pets’ Overall Healthy Aging
HMB (β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate) has a dual role, protecting existing muscle mass while promoting metabolic processes that support muscle function. “HMB’s benefits for muscle health are well-documented in humans. Now, this research provides direct evidence of its efficacy in companion animals, particularly those losing muscle mass and function,” observes Shawn Baier, MS, M.B.A., whose work with TSI Group focuses on HMB and muscle health.
“Healthy bones, joints and muscles contribute to a pet’s mobility and overall quality of life. HMB is well-known for its muscle-preserving properties,” explains Baier. “By supporting muscle health, it indirectly aids in maintaining a healthy weight, ensuring joint health, and enhancing mobility. All these factors contribute to a happier, more active life for pets, which is the ultimate goal for pet owners and brands alike.”
Study Demonstrates HMB’s Ability to Improve Daily Activity and Protein Metabolism
For this placebo-controlled, double-blinded crossover study, dogs under three years old with clinically relevant Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) were randomly assigned to receive daily 3 g of HMB or placebo for 28 days (dosing regimen 1) followed by a wash-out period of 14–21 days. Immediately after the washout period and baseline measurements, dosing regimen 2 started for each dog in which the other nutritional supplement (placebo or HMB) was provided daily for 28 days. Researchers analyzed the dogs’ activity levels and key metabolic markers.
Most of the dogs in the study responded to the 3 g daily of HMB treatment by increasing their exertional and non-exertional activity and reducing their rest time. Significant protein and amino acid metabolism improvements were also found with HMB, with no adverse side effects observed.
Baier says these results enhance the scientific understanding of HMB’s role in dogs’ muscle health. “Increased daily activity levels are a clear functional outcome, showing that HMB’s metabolic benefits translate into real-world improvements in mobility and vitality.
“Additionally, the improvements in protein and amino acid metabolism suggest HMB plays a critical role in enhancing muscle protein turnover, which is essential for maintaining and building muscle mass. This combination of metabolic and functional benefits underscores HMB’s efficacy as both a protective and supportive solution for muscle health in dogs.”
This study has exciting implications for pet health supplements
Baier says this research opens the door for HMB to be positioned not just as a muscle health supplement, but as a critical component in comprehensive healthy aging formulas for pets. He identifies several ways HMB is differentiated from other pet nutrition ingredients:
- HMB targets the root causes of muscle loss in pets. “Unlike many pet supplements that focus on general joint health or broad-spectrum nutrients, HMB directly targets muscle metabolism at the cellular level. It’s about more than maintaining mobility. It’s about preserving lean muscle mass, improving protein synthesis and reducing muscle breakdown.”
- HMB is backed by science. “These benefits were observed in a controlled study with measurable outcomes, such as improved activity levels and metabolic markers. This distinguishes HMB from ingredients whose claims are based on little — if any — scientific evidence.”
- This study confirms HMB’s strong safety profile in dogs, even at high dosages. “This is crucial, especially in the pet health industry where safety is the top priority for pet owners and veterinarians alike. The fact that no adverse events, body weight loss or biochemical abnormalities were observed — even at the highest reported dose in the literature — reinforces confidence in HMB as a safe, long-term supplement. This safety data complements existing human research, providing reassurance across species.”
He is certain this research creates even greater opportunities for the pet supplement industry to target specific segments, such as senior dogs, pets recovering from surgery, or those with muscle-wasting conditions. “It also supports the development of combination products where HMB can complement joint health ingredients, enhancing overall mobility and quality of life.”
Baier concludes, “The most important takeaway from this study is that it provides the first clinical evidence that HMB can improve muscle health and activity levels in dogs while maintaining an exceptional safety profile. It is well positioned as a scientifically validated solution for muscle preservation and healthy aging in companion animals.”
Those interested in learning more about formulating pet nutrition products with HMB, please contact us at [email protected]
