Best Dog Muscle Supplements (2026) – Top 10 Reviewed

Maintaining strong, healthy muscles is essential for your dog’s mobility, quality of life, and overall well-being — especially as they age. Whether your dog is losing muscle due to aging, recovering from surgery, or is an active working breed that needs peak performance, muscle supplements can provide targeted nutritional support. We’ve reviewed the best dog muscle supplements to help you find the right formula for building and maintaining your pup’s lean muscle mass.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: MYOS Canine Muscle Formula – Clinically proven Fortetropin for muscle health
• Best Value: Bully Max 2-in-1 Muscle Builder Tablets – Affordable daily muscle support
• Best Premium: VetriScience HMB Healthy Muscle & Strength – Science-backed HMB formula

Quick Comparison

Product	Key Ingredients	Form	Servings	Best For
MYOS Canine Muscle Formula	Fortetropin (fertilized egg yolk)	Powder	60	Overall muscle health
Bully Max 2-in-1 Muscle Builder Tablets	Vitamins, minerals, amino acids	Chewable tablets	60	Budget-friendly muscle builder
Bully Max 3-in-1 Liquid Muscle Builder	Synergistic nutrients, botanicals	Liquid	Varies by weight	Picky eaters & food toppers
MYOS Canine Muscle Formula (Large)	Fortetropin (fertilized egg yolk)	Powder	120+	Large breeds & long-term use
Muscle Bully Muscle Builder	Protein blend, muscle-building nutrients	Powder	45	Bully breeds & working dogs
MVP K9 Muscle Builder & Performance	Performance blend for endurance	Powder	45	Performance & endurance
Bully Max Weight Gainer Chews	High-calorie blend, probiotics	Soft chews	75	Muscle gain with weight support
Bully Max Liquid Weight Gainer	Omega-3, whey protein	Liquid	Varies by weight	Protein-based muscle support

1. MYOS Canine Muscle Formula – Best Overall

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MYOS Canine Muscle Formula is the gold standard in veterinary muscle health, featuring the patented ingredient Fortetropin — a groundbreaking bioactive composition derived from fertilized egg yolk.

Backed by eight clinical studies and ten patents, Fortetropin has been shown to help build lean muscle mass, reduce muscle loss due to aging, and improve recovery from injury or surgery. This all-natural powder is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, and it’s trusted by over 3,000 veterinarians across the country. Simply sprinkle the recommended scoop over your dog’s food once or twice daily — there are no artificial additives or synthetic ingredients to worry about.

What We Like

• Clinically proven Fortetropin ingredient backed by eight published studies
• Single, all-natural ingredient with no artificial additives
• Trusted and recommended by over 3,000 veterinarians

What Could Be Better

• Premium price point — significantly more expensive than generic muscle supplements
• Powder format requires mixing with food, which some picky dogs may notice

Bottom Line: MYOS Canine Muscle Formula is the most scientifically validated muscle supplement available, making it our top choice for dogs experiencing muscle loss or needing enhanced muscle recovery.

2. Bully Max 2-in-1 Muscle Builder Tablets – Best Value

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Bully Max’s original Muscle Builder tablet is the most popular canine muscle supplement on the market, offering a comprehensive blend of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids at an accessible price.

This 2-in-1 formula works as both a muscle builder and a multivitamin, delivering everything your dog needs for healthy muscle gain and growth in just one daily tablet. It’s formulated for all breeds and ages, from growing puppies that need to fill out their frame to adult dogs that need to maintain lean muscle mass. The formula is vet-approved, made in the USA, and backed by Bully Max’s zero-recall track record.

What We Like

• Affordable daily supplement with proven muscle-building results
• Doubles as a multivitamin for complete nutritional support
• Simple one-tablet-per-day dosing for all breed sizes

What Could Be Better

• Tablets can be hard for some dogs to swallow — may need to be crushed
• Results require consistent daily use alongside proper exercise

Bottom Line: Bully Max 2-in-1 Muscle Builder is the best bang-for-your-buck muscle supplement, delivering proven results in a convenient, affordable daily tablet.

3. Bully Max 3-in-1 Liquid Muscle Builder – Best Liquid Formula

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The 3-in-1 Liquid Muscle Builder from Bully Max is a clinically tested formula that increases muscle mass, energy, and strength using advanced synergistic nutrients and functional botanicals.

This liquid supplement is marketed as the number-one-selling muscle builder worldwide for dogs, and it works as an excellent food topper for dry kibble or can be fed directly. The formula targets muscle growth, performance enhancement, and recovery in one product, making it ideal for active dogs and working breeds. It’s suitable for small, medium, and large breeds and works great for picky eaters who refuse tablets.

