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Author: Bully Max

Announcing the Revolutionary Bully Max Pro Series

Posted on by Bully Max

We’re excited to announce the launch of our newest best quality dog food: the Bully Max Pro Series.

Bully Max Pro series is one of the tastiest and best quality dog food ranges ever created. We can’t wait to see how they transform the way your dog eats, feels, and performs.

In the 10+ years that Bully Max has been in business, we have always been passionate about raising our pups the right way—from their very first meal. We know what goes into building a strong and healthy dog, and that’s why we’re so excited to share this new line of products that will help your dog grow up strong and stay healthy.

Best Quality Dog Food

Why is Bully Max Pro the Best Quality Dog Food?

We have always been known for our high-protein dog foods and supplements, but with the Bully Max Pro Series, we’re taking things to the next level. Bully Max Pro products are developed with the involvement of professionals based on their years of experience and contain only the best ingredients to ensure maximum efficiency.

Pro Series is a perfect choice for both professionals and enthusiasts who want the best quality dog food to keep their dog’s health and performance at peak levels. This means:

  • All the protein and nutrients needed to grow strong and healthy
  • Energy to power through training sessions and competitions
  • Protein with high biological value for rapid muscle growth
  • Rich source of omega-3 fatty acids to promote better health and fur shine

Full of Best Quality Ingredients

With a meat-based formula boasting 31% protein and 25% fat, heart-healthy flaxseed, and 19 essential vitamins & minerals, Bully Max Pro Series is a maxed out version of our previous (already industry-leading) dog food.

We can’t wait to hear from you and our other loyal customers just how much more muscular, energetic, satisfied, and happy your dog is with Bully Max Pro Series. While it’s designed for dogs that are getting ready for competitions or need optimal energy for training sessions, it’s the best quality dog food to give any dog that needs a high-protein, healthy diet.

bullymax_pro_series

How Much Will It Cost?

The retail price of Bully Max Pro will be:

  • $29.77 for 4lb bag ($7.44/lb)
  • $45.95 for 8lb bag ($5.74/lb)
  • $76.99 for 16lb bag ($4.81/lb)

👉 You can order Bully Max Pro Food here 👈

Beginner’s Guide to Puppy Health

Posted on by Bully Max

Choosing to add a new member to your family is an exciting decision. When you adopt a puppy, one of the most important aspects of ownership is your dog’s health. In this guide, you’ll learn the first steps you should take as a new pawrent to provide your pup with the best health care early on in puppyhood.

Continue reading to learn the best puppy care methods.

How Soon Should I Bring My Puppy to the Vet?

Whether your puppy is from the local shelter or a champion line, it’s essential to schedule a vet appointment early on. Establishing a veterinarian early on in your dog’s life is a proactive step you can take to protect your puppy from illness. A vet who knows your dog and what’s normal for them — as well as what might be signs of illness — can help prevent more serious issues down the road.

If you adopted your dog from a shelter, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends an immediate visit to the vet. Although the shelter will provide you with as much information as they have, the exact background of your dog may be unknown, and they may have been exposed to a number of diseases. 

Even if your pup is purebred, most breeders include mandatory veterinary care in their contracts. Often, you’ll be required to take your new puppy to the vet within three days of taking them home. Additionally, your puppy will need to see the vet at least once a year and require specific vaccinations as a condition of sale. 

During your puppy’s first vet visit, the vet will cover a number of essential health exams. First and foremost, they will weigh your puppy. Then, they will examine your puppy for potential health issues. To do this, they will:cute puppy

  • Listen to the heart and lungs 
  • Take your puppy’s temperature 
  • Examine ears, eyes, nose, paws, skin, coat, etc. 
  • Look into the mouth at gums, teeth, and tongue 
  • Examine a stool sample (many puppies have roundworms) 
  • Palpate the abdomen and lymph nodes

Aside from the physical examination, the vet should discuss your puppy’s health history. Additionally, they should answer questions about feeding, medications, medical issues, and future care. For example, you might discuss getting a microchip for your puppy and spaying or neutering them.

What Are Common Health Problems for Puppies?

As a new puppy owner, it’s important that you learn about some of the common health problems puppies face. In doing so, you’ll know the signs that your puppy isn’t feeling well. Common health problems for puppies include:

  • Canine distemper: This dangerous illness is carried by raccoons and unvaccinated dogs, causing weight loss and nerve damage. Unlike humans, dogs don’t get colds. If you notice your puppy’s nose is runny or they lost their appetite, these are indicators that your dog isn’t feeling well and needs to visit the vet.
  • Coccidia: If your puppy wasn’t living in a clean environment before you adopted them, they are at risk for this parasite. This parasite, usually found in stagnant water, infests the gastrointestinal tract and cells inside a puppy. If you find that your dog has diarrhea, is dehydrated, or if there’s blood in their stool, visit the vet immediately. 
  • Heartworm disease: All dogs can contract heartworms from a bug bite. Typical symptoms can take up to six months to show up, including weight loss, decreased appetite, and fatigue. Luckily, dogs can be put on a preventative pill.
  • Hypoglycemia: This is especially common in small dogs if they don’t eat enough. It can cause seizures and lethargy. For this reason, it’s important to monitor your puppy’s eating habits. 
  • Intestinal parasites: Loose stool and stomach upset indicate intestinal parasites, like hookworms or roundworms. Puppies with intestinal parasites likely got them from drinking their mother’s milk and can be given a deworming treatment at their first visit. 
  • Kennel cough: Puppies are more vulnerable to this illness, although any dog can contract it. If your puppy is dry coughing persistently, it could have kennel cough. 
  • Parvovirus: If your puppy has parvo, it may have a decreased appetite, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. This is a very contagious virus that can infect your puppy when they come into direct or indirect contact with contaminated feces.

8 Tips to Ensure Your Puppy Is Healthy 

To keep the newest member of your family healthy, there are several steps you can take. Here are eight tips to keep your pup safe. 

Start Your Puppy on a Healthy Diet 

puppy with bowl

Providing your pup with nutritious puppy food early on is essential to their health. It’s important for your pup to eat nutritious food throughout their lifetime to avoid health problems as adult dogs and to feel their best. 

Bully Max provides puppies and dogs with the highest-quality ingredients on the market. Our High-Performance Dog Food is suitable for dogs four weeks and older and can give your pup the energy they need to grow and play. You also don’t need to worry about the ingredients because our food is 100% natural and is made with 30% protein and 20% of fat. 

Stay Up to Date With Vaccinations 

Next, you will need to stay up-to-date with vaccinations. This form of preventative care ensures your puppy won’t contract the parvovirus while at the dog park, along with other preventative illnesses. During your puppy’s first year, they will need a number of vaccines. Additionally, they will require boosters and titers throughout their life to make sure their immune system has a defense against common illnesses. 

Here’s a list of vaccines your puppy will need in their first year:

  • Canine distemper 
  • Canine hepatitis 
  • Parainfluenza
  • Parvovirus
  • Rabies 

Keep Up With Annual Exams

After your puppy receives the vaccines listed above, they will need to see the vet annually. Early detection of serious illnesses is key to helping your puppy live a long and healthy life. Since dogs can’t speak for themselves, it’s important that your vet does an in-depth exam every year. This should include a dental check, blood-chemistry panel, complete blood count, and a review of their vaccine record.

Get Your Pup on Preventatives 

You can prevent many common puppy illnesses with preventatives. Treating your puppy can prevent fleas, ticks, and heartworm — painful pests that are not only severely uncomfortable for your dog but also dangerous. 

Start Training Early 

Another important step you can take to improve your dog’s health is through training. When a puppy is well-trained, you can help them improve their physical health through fun activities like fetch, walks, and agility training. Moreover, you can avoid troublesome behaviors like barking and get into things they shouldn’t. 

