Quality Proteins Feed Your Dog's Muscles #WholeBodyHealth

Post Disclaimer:  This post is sponsored by Natural Balance and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network.  I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Original Ultra Whole Body Health Pet Food, but Oz the Terrier only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.  Natural Balance is not responsible for the content of this article.

Back by popular demand...it's time for Dr. Oz the Terrier.  Today we are continuing our discussion on What Your Pet's Whole Body Health Looks Like by discussing the importance of quality proteins and how they support healthy muscle development in your dog.

To stay healthy, dogs require exercise and good nutrition.  Building and maintaining lean muscle plays a significant role in keeping dogs' bodies functional and disease-free which is why it is important to feed them foods that reduce fat intake and build muscle.

Protein is the key ingredient for building muscle.  As muscle mass breaks down from exercise or age, protein must be replaced.  There are 3 types of muscle in the body, which all have very important functions.

1) Skeletal muscles:  or striated muscles, which are attached to the bones via tendons, are used voluntarily for movement like running, jumping, walking, etc.;

2) Smooth muscles:  or visceral muscles, which are located in the walls of hollow internal structures like your stomach and intestines and are used involuntarily to move nutrients and blood throughout the body; and

3) Cardiac muscles:  which form the bulk of the wall of the heart.

Dr. Oz the  Terrier with 2 types of muscle:  Mike the Skeletal Muscle and Steve the Stomach (Smooth Muscle)

Each of these muscles require the right amount of amino acids to produce the energy they need to function.    Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and also, muscle tissue.  There are 23 amino acids, some of which a dog's body can produce on its own.  There are 10 amino acids, however, that a dog must get from food.  That is why it is important to feed your dog a food made from quality proteins.

As dogs and especially cats age into their geriatric years, muscle loss can occur.  This muscle loss is called "sarcopenia".  Sarcopenia can occur from malnutrition or from lack of exercise.  Studies have shown feeding diets with highly digestible proteins can slow the onset of geriatric sarcopenia and improve muscle tone.

Natural Balance® Original Ultra® Whole Body Health™

Natural Balance's new Original Ultra Whole Body Health formulas were created by nutritionists to nourish your pet's complete well-being and support the needs of your pet through all life stages.  The formulas contain quality proteins and amino acid chelates to support and maintain healthy muscle development.

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