What We Like

• Liquid format makes it easy to mix with food or feed directly
• Triple-action formula supports muscle growth, energy, and recovery
• Made in the USA with vet-approved ingredients

What Could Be Better

• Bottle size may require frequent repurchasing for larger breeds
• Liquid can separate if not shaken before use

Bottom Line: Bully Max 3-in-1 Liquid is the best choice for dogs that won’t take tablets, providing comprehensive muscle support in a palatable liquid format.

4. MYOS Canine Muscle Formula (Large Size) – Best for Large Breeds

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This larger-size MYOS Canine Muscle Formula offers the same clinically proven Fortetropin in a more economical package for big dogs or extended supplementation periods.

The same all-natural, single-ingredient formula that makes the standard MYOS so effective comes in this larger container, reducing the per-serving cost for pet parents committed to long-term muscle health support. It’s especially well-suited for large breed dogs that require bigger daily servings, senior dogs on maintenance programs, and dogs in extended rehabilitation after surgery or injury. The powder has a neutral taste that blends easily into food.

What We Like

• Better value per serving than the standard-size container
• Same clinically proven Fortetropin formula in a larger quantity
• Ideal for large breeds and long-term supplementation plans

What Could Be Better

• Still a significant investment even in the larger size
• Powder may clump if exposed to moisture in the container

Bottom Line: The large-size MYOS offers the same proven muscle support at a better per-serving value, making it the smart choice for large breeds and ongoing muscle maintenance.

5. Muscle Bully Muscle Builder – Best for Bully Breeds

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Muscle Bully’s Muscle Builder is specifically designed to promote muscle growth, definition, and endurance in dogs, with a formula that’s especially popular among bully breed owners.

This supplement uses clinically proven muscle-building ingredients to support muscle growth, size, definition, and endurance in all breeds. While it’s particularly popular with owners of pit bulls, American bullies, and other muscular breeds, the formula works for any dog that needs enhanced muscle support. The powder format mixes easily with food, and many owners pair it with exercise routines to maximize results.

What We Like

• Formulated with clinically proven muscle-building ingredients
• Popular among bully breed owners with strong community reviews
• Supports muscle growth, definition, and athletic endurance

What Could Be Better

• Primarily marketed toward bully breeds, though effective for all dogs
• Smaller 45-serving container runs out quickly for larger dogs

Bottom Line: Muscle Bully is the top choice for bully breed owners and anyone looking to enhance their dog’s muscular definition and endurance.

6. MVP K9 Muscle Builder & Performance – Best for Performance Dogs

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MVP K9’s Muscle Builder & Performance supplement is engineered for dogs that need to perform at their best, supporting muscle building, endurance, and post-exercise recovery.

This performance-focused formula goes beyond basic muscle building to support endurance and recovery — critical factors for working dogs, agility competitors, and sporting breeds. The powder supplement is designed to be sprinkled over food and absorbed efficiently. It’s a favorite among handlers of protection dogs, hunting companions, and canine athletes who demand peak physical conditioning from their dogs.

What We Like

• Triple-focus on muscle building, endurance, and recovery
• Designed by a brand trusted by serious working dog handlers
• Powder format ensures efficient nutrient absorption

What Could Be Better

• 45-serving count may not last long for larger, more active dogs
• Less focused on senior dog muscle maintenance and more on active performance

Bottom Line: MVP K9 Muscle Builder is purpose-built for performance dogs, making it the ideal supplement for canine athletes and working breeds that need peak muscle conditioning.

7. Bully Max Weight Gainer Chews – Best Muscle & Weight Combo

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If your dog needs both muscle development and overall weight gain, Bully Max’s Weight Gainer Chews offer the best of both worlds with their high-calorie, nutrient-dense formula.

Each bag delivers approximately 1,500 calories along with 250 million CFUs of probiotics, making these chews effective for building healthy mass that includes both lean muscle and healthy body weight. The probiotics ensure your dog can actually digest and absorb the extra nutrients, maximizing the supplement’s effectiveness. These tasty chews work for all breeds and ages and are a great option for dogs who are both underweight and under-muscled.

What We Like

• Combines high calories with muscle-supporting nutrients in one chew
• Probiotic inclusion maximizes nutrient absorption
• Convenient soft chew format that doubles as training treats

What Could Be Better

• Not as targeted for pure muscle building as specialized formulas like MYOS
• Dogs with weight management issues should use with caution

Bottom Line: Bully Max Weight Gainer Chews are the best option for dogs that need to build both muscle and overall body mass simultaneously.

8. Bully Max Liquid Weight Gainer – Best Protein-Based Support

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Bully Max’s Liquid Weight Gainer provides whey protein and omega-3 fatty acids in a liquid format that supports lean muscle development while promoting healthy skin and coat.