Socialize Your Puppy 

In the same vein as training your pup, you will also want to make sure you socialize your puppy within the first three months of life and continue to do so as they grow. Owning a dog is a big responsibility, which can be eased once your dog is well-behaved around humans and other animals. 

Socialization teaches confidence to your dog so that they won’t be scared in new situations. This can help them feel more comfortable in new environments. 

Make Sure Your Puppy Gets Enough Exercise  

Taking your puppy for a walk can burn off some of that puppy energy and teach them how to behave while they’re young. Although your dog might love running, it’s best to avoid runs and hiking until they are about a year and a half old. Avoiding these types of exercises can prevent injuries in the growth plates while your pup continues to grow. 

It’s also important to note that not every dog is going to love every activity. For instance, a Labrador retriever puppy might love swimming in the pool, while an Australian shepherd might prefer playing frisbee. 

Learn Their Body Language  

Lastly, knowing your dog can help you notice health issues. Observing your dog and learning how it communicates its mental and physical condition is helpful for your dog’s health and your bond. Changes in breathing, scratching/licking paws, and the position of their ears or tail can indicate health issues.

Treat Your New Best Friend With Bully Max

Making sure your first puppy is eating the right food is essential to ensuring a long life. Purchasing quality food for your new best friend is one of the first steps you can take to building a long and healthy life for your puppy. 

Bully Max offers a top-rated line of performance dog food and supplements to keep your dog feeling healthy and playful for years to come. And with products that work for all breeds and ages, you never have to worry about providing your puppy the best care. Discover a line of products today.

How to Choose the Best Pitbull Puppy Food

Posted on by Bully Max

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for a family. While you’ll have a number of important considerations facing you — including training and adjusting to the wonderful changes that a puppy brings to the home — one of the most pressing questions you need to address is your choice of food. 

With the variety of different types of puppy food available on the market, you want to make sure you choose one that will help your dog grow healthy and strong, ready to live up to its full potential and become the active, fun-loving, mature dog they can be. Active dogs make excellent pets, but they need food that will work with their digestive system and nourish their bodies.

Bully Max can help you identify some important considerations as you evaluate puppy pet food. See if these ideas can help you select the option that will work best for your new dog.

Why Is Diet Important for Your Puppy?

brown pitbull puppyYou want to give your dog the best possible start at life, and a well-balanced diet helps them achieve just that. When you find a puppy food that addresses their nutritional needs and nourishes their body, you help your dog grow healthy and strong.

Your pitbull puppy has different nutritional requirements than a full-grown dog, which is why you want to find food uniquely suited for them. They need food specifically formulated to help them grow, whereas adult dogs require a diet to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. 

You may find brands of puppy food that target dogs at different stages of development or grow with your dog as they mature throughout the first few years of life and into adulthood.

By selecting the right food, you will give your pitbull puppy’s body the strength it needs to build muscle, gain weight, and grow while their brain also develops and matures. Your puppy’s food will need to have the proper balance of high-quality protein, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals — such as calcium — that will help every system in your dog’s body. 

What Options Are Available When It Comes to Finding the Best Dog Food?

As you begin your search for the best dog food for a pitbull’s diet, the food available comes in a few varieties. The most common is dry dog food or kibble. You can also find high-quality dog food in the form of wet food. 

Some people will also elect to make their own dog food with the guidance of their veterinarian to ensure their pooch receives a well-balanced diet with plenty of real meat. This option can help dogs who have health issues or food allergies, as it provides more control over the ingredients.

Some dog food available will also have different ingredients, such as grain-free options. They might also contain various omega fatty acids, probiotics, amino acids, and antioxidants, like omega-3s.

5 Tips for Finding the Best Pitbull Puppy Food

Although the different brands of puppy food have been formulated to create a nutrient profile that best fits what growing dogs need, differences exist between the different brands and options. Here are some ideas to start differentiating between them.

Consult With Your Vet About Nutritional Options

The first place to begin your search lies with your vet. Your vet has been trained in animal health and has extensive experience working with puppies just like yours. This gives them great insight into the different types of puppy food.

The vet has also examined and worked with your dog. This means that if your puppy has any special dietary considerations, the vet can help you by offering food recommendations and let you know what you should look for with commercial food. They can advise you about certain ingredients, such as flaxseed, or if your dog should avoid lentils and focus on more meat meals. 

Begin by asking your vet about the nutrient profile they recommend you follow for your pitbull puppy. The vet should give you information regarding what you should look for in the puppy food you select. You may also want to ask for suggestions regarding the percent protein or types of veggies your puppy’s food should contain. 

Read Dog Food Labels

You should never buy dog food for your pitbull puppy blindly. Always make sure to read dog food labels and compare before making a decision.

Ingredients 

Now that you have spoken to your vet regarding the nutrient profile you want for your pitbull puppy, the next step will require some research from you. Start by examining the ingredient lists on a few types of dog food. See how well these options align with what your vet recommends you get for your growing puppy. Pay particular attention to the first ingredient — if it lists something undesirable, such as a filler instead of solid protein sources, this might not be the right food for you.

You can also use your research to better understand the different ingredients used in dog food. For example, dog food should balance high protein, fat, and carbohydrates, but the specific ingredients used to create this nutrient profile will vary. 

Some types of food might contain higher amounts of preservatives, fillers, artificial flavors, or undesirable byproducts. You might find some that contain sweet potatoes or venison, while another primarily uses chicken meal. Look for natural ingredients that you recognize for your dog’s diets and omega-3 fat like DHA, such as fish oil, to promote healthy brain growth.

Designations 

Keep in mind that the balance of nutrients also changes depending on the type of dog. In other words, smaller breeds will require a different balance than a large-breed dog like your pitbull. Giving dogs the wrong balance of nutrients or the incorrect protein content can increase the risk of health issues, such as joint problems. 

Therefore, you want to look for dog food labels that not only include the ingredients you want to see but also show they’ve been created specifically for dogs of the same size as yours. 

Certification 

While you examine the dog food label, also verify this food has been reviewed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This body helps set the standards for dog food, ensuring you get what you expect to receive.

Ask Other Pitbull Owners About Which Dog Foods They Use

Another great source of information for your dog’s diet comes from other pitbull owners, particularly those who also got their dogs as puppies. Ask these fellow dog owners if their dogs appreciated any particular foods as puppies and if they have any recommendations.

They can also provide details, such as if something ever made them switch brands and why they selected a particular brand. This can help you better evaluate your priorities when selecting your puppy’s food.

Consider a Brand That Offers Food for Each of Your Dog’s Life Stages

As your puppy begins to mature, you need a brand that offers protein-rich food you can trust. Certain dog food brands specialize in creating food that will support your dog’s growth throughout all stages of life. 

Bully Max is a great example. Our High-Performance Dog Food has an all-life-stages formula designed for both puppies and adult dogs. And with 30% protein, 20% fat, and 100% natural ingredients, you’ll never have to worry about what’s in your dog’s food.

Don’t Forget About Exercise

pitbull puppy in grass

Complementing your dog’s diet should also be plenty of exercise. As a pitbull, your puppy wants to run and play hard. They are bundles of muscles and energy and want to engage with you, which is an important part of their overall wellness. Make sure that as your puppy grows up, you take time each day to give them the exercise they need to keep their muscles strong, grow in a healthy way, and help them be on their best behavior.

As you select your puppy food, you can also use these times of engaging with your pet to learn more about how specific food influences their health. You can gauge your puppy’s energy levels and watch as they begin to grow and build muscles. 

However, watch for signs of a sensitive stomach, indicating that something in the food irritates them. Remain in regular communication with your vet, too, so that you can get their feedback regarding the overall health and growth of your dog.

Find the Best Dog Food for Pitbulls With Bully Max

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for any family. Your new pitbull puppy needs a lot of love, attention, care, and training, but they also need the right food to help them grow into an adult pitbull and thrive.

When it comes to feeding your pitbull puppy, Bully Max offers the optimal balance of nutrition to help them grow into strong, healthy dogs. The right food can boost their immune system, support healthy joints, and encourage your pitbull to reach their full potential. With food for all stages of your dog’s life, we make it easy to make excellent nutritional decisions for your new puppy. Discover more of our products today.

How to Build Muscle on a Dog With Food

Posted on by Bully Max

To build muscles in dogs, you need to give them a healthy diet of protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. High-quality dog food, like that offered by Bully Max, is designed to help your canine build muscles. 

Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise and good nutrition to feel better and live longer. In this guide, we’ll explore ways in which you can help your dog build more muscle and achieve optimal health.

Why Is Strength Important for Dogs?

Dogs need to maintain strength at any age because strength and stability are important factors that affect their overall health, which is dependent on muscle condition. Dogs who suffer from muscle loss become weaker, recover from illness or injury more slowly, and develop a lower immune function. Dogs may experience muscle loss when they get injured and as they age. Muscle loss also happens to dogs with a sedentary lifestyle.

Hence, making sure your canine companion has an active lifestyle is the first step in building and maintaining healthy muscles. 

Benefits of Muscle for Your Pet

Regular walks and playtime are necessary for dogs to strengthen their muscles and joints and reduce fatigue and injury. Exercise lessens the effects of arthritis and aging for dogs, and it’s also an excellent strategy to help tire out a high-energy pup.

Other benefits of your dog gaining muscle include:doberman pinscher

  • Rebuild muscle mass that was lost due to an injury
  • Help an underweight dog gain weight and size
  • Increase metabolism and assist in weight and fat loss
  • Condition sports dogs for performance activities like weight pulling and agility 
  • Prepare a dog for activities like hunting, herding, and guarding
  • Train dogs for specialized jobs (e.g., service dogs and police dogs)

It’s also important to keep your dog’s breed in mind before adopting any muscle-building routines. Some breeds can tolerate additional muscle mass while others may develop problems if they’re forced to carry too much weight. As always, consult with your pet’s veterinarian before implementing a significant adjustment, such as changing their diets or beginning a more rigorous exercise regimen.

Here are some dog breeds that can build muscle appropriately:

  • American Staffordshire Terriers
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • Rottweilers
  • Boxers
  • Dogo Argentinos
  • American Bullies
  • American Pitbull Terriers
  • Greyhounds

How to Build Muscle on a Dog With Food

Protein helps rebuild the muscle mass that metabolism breaks down. Just like humans, dogs depend on food for sustenance and nutrition. Fortunately, veterinarians and food scientists have worked on creating dog food for all stages of your pet’s life. 

You’ll want to start by thinking about your dog’s age. An older dog, for instance, won’t build muscle the same way as a puppy. For puppies, a diet with high-protein and fat content is recommended. Puppies require more macronutrients and minerals than an adult dog of the same size and weight. This is why puppy foods have greater quantities of certain nutrients and calories, which help them develop vital organs properly and build muscles. As dogs mature, their need for protein decreases and they no longer need to fuel rapid and intense growth spurts. 

You also want to think about maintenance when it comes to muscle building. Supplements with omega fatty acids and antioxidants, for instance, do not increase muscle mass but instead help reduce muscle damage and act as anti-inflammatory agents. 

With all of this in mind, below is a four-step plan to help your dog build and maintain muscle. 

Outline a Diet With Your Vet

Consult with your vet before you implement any changes in your pet’s routine and diet. The vet will most likely assess your dog’s health, considering body condition, muscle condition, and weight. From there, you can both develop a plan to help your furry friend gain lean muscle through diet and exercise. 

Every dog’s calorie needs are different. The following are essential factors to consider when deciding how much to feed your dog:

  • Size 
  • Age 
  • Activity and energy levels
  • Medical conditions
  • Brand of dog food

Remember that protein is the key ingredient for building muscle. When it comes to increased muscle mass specifically, active dogs can benefit from a high protein diet or real meat. Raw diets are an alternative to dry kibbles. They consist of various raw meats, bones, vegetables, and supplements. Beef and chicken are ideal for this.

As always, discuss changes to your pet’s diet with the vet before implementing them because the wrong diet can harm an active dog’s health. Uncontrolled weight gain, for instance, can shorten a dog’s lifespan by 2.5 years. Other potential health complications include a weaker immune system, digestive system problems, reduced liver function, and issues with joints, ligaments, and hips.

Regardless of which option you choose to use to help your dog build muscle, you should monitor your pet’s progress and check in with the veterinarian regularly.

Feed Your Dog High-Quality Food With Few Filler Ingredients

Avoid low-quality dog foods stuffed with meat byproducts, unnecessary carbohydrates, and artificial flavors. They may be cheap, but these kibbles are low in calories and your dog may feel bloated and physically uncomfortable from having too much food in its stomach. 

husky dog eatingIf you’ve adopted an underweight dog, consult with a veterinarian for any underlying conditions that may have been caused by a lack of mineral content and vitamin-rich elements in their diet. Don’t be tempted to remedy any weight issues they may have by giving them human food. Your dog’s overall health and ability to build muscle is better improved by quality dog food designed to meet their unique nutritional needs.

Here at Bully Max, we produce high-quality, high-protein dog food that you’ll want to check out if you haven’t already. Bully Max High-Performance Super Premium Dog Food is packed full of healthy ingredients. Each cup contains 535 calories to help your dogs meet their calorie needs and gain weight quicker. When combined with a regular exercise regimen, this is the best dog food formulated to help your pet gain muscle. 

Our new Gorilla Max Ultra Performance Dog Food is the most calorie-dense performance dog food ever created: 600 calories per cup. The meat-based formula boasts 31% protein and 25% fat, heart-healthy flaxseed, and 19 essential vitamins and minerals. This dog food will give your performance dogs, active dogs, and underweight dogs a balanced diet to provide them with the energy they need to perform at their best.

If you’re looking for vet-approved dog treats, Bully Max Muscle Building Chews for Dogs have over 17 ingredients that contribute to muscle growth.

Consider Adding a Supplement 

Just like their dog owners, particularly active pups may need more than nutrition to build and maintain muscle. For this, you may choose to add a supplement to improve their overall quality of life and help them perform at a peak level. 

The right muscle-building supplements can help fill the gaps in your dog’s diet. Look for ingredients like essential amino acids, probiotics, vitamin E, flaxseed, folic acid, and other enzymes. These components help your furry friends get all the nutrients they need for muscle mass development. 

For a supplement that’s good for all ages and stages of your dog’s life, check out the Bully Max Muscle Builder. It’s specially formulated by veterinarians to have everything your dog needs to grow bigger, stronger, healthier, and happier. 

The Gorilla Max Muscle Builder is the most powerful muscle builder we offer. It’s packed with vitamins and 20 grams of high-quality protein per scoop to promote maximum muscle and size. This supplement helps with your pup’s strength and endurance and improves health and immunity. If you need more convincing, Gorilla Max is used by champion show dog breeders, search-and-rescue units, dog sled riders, and police K-9 units.