The whey protein in this formula provides the amino acids your dog’s muscles need for repair and growth, while omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil reduce inflammation and support recovery after exercise. This makes it an excellent daily supplement for active dogs who need protein support without the bulk of a powder. The liquid pours easily over food and has a flavor that dogs find irresistible.

What We Like

• Whey protein provides essential amino acids for muscle repair
• Omega-3s support muscle recovery and reduce inflammation
• Easy-pour liquid that mixes seamlessly with any food

What Could Be Better

• Lower protein concentration than dedicated muscle-building powders
• Bottle size may not last long for multi-dog households

Bottom Line: Bully Max Liquid Weight Gainer is a versatile protein-based supplement that supports lean muscle growth while also improving skin, coat, and overall vitality.

How to Choose the Best Dog Muscle Supplement

The first step in choosing a muscle supplement is understanding your dog’s specific needs. Senior dogs losing muscle due to age-related atrophy benefit most from clinically validated ingredients like Fortetropin or HMB that are specifically researched for muscle preservation and growth. Active and working dogs, on the other hand, may respond better to performance-focused formulas with amino acids and high-quality protein.

Consider the supplement’s delivery format based on your dog’s preferences and your lifestyle. Powder supplements generally offer the highest concentration of active ingredients and mix easily with food. Liquid formulas work well for picky eaters and double as food toppers. Chewable tablets and soft chews offer the most convenience but may deliver lower doses per serving.

Look for scientific backing when comparing products. Supplements with published clinical studies, veterinary endorsements, and NASC quality seals provide the most confidence that they’ll actually deliver results. Be skeptical of bold claims that aren’t supported by any research or third-party testing.

Remember that muscle supplements work best as part of a comprehensive approach. Proper nutrition, appropriate exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups are all essential components. A supplement alone won’t build muscle if your dog isn’t getting adequate protein from their diet and enough physical activity to stimulate muscle growth.

Benefits of Dog Muscle Supplements

The most significant benefit of muscle supplements is helping dogs maintain or rebuild lean muscle mass. Research suggests that dogs can lose as much as 20% of their muscle mass in their senior years, leading to reduced mobility, increased fall risk, and a lower quality of life. Muscle supplements can slow this decline and even reverse it in many cases.

Improved mobility is another major benefit. Strong muscles support joints, absorb impact during movement, and provide stability. Dogs with better muscle tone are less likely to experience joint injuries and often show improved gait and confidence in their movements. This is especially important for dogs with joint conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia.

Muscle supplements also support faster recovery from injury and surgery. Dogs that undergo orthopedic procedures like TPLO surgery often experience significant muscle atrophy during their recovery period. Targeted muscle supplements help rebuild that lost tissue more quickly, getting your dog back to full activity sooner and with better long-term outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age do dogs start losing muscle mass?

Most dogs begin losing muscle mass in middle age. For small and medium breeds, this typically starts between seven and ten years old. Large breed dogs may begin losing muscle as early as five or six years old. Early supplementation can help slow this natural decline.

Can muscle supplements replace exercise for building muscle?

No — supplements provide the nutritional building blocks for muscle growth, but exercise is still necessary to stimulate muscle development. Think of supplements as fuel and exercise as the spark. Both components need to work together for optimal results.

How long does it take to see results from muscle supplements?

Most owners and veterinarians report visible improvements in muscle tone within four to eight weeks of consistent daily use. Some dogs may show results sooner, particularly those recovering from surgery or injury, while age-related muscle loss may take longer to address.

Are muscle supplements safe for puppies?

Many muscle supplements are formulated for dogs of all ages. However, healthy puppies typically don’t need muscle-building supplements since they’re naturally growing and developing muscle. Consult your veterinarian if you believe your puppy isn’t developing muscle mass appropriately.

What’s the difference between muscle supplements and joint supplements?

Muscle supplements focus on building and maintaining lean muscle tissue through ingredients like protein, amino acids, Fortetropin, and HMB. Joint supplements target cartilage health, joint lubrication, and inflammation management through glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. Many dogs benefit from both types working together to support overall mobility.

Can I give my dog human protein supplements?

It’s not recommended. Human protein supplements may contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, as well as other ingredients that aren’t safe for canine consumption. Always choose supplements specifically formulated for dogs.

Do certain breeds need muscle supplements more than others?

Large and giant breeds are more prone to muscle loss as they age and may benefit most from supplementation. Working breeds, sporting dogs, and breeds prone to orthopedic issues like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers can also benefit significantly. However, any dog experiencing muscle loss can potentially benefit from a quality muscle supplement.

Should I consult my vet before starting a muscle supplement?

Yes, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement, especially if your dog is currently on medication or has underlying health conditions. Your vet can also help determine whether muscle loss is due to aging, inactivity, or a medical condition that needs treatment.

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