Don’t Forget About Exercise

Good nutrition, exercise, rest, and recovery are the basic foundation of your dog’s muscle development journey. When you meet with the vet to discuss your pet’s diet, include muscle condition assessment on the agenda. Before you plan and implement a muscle-building exercise regimen, make sure your vet evaluates your dog’s muscle condition to determine if your pet needs muscle building.

dog exercise

If you’re good to go with a muscle development routine, here are some guidelines to avoid strained muscles and injuries: 

  • Start your exercise program with easy routines and gradually increase the volume and resistance over time. 
  • Tap into your pet’s natural instincts to play and consider introducing and changing up activities they might enjoy.
  • Make sure to do warm-up exercises – a game of fetch, walking, or massaging their major muscle groups – before engaging in vigorous activities. 
  • Make sure your dog gets the rest they need for recovery (dogs need 12 to 14 hours of sleep every day). After stretching your dog’s muscles, make sure you prioritize rest. 

In terms of activities, here are a few exercises to challenge your dog’s muscles and develop muscle mass:

  • Weighted vest activities. Let your dog carry the vest when walking around. Most vests designed for this purpose allow you to adjust the amount of weight. Start by adding five to ten percent of your dog’s body weight and gradually increasing the weight over time. 
  • Weight pulling. This involves fitting your dog with a harness attached to a heavy item and having your dog walk forward to drag the weight behind him. With the proper equipment and safety precautions, this can serve as a great resistance exercise that your dog will enjoy. 
  • Swimming. Swimming is an excellent exercise that works out all major muscle groups. For safety, you may want to invest in a dog life jacket and pool or boat ramps designed for dogs. This would allow them to get in and out of the water easily in case they get tired. 
  • Fetch. This is a simple activity most dogs love. Consider investing in an indestructible dog ball to make the game last even longer.
  • Tug-of-war. Another simple activity, tug-of-war is actually an effective muscle-building activity for your dog. Consider investing in a bungee tug toy with a comfort grip that allows you to easily play with your pup while also providing a healthy dose of exercise. 
  • Spring poles. Spring poles consist of a knotted rope that is attached to a spring-loaded anchor. It works by providing strong resistance while your pup tugs on the rope. It re-creates the pulling, swinging, and tugging action from a good game of tug-of-war.
  • Treadmill walks. If your dog is not opposed to motorized devices, some time on a doggy treadmill can help with muscle development. You can even raise the resistance level or degree of incline over time for added efficiency. And as always, make sure the environment is safe and that you’re supervising your pup during these activities. 

Bully Max Is Here to Help Your Dog Gain Muscle the Healthy Way

Healthy dogs come in all shapes and sizes. The right combination of diet and exercise can help your dog gain muscle the healthy way. Before you embark on a muscle development journey with your pup, make sure the goal is responsibly attainable. 

For instance, keep your dog’s breed in mind when trying to add muscle. Some dog breeds can build and carry additional muscle mass, while others will only develop health issues with the excess weight. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new diet plans and exercise regimens for your dog. 

Also, make sure you’re properly transitioning your dogs through any changes. Some dogs can become picky eaters when they’re stressed out, so make sure the process is as stress-free as possible and you’re investing in the right food. You’ll also want to make regular trips to the veterinarian a part of the journey. Through this, you not only have another person monitoring your dog’s health and progress, but you also get premium insights on how best to support your dog’s ability to build muscle.

How Much Exercise Does a Dog Need Every Day?

Posted on by Bully Max

As a dog owner, you want to be sure your four-legged friend is getting what they need to live a long, healthy life. If you’re like most people, you’ve probably wondered how much physical activity your four-legged friend needs every day. A dog’s exercise plan is not one size fits all and will vary depending on the dog breed, activity level, health, and age. 

Just like people, dogs need an exercise routine to stay physically and mentally in shape. Without exercise, dogs are at an increased risk of obesity, and they can become bored, frustrated, and even depressed. Other behavior problems include:

  • Hyperactivity
  • Barking and whining
  • Destructive behavior
  • Withdrawal
  • Low stamina

Regular daily exercise at every stage of life is important for your dog’s overall health. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes and up to two hours of exercise, depending on your dog’s age, breed, size, and health. This can be a brisk 30-minute walk, a visit to the dog park or doggy day care, or playing fetch. 

How Much Exercise a Dog Needs by Age

The amount of daily exercise your dog needs depends a lot on their age. The needs of a senior dog differ from a high-energy puppy. But even so, less active, older dogs benefit from short walks to tone muscle and improve metabolic function. 

So, how much exercise does a dog need by age? In the following sections, you will learn basic guidelines to help you develop an exercise routine for your puppy, adult pooch, or senior dog and playtime activities you can do with your furry friend to keep them physically fit and happy. 

How Much Exercise Does My Puppy Need?puppy playing

The American Kennel Club (AKC) says puppies reach adulthood at around six to 24 months of age. Proper nutrition and enough exercise improve your puppy’s overall health and well-being. So, when your puppy is fully vaccinated, they can go on daily walks outside, which will help with the puppy zoomies, which are the explosions of energy that you’re probably familiar with.

As a rule of thumb, watching your puppy is the best way to see if they have had enough exercise. Go at your puppy’s pace. When they get tired on a walk, let them take a rest. They will usually let you know this by plopping down on the ground and not budging. Free play is also a great addition to daily walks. Playtime offers the benefits of exercise while you bond with your puppy.

Watch for signs of getting tired, and let them rest when they’ve had enough. A border collie puppy will have different exercise needs than pugs or bulldogs. Herding breeds, like collies, need plenty of exercise and activities that offer mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored. Bulldogs, pugs, and other flat-face breeds struggle to breathe with long exercise sessions. Your pup is the best indicator of how much exercise is good enough.  

As your puppy reaches adulthood, their stamina will increase, and they will be able to handle a longer amount of exercise. 

How Much Exercise Does My Adult Dog Need?

“A tired dog is a good dog.” 

Like puppies, adult dogs need plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and out of trouble. This can be a stroll around the neighborhood, jogging, and even dog interval training. Adult dogs need between 30 minutes up to two hours of activity every day.

dog runningThe American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends a daily 30-minute walk plus cardio for adult dogs. This includes activities like swimming and running. You can even partner with your dog for high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Dr. Mark LeMay with LeMay Chiropractic and Wellness offers a basic dog exercise routine to get you and your pooch started.

Your four-legged friend’s breed matters, too, and will determine how much or how little exercise they need. Larger working or herding breeds, such as rottweilers and German shepherds, need long walks and extra activity, or else they will get bored. They will adapt unwanted behaviors, such as excessive barking, digging, and destroying shoes, toys, you name it. Exercising up to two hours a day is recommended for working and herding breeds and can be broken up into two or more sessions. 

How Much Exercise Does My Senior Dog Need?

Older dogs may have lost some mobility, but they still need physical activity and mental stimulation. There are special considerations for exercising senior dogs. 

Gentle activities that do not stress the joints are recommended for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia. This includes swimming and walking. However, always look to your dog for signs of struggle or stress. When something is painful, stop. Speak with your veterinarian for advice on ways to improve your dog’s strength and stamina.

Activities to Get Your Dog Moving

There are so many ways to get you and your dog moving. From indoor to outdoor and even group activities, there is always a way to get your dog the physical activity they need. 

When the weather is not so great, or you are limited on time, indoor games are a great way to engage with your dog. You can play a game of hide-and-seek with their favorite treat, create an obstacle course, or have a game of tug-o-war. Some cities have indoor dog parks where your dog can meet some new friends, and so can you!

Being outdoors is second nature to dogs. When the weather is beautiful outside, here are some activities that will keep your dog entertained and physically fit:

For the social butterfly, there are a lot of playgroups for dogs. Dog playgroups and day care are ideal for well-socialized dogs and allow them to hang out with their dog friends while engaging in physical and mental stimulation. 

Mental Stimulation

Physical exercise is great, but it’s only half of the equation. Your dog needs mental stimulation, too. A lot of problem behaviors, such as chewing everything in sight or digging, can be eliminated by adding mentally stimulating activities. 

Mental stimulation for dogs is not the same as humans, of course, but it is a valuable tool for a happy dog. Some ways you can provide mental stimulation for your dog is to spend a few minutes a day teaching your dog a new trick, allowing your dog to smell the roses while on a walk, or hiding treats for them to smell out. Other ways to challenge your dog’s mind include:

  • Offering new toys
  • Introducing new people
  • Playing dog puzzles
  • Creating an agility course
  • Teaching them household chores

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity for your dog. It helps decrease stress and boredom and makes for a happier dog. More than just throwing a ball over and over, mental stimulation involves all their senses while experiencing new things — all while getting to do one of their most favorite activities, which is spending time with you. 

Optimize Your Dog’s Health and Performance With Bully Max

Exercise, mental stimulation, and nutrition are optimum ways to make sure your dog is in their best physical and mental health. By incorporating a daily routine of physical activity based on their age, breed, and health, you will be able to eliminate many unwanted behaviors and create a long-lasting relationship with your dog. 

Complement your dog’s physical health with top-rated performance dog food and supplements from Bully Max. Our High-Performance Dog Food offers a meat-based formula with 30% protein and 20%. It’s also only 535 calories per cup. Meanwhile, our Muscle Builder supplement is 100% safe with no side effects or mood changes. It’s even safe for puppies. Take a look at our complete line of products and help your dog perform their best every day.

Do Weighted Vests for Pitbulls Work for Muscle Growth?

Posted on by Bully Max

Pitbulls remain great people dogs with loyal and friendly natures. Originally bred as working animals, American pitbull terriers have been brought into the home as family pets and are loved by many pet owners. They also use their great strength and tenacity to engage in the sports of weight pulling, agility, and obedience.

These dogs require a lot of exercise to stay fit, though. Without it, their energy can manifest itself in unwanted jumping up, chewing things they shouldn’t in the house, digging in the yard, and barking.

Tiring your dog out through exercise is one way to curb their energy and keeping them healthy. However, it can be difficult in this busy, modern era to find the time to exercise a pitbull as much as they require. One good solution to this challenge is to fit your dog with a weighted vest to increase how much exercise they get in a given time, adding muscle mass, improving cardiovascular fitness, and quieting rambunctious natures.

So, what are the advantages of weighted vests for pitbulls, and how do you choose the right one for your dog? Bully Max can provide the answers you’re looking for. 

What Is a Weighted Vest for Pitbulls?pitbull dog

As the name suggests, a weighted vest for pitbulls (and other small and large dogs, such as an American bully or a rottweiler) is an adjustable garment that fits on your dog with straps, containing weights that help your dog stay healthy, burn calories, develop stamina, get stronger, and steady them to counteract high spirits or anxiety. 

If you’re looking to add muscle to your pitbull, you can incorporate a weighted vest in a number of different exercises. This may include during sprints and strength training. 

The Benefits of Weighted Vests for Pitbulls

With its resistance training, a weighted vest can help intensify exercise for a pitbull or other dog breeds, serving to build muscle mass, help with weight loss, use up excited energy, and improve overall health. If your dog tends to get distracted and pull in many directions as you walk, a weighted vest can serve the same calming function as weighted blankets for people, so they have a calmer disposition and are less likely to chase after squirrels or birds.

Some of the benefits of weighted vests for pitbulls include:

  • Helps with dog training. Adding a weighted vest to a dog makes them work harder so that they have to concentrate more on the task at hand. They are less likely to fall prey to other distractions, so they are easier to train.
  • Gives them a purpose. Pitbulls were originally bred as working dogs. Even as family pets, they love to have a purpose and stay true to their roots. Carrying a weighted vest is a job they can enjoy.
  • Adds muscle mass safely. If a weighted vest is properly sized and fitted for the dog, using the right amount of weight, it can provide a safe, effective means of intensifying exercise and help overweight dogs become strong and healthy with lean muscle.

What to Look for in a Weight Vest for Pitbulls

When looking to buy a weighted vest, dog owners obviously want one that comfortably fits their pet and won’t chafe their body with vest straps or break easily because it is constructed of flimsy materials.

Other things to look for in a weighted vest for your pitbull or other dog breeds include:

  • Easily adjustable, non-slip straps
  • The capacity to add and remove weight
  • Lightweight but durable material that is breathable and washable
  • Additional resistance attachment
  • Durability
  • Affordable price

When introducing your pitbull to a weighted vest, it’s a good idea to take things slowly. Don’t add a lot of weight at first, especially as they get used to the feeling of wearing the vest. Add extra weight proportionate to their size as they become accustomed to the feeling of the vest and then progress from short walks to longer ones.

Make sure the fitness vest is also properly centered on the dog’s body, and the adjustment of the straps is enough to prevent sliding but not so tight as to be uncomfortable. The vest needs to be balanced, with the same weight on both sides of the dog’s body.

How to Choose a Weight Vest for Dogs

When choosing a weighted vest for your pitbull, you have a wide variety of designs, sizes, styles, materials, and so on to consider. You need to select the right one for the size and shape of your dog. Will a vest weigh down your dog too much and perhaps threaten them with injury, or will it be too light and not give them enough of a workout?

You also have to ask yourself if a weighted vest is the right choice for your dog. If you have a puppy, the vest may put undue pressure on their growing muscles, joints, and bones, especially their spines. On the other hand, a senior dog might have a fragile bone structure, which could be harmed by the weighted vest. If you have any questions at all about the appropriateness of using a weighted vest for your dog’s particular condition, it’s a good idea to speak to a veterinarian first.happy pitbull

Of course, with so many different sizes of weighted vests, fit matters, so you’ll need to measure the dog’s length, girth (specifically the broadest part of your pet’s rib cage), and neck before purchasing. You want to ensure that the vest won’t harm their spinal column or ribs. Depending on your dog’s size, you may need to get a small, medium, large, or extra-large (X-large) vest.

Using adjustable straps, the weighted dog vest should fit well (“like a glove,” some manufacturers claim). Bulky, uncomfortable vests will inhibit your dog’s movement and get in the way of the job they are supposed to do. The vest should evenly distribute the weight over your dog’s body and have padding material that protects them from chafing or injury during exercise. The weighted vest should have sufficient padding across the chest to the dog’s back. The vest should also have pockets that easily enable you to add and remove weight, keeping the vest balanced.

If you like to go for long walks or camping, you can also buy a backpack for your dog, giving them an extra workout when the backpack is loaded and providing you with supplies carried by your pooch. However, be careful how much weight you add so that you don’t injure or overburden your dog. Make sure the load also doesn’t shift to one side during the walk.

Help Your Dog Stay Peak Performance Healthy

A weighted vest can be one good way to keep your dog healthy and active, adding muscle mass, converting obesity to lean, and calming high spirits. You can also turn to Bully Max to support the healthy growth and development of your dog through all stages of their life with our complete line of muscle-building products.

For example, our Gorilla Max Canine Performance Supplement can help build muscle, improve health, and promote growth with 20 grams of the world’s highest-quality protein in every scoop. It also boosts the dog’s strength, endurance, and immunity. It contains 100% natural ingredients, so it won’t affect your dog’s mood or behavior or cause other side effects.

Our Gorilla Max Ultra Performance Dog Food is another good way to add healthy weight to dogs. Its meat-based formula, with an amazing 600 calories per cup of food, is ideal for growing heavy-duty muscle mass. The high-quality dog food provides more calories and less bulk than other kinds, leaving your pet energized and not bloated.

With Bully Max, you can take the weight off your shoulders when it comes to helping your dog look and feel their best.

Dog Training: 2021 Costs Analyzed

Posted on by Bully Max

Are you wondering whether dog training might be a good investment for your pet? Obedience training can prove beneficial for most dogs and for various reasons. Dog owners may choose to engage in private training or in group training depending on their goals. 

Some pet owners just want the socialization aspect of having their dogs interact with other people and pets, while others may want to teach their dogs specialized skills to assist with specific needs at home — such as nighttime security or alertness to a family member’s status. 

In this article, Bully Max breaks down the costs associated with dog training in 2021 and what you can expect when you enroll your pet. 

General Dog Training Costs in 2021

The following breakdown shows what you can generally expect to pay for various age-specific dog training:

  • Puppy courses: $70-$125 per private hourly session
  • Comprehensive adult in-home obedience course: $200-$350
  • Advanced adult in-home obedience course: $400-$550
  • In-home behavioral modification packages:
    • 5 classes: $300-$375
    • 10 classes: $500-$700
  • In-home aggressive behaviors packages: 
    • 5 classes: $400-$650
    • 10 classes: $800-$950

Always check with dog trainers in your own area for the most up-to-date pricing pertaining to your location and your pet’s needs. It’s also wise to research dog trainers before enrolling in a course. Consider consulting your veterinarian for references and the most appropriate courses for your dog. 

Factors Influencing Dog Training Costs in 2021

labrador dog in training

The good news is that dog training is highly customizable to your dog’s needs. Several factors will determine how much you can expect to pay for dog training, including your dog’s age and your reason for seeking professional assistance. You may also decide to have your dog complete more than one type of training.

Another factor is whether you want to enroll your dog in group classes or take private lessons. Typically, private sessions are a bit more expensive than group classes. This also includes whether your dog stays with the trainer for a set period or you pay for classes in a more day care-style setting. 

You’ll need to be mindful of the number of sessions your dog requires and whether any materials are provided, such as specific learning or exercise tools. The cost of dog training may also go up for puppy training and other forms of learning where special skills are taught (such as vehicle or family assistance).

Where you live will have an effect on dog training costs, as well. For instance, dog trainers in Brooklyn, New York, might be slightly more expensive than those advertising similar services in more rural areas. 

Location will also impact your dog training in one more way: whether the training classes occur at your home or in a studio. Some professional dog trainers choose to work in a studio where they can exert the most control over what the dog is seeing, smelling, and experiencing. Others may work in highly public areas or come to your home where the dog is most comfortable.

What Goes Into Dog Training Classes?

While training methods are as varied as dog breeds, most reputable training classes focus on positive reinforcement to help your four-legged friend learn boundaries and basic commands. Adult dogs who haven’t been handled much may need to go through additional exercises to socialize them. 

If you have a puppy that you intend to use as a therapy dog or canine good citizen, more advanced training in “people skills” may be mandatory. Any animal going into service dog training will require a far more lengthy and in-depth boot camp, including exposure to crosswalks, loud children, door buzzers, and more. Ultimately, your dog’s training will be determined by what new skills you hope for them to learn at the training facility. Naturally, the more your dog learns and is able to do, the higher the average cost of the training programs.

How to Assess Whether Dog Training Is Right for Your Pet

Are there habits you would like your dog to pick up? Perhaps you’ve noticed your pooch is suffering from separation anxiety when you leave home each day and has begun to chew the rugs to cope. These reasons and more can help you assess whether and what kind of dog training may be right for your pet. 

The American Kennel Club (AKC) lists dog training as a fundamental part of responsible dog ownership. Think of dog training as being like crate training — sometimes time-consuming but generally necessary. In particular, rescue dogs benefit immensely from having a professional dog trainer teach them basic obedience. In many cases, this may be the first time a rescue dog has seen a kennel or been freely touched by humans. Imagine being thrown into an office job when you had no educational background or work experience; the effect of going from hard circumstances to a stable home can be very similar for many rescue dogs without dog training.

However, all sorts of dog owners may choose to educate their pets via some type of training. Pet parents who want their dogs to participate in AKC sports may find that private sessions, teaching everything from new skills to advanced training in endurance, are necessary. By the same token, you may not have any competition plans for your pup but just want them to stop barking in the middle of the night and need some professional assistance dealing with this type of behavior. 

You might also be a new parent who wants to ensure that your adult dogs learn gentleness around children and basic commands surrounding all the changes in your home due to the child’s environment. The old saying is not true: You absolutely can teach an old dog new tricks.

Remember that it’s not just your pet that can pick up new skills in a dog training class. Many private sessions and group classes encourage owners to participate so the dogs get more familiar with the sound of their master’s voice. Dog trainers often emphasize that the most important socialization any dog goes through is that with their owner. 

With this in mind, some dog owners may choose to glean what they can from online dog training courses and teach their pets basic obedience themselves. They may then seek professional assistance with more complex commands. Whatever path you and your pooch take toward dog training, it should always be one you’ve paved together.

Benefits of Hiring a Dog Trainer

german shepherd dog trainer

Whether you’ve got a new dog, an older dog, or need puppy classes thanks to your last trip to PetSmart, there is a dog trainer out there for you. The benefits of enrolling your pet in professional dog training are extensive. 

From increased sensitivity to basic obedience to learning how to behave well around other dogs in day care, dogs can better respond when they’ve had some kind of training. The following list provides some of the more immediately visible benefits of engaging your pet in basic obedience classes:

  • Increased adaptability in public situations
  • Heightened alertness to human tones of voice and facial expressions
  • Leash and ground manners
  • Responsiveness to potty and crate training
  • Ability to make other desired behavior modifications in the future

Set Your Dog Up for Success

No matter what type of training you decide on for your canine companion, don’t forget to feed them well. Bully Max’s high-quality dog food provides the foundation your pet needs when exercised. For example, Bully Max’s High-Performance Dog Food has 30% protein and 20% fat to keep your dog energized and full during any of their training sessions. The 535 calories per cup will be much appreciated after a long day at doggie school, and the fact that our meat-based formula is packed with replenishing vitamins and minerals means you can feel good about what your dog is eating while they’re learning.

While you’re at it, check out our other products to keep your dog healthy — whether they’re working hard in class or playing in the backyard.

Dog Muscle and Weight: How to Get Your Dog to Bulk Up

Posted on by Bully Max

If you’re among the many dog owners trying to help your dog gain weight, it can be a challenge to know how to approach this goal in a healthy way. There are a wide variety of reasons that a dog might be underweight, and what constitutes a healthy weight differs from dog to dog. It’s helpful to do as much research as possible in the early stages of your efforts to bulk up your dog and build your knowledge about your dog’s ideal weight from credible, vetted sources, including your veterinarian.

An important question to reflect on is why your dog needs to gain weight. Are they underweight due to a previous hardship? Do you have an older dog that needs to maintain a degree of muscle mass to keep full mobility? Or are you the proud owner of a new puppy that you hope to show or have compete professionally one day? All of these and more are valid reasons for wanting to help your dog bulk up, but all require slightly different approaches.

At Bully Max, we’re committed to just one thing: the health and happiness of our pooch partners. Start your exploration of dog muscle and weight here and read on to learn more about the different reasons that dogs might need to gain weight, how to accomplish your pet’s weight gain safely, and what to do if your dog has recently experienced unexplained weight loss.

How to Tell If Your Dog Needs to Gain Weight

A responsible dog owner should not attempt to make a dog gain weight without a verifiable and vet-approved reason for doing so. The first step in knowing what a healthy weight is for your dog is a visit to your veterinarian. The vet can give you medical specifics on why your dog may be underweight, whether underlying health problems are putting your dog at any kind of risk, and how to manage body weight for older dogs. 

The following list provides a few scenarios where it might be advisable to help your dog gain weight:

rottweiler dog

  • You found your dog and are unsure what their life was like before. If you have found a skinny dog and decide to take them in, you will want to bring them to a veterinarian right away. Dogs that have been on the streets or otherwise not fed properly may be battling a variety of health issues, like intestinal worms or a loss of appetite that is impacting their muscle mass. A vet can outline a nutrition plan that includes quality food to help your dog get to their ideal weight.
  • Your pooch has protruding bones. Although we know it sounds obvious, it can sometimes be hard to tell what is normal for rib or hip visibility for different dog breeds. Older dogs will sometimes lose weight, much like people do, as they lose muscle mass with age. Some thinner breeds, such as greyhounds, are biologically designed to be streamlined. However, no dog of any age or breed should be displaying ribs that you can fit your fingers past or hips that jut out from the rest of the dog’s hindquarter body mass. Waists should not be tucked behind your dog’s ribs, and there should be at least a half-inch to an inch of body fat between any outer bone and your pet’s skin. 
  • Your dog’s skin is sagging. Skin tells a story when it comes to our estimation of healthy dogs. Sagging skin in most adult dogs is an indication that your dog may not be at a healthy weight or that other medical conditions are affecting your dog’s ability to get the most out of mealtime.

7 Tips to Help Your Dog Gain Weight and Muscle

Whatever the reason for your dog to be underweight, there are a few ways to help them get to their ideal weight. Your dog’s health is very important, and we have outlined a few tried-and-true tips that can help you put the right kind of weight on your dog, no matter what has kept or taken it off before. 

Consider a High-Quality, High-Calorie Dog Food

Your dog’s diet is the first building block to their health and well-being. This includes their physical appearance with regard to muscle tone, girth, and ideal weight. When it comes to gaining weight, a popular option is to add more calories to your dog’s diet through additional small meals. 

However, the key is to not add calories for the sake of calories. While anyone can quickly pick out a dog food that claims to be high calorie, many forget to check the label and might not notice the kibble is actually filled with fillers and additives that outweigh what little vital protein may actually be present.

The reality is that helping your dog get to their optimal level of weight and health is far less about the amount of food given as the kind. Look for a brand like Bully Max that can increase your dog’s caloric intake through good carbs and no unhealthy additives. Ingredients like brown rice and chicken meal will help your dog build body weight in the best way.

Add Vitamins and Supplements to Your Dog’s Diet

As a dog owner, you could be feeding your beloved pet the best dog food in the world and still not see the kind of muscle mass development that you might wish. This is because it takes more than high-protein kibble to build muscle. Ingredients like amino acids and probiotics that you can find in the right muscle-building supplements can help fill in any gaps in your dog’s nutrition plan.

Many times, underweight dogs come with health issues that have been exacerbated by a lack of mineral content and vitamin-rich elements in their diet. If you adopted a skinnier pitbull, for instance, you might be tempted to rectify any body weight issues they might have by feeding highly caloric human food. While there is no doubt that our bullies love tasty human-grade treats like peanut butter, the truth is that your pet’s overall health and ability to build muscle will be much more enhanced by a more dog-centric health powder designed to meet your dog’s unique nutritional needs. 

Look for ingredients like vitamin E, flaxseed, folic acid, and other enzymes to ensure that your pooch is getting all the essential supports necessary for total health, inside and out. Also, check labels to see if the products in question are recommended by veterinarians or, better yet, if veterinarians had a hand in developing the blend.

Ensure Your Dog Gets Proper Exercise

german shepherd running

Yes, what your dog eats is critically important, but the food factor is far from the only metric that you should use to maintain or increase their weight. Your dog’s health is as wrapped up in how much they exercise as it is in how many high-calorie meals are available to them in a given day. Dog owners who want to put a healthy weight on their dogs must realize that lean muscle and increased overall bulk are natural byproducts of efficient and healthy exercise.

We know, you are probably thinking: “My dog goes through toys like there’s no tomorrow, though! How do I exercise them properly?” To this, we reply: Not all dog toys are created equally. If you’ve got a power chewer, Bully Max may have just the ball for your “good boy” or “good girl.” Look for vet-designed balls and toys made of more indestructible materials and designed for the direct improvement of mental and physical health. Toys like the ever-popular spring pole allow your pet to get a full cardio workout, have a blast for hours, reduce stress, and build muscle mass — all while you do little but enjoy the show!

Bear in mind that you don’t even have to buy special toys to make sure that your special friend gets the exercise they need. Just invest in a heavy-duty resistance leash with a bungee element and get out there for a little tug-of-war or a nice walk with your furry family member. The goal is just to engage your pet in daily exercise as you work toward building their optimal health.

Encourage a Stress-Free Environment

Some dogs can become picky eaters when they’re stressed out, so another thing you’ll want to think about when it comes to helping your skinny dog gain weight is to ensure the process is as stress-free as possible. 

Perhaps you recently adopted your dog. The transition into your home might be causing added stress. Consider working with a trainer to create a plan for reducing stress in your dog’s life and develop a consistent routine that includes high-quality dog food and proper exercise so that your dog feels more at ease. Life should be enjoyable for your pet, including at mealtime.

Be Mindful of Challenges for Underweight and Medically Compromised Dogs

Healthy dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s crucial that dog owners recognize where their pets currently are, where they would like them to be (and why), and whether that goal is responsibly attainable. 

For example, it’s both unfair and unrealistic to expect older dogs to build muscle the same way that a young puppy would. Even dogs in their prime may have had their overall health compromised before your entry into their lives and may still be in active recuperation from dietary stresses you never witnessed. 

Additionally, just like people, dogs can suffer from underlying medical conditions that may lead to everything from obesity to heart arrhythmias. Beyond an attentive focus on a reputable nutrition plan, be sure that regular trips to the veterinarian are a part of Fido’s life, no matter what stage of it he’s currently enjoying. This will not only help you keep better tabs on your dog’s health as a whole but also give you access to premium insights on how best to support their ability to build muscle.

If You Have a Puppy, Get on a Healthy Track as Quickly as Possible

While there’s no denying that puppies bring immeasurable energy that demands an equally high-energy food source, in reality, this only means that as soon as your puppy is eating solid food, they should be enjoying the same food and supplement combination as any of your adult dogs.

To avoid giving your young puppy an upset stomach, give them a greater number of small meals throughout the day rather than fewer large meals. Look for high-protein performance chews and other fun ways to get your puppy to take their vitamins and remember that high-velocity exercise is the way these wee ones build muscle, too. Find a good, strong tug toy and let them go to town as they increase muscle mass while bonding with you.

Work With Your Veterinarian to Monitor Your Dog’s Weight Gain

Regardless of which option you choose to help your dog gain more weight, dog owners need to monitor their pet’s progress over the course of several weeks, checking in with the veterinarian periodically as needed for further input. 

You should expect the contents of your dog’s diet to change over the course of that weight-restorative time, as well. The addition of supplements that contain amino acids, enzymes, and probiotics may cause it to seem like your dog bulks up more in the last two weeks of an initial nutrition plan than in the beginning. This is all very commonplace, as your dog’s metabolism adjusts to regular feedings of high-quality dog food.

Bully Max Is Here to Help Your Dog Gain Weight in a Healthy Way

The right combination of food and exercise can help your dog gain weight safely. Just make sure you’re checking in with your veterinarian periodically and encouraging a stress-free environment so that your dog has the best chances of successful weight gain. 

Bully Max believes in the continuous and active support of healthy growth in dogs of all ages and abilities. Check out our complete line of muscle-building products when it comes to safely bulking up your best friend!

How to Find the Best Food for Your Pitbull: 4 Things to Consider

Posted on by Bully Max

You might think that counting carbs or adhering to a high-protein diet is just for human athletes. Not true! Our pitbulls also benefit greatly from a high-quality dog food regimen full of antioxidants and virtually grain-free. Whether you are the proud parent of a petite pitbull puppy or are looking to help your four-legged friend build muscle, you want your dog’s diet to contain as few byproducts as possible to help them maintain a healthy weight through all of their life stages.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at why a balanced diet is important for your pitbull and how to find the best food to add to their overall nutrition plan. 

Why You Should Pay Attention to Your Pitbull’s Diet

While it may seem impossible to believe that our athletic pitbull partners are prone to a number of health issues, some of these issues can be mitigated by a proper diet. The following are common pitbull health concerns that can be managed or avoided by paying close attention to your dog’s diet:

black pitbull dog

  • Volvulus: This often-fatal ailment that occurs when the stomach fills with gas or liquid has been directly linked to allowing your pooch to overeat.
  • Allergies: Pitbulls are particularly prone to allergies. Dairy and wheat are the most common culprits, and ingestion of kibble that contains these ingredients can lead to ear infections, rashes, and a range of other undesirable skin-related symptoms.
  • Hip dysplasia: Like most large-breed dogs, pitbulls regularly suffer from hip dysplasia. Many pitbull owners may not realize that exercise and food brands that encourage lean muscle can all but eradicate this painful problem.

Older dogs can frequently be subject to debilitating cataracts that are due, in many cases, to high blood pressure and diabetes. By the same token, too much weight gain in pitbulls is linked to their heightened vulnerability to hypothyroidism, a digestive and metabolic disorder that can be sidestepped by keeping your pet at a reasonable body weight. 

The average weight for a pitbull can vary by height and proportions and whether there is any Staffordshire blood present. This makes it crucial for owners to recognize when their unique dogs have begun to gain weight and when they are clinically underweight.

Important Ingredients You Want in Your Pitbull’s Dog Food

Most pitbull owners are looking for a good dry dog food that packs a hefty dose of amino acids, healthy fats, and other protein sources. Whether you’re trying to help your pitbull gain muscle or maintain their current physique, you don’t want to read a label that makes chemical additives, preservatives, and fillers the primary source for nutrition. 

Instead, look for some of the ingredients listed below:

  • High-quality protein source: Chicken meal, for instance, offers nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.
  • Healthy carbohydrates: Brown rice, for example, is a healthy high-calorie source.
  • Omega-3: This is a natural fatty acid that helps prevent arthritis.
  • Antioxidants: Vitamin E, such as that found in beets and kelp, is an antioxidant that helps protect your dog from free radicals.
  • Probiotics: Ensure these are in your dog food, as they foster proper gut health for your dog by balancing good bacteria in the digestive system.

Tips on How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Your Pitbull

A healthy diet is incredibly important for all dog breeds. When it comes to the best food for your pitbull, here are four things you’ll want to keep in mind. 

Read the Ingredient Label

This is a big one. When it comes to deciding on the best dog food for your pitbull, you want to be sure you read the ingredient label carefully. Dog food that is full of empty carbs, for instance, can actually cause your beloved pet to lose weight if the calories in question are nothing but the equivalent to canine junk food. Beyond taking a closer look at the specific ingredients included on the label, you’ll also want to see whether it’s clear the exact benefits of the specific ingredients. The more information you can gain from the label, the better. 

At Bully Max, we offer full label disclosure, meaning that every ingredient used is clearly stated on the label. 

Research the Brand

Another step you don’t want to skip is taking the time to research the brand of dog food. Does their website contain customer reviews? Do they provide additional resources to help keep your pitbull in the best possible shape? At Bully Max, not only do we share our customer reviews, but we also offer educational resources to help you know what’s best for both you and your dog.  

Make Sure Your Dog Food Can Grow With Your Pitbull

You’ll also want to look at the big picture when choosing the right dog food. You want a brand that offers different food options based on where your dog is at in their stage of life. For instance, pitbull puppies come with a whirlwind of happy energy that requires a diet full of quality proteins.

We offer multiple nutrition plans depending on pitbull’s stage of life. For instance, we can help pitbull puppies as young as four weeks old grow muscle mass and build immunities so that they have a better chance of avoiding unnecessary ailments as older dogs. Beyond diet, we also understand that a comprehensive nutritional plan should include some muscle-building toys, like a spring pole. From helping you choose the right ingredients to the best activities, our goal is to provide your pitbull with everything they need to thrive.

Consider Adding a Supplement to the Dog Food

Just like us, dogs need additional vitamins outside of what they derive from their everyday diets. A full and robust nutrition plan is never just about the food but also vitamin-rich, muscle-building supplements that can help small puppies grow or nourish underweight adult dogs back to full vitality. Look for ingredients like whey protein, beta carotene, and fish oil to ensure that your pitbull is getting a maximized intake of nutrients they need. 

There is a wide array of supplements out there to help your pitbull gain weight the healthy way while enhancing their coat and overall health. A product like Bully Max Total Health Powder takes a comprehensive, seven-in-one approach that relies on high-quality ingredients like flaxseed to lend your dog greater joint mobility, cardiovascular support, and increased digestive health. Dog owners can also look for supplemental nutrition that passes for “treats” with their dogs, like Bully Max Performance Chews. Get your dogs to eat their B vitamins and pea protein by encasing those essentials in a high-protein treat with a meaty flavor they’ll never know is not just a reward for being a “good boy!” or “good girl!”

It’s Never Just Dog Food to Us

Happy pitbull dog

As dog owners, it’s incumbent on us to pay as much attention to the well-being of our dog’s body as we do to their contentment and enjoyment of life. Quality dog food that provides a balanced diet and minimal preservatives is the least we owe our loyal pitbull family members. 

When it comes to maintaining optimal health for your pitbull, consider our line of high-quality dog food at Bully Max. We believe a dog’s health and longevity starts with high-quality ingredients that are grain-free and packed with health-boosting elements like glucosamine. For instance, Bully Max High contains more calories than any other dog food formula in its class. Working on a 30% protein and 20% fat dynamic, this high-quality dog food provides muscle-building proteins and probiotics, all provided in 100% natural, human-grade ingredients. 

Our dog food offers your pitbull only the calories they’ll use, so check out our full line of products and get your dog started on the path to better health today.

How to Build Muscle on Your Rottweiler

Posted on by Bully Max

Rottweilers are big dogs, with males weighing upward of 130 pounds and females as much as 110 pounds. If you’re the proud owner of a Rottie, you know that big size is matched by big energy: These canines love to run around and play with their owners.

You want your dog to maintain its size and bulk without carrying excess fat. The solution? Help them build and maintain lean muscle mass. This guide explains how to safely and effectively build muscle on your Rottweiler dog.

Ensure Your Rottweiler Gets Their Exercise

Physical activity is important because it helps your dog burn off pent-up energy and prevents obesity. According to the American Kennel Club, obesity in dogs is linked to a slew of health problems, from an increased risk of arthritis to liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and more.

Rottweilers have naturally muscular physiques like many guard dogs, including boxers, bulldogs, Dobermans, and pit bulls. One of the most important things you can do to help your Rottweiler bulk up is to ensure they get sufficient physical activity.

Cardiovascular Exercises

Cardiovascular exercise boosts your dog’s heart and lung health. It also helps expend energy and burn calories, preventing unhealthy weight gain. It can further promote gastrointestinal regularity, boost the immune system, and regulate eating and sleeping patterns.

Sufficient exercise also keeps your dog entertained, preventing boredom. This helps stave off potential behavioral issues like nuisance barking or tearing up your furniture.

To get your dog moving, take them for walks, play with them outside, or have them run alongside you as you cycle. If you have a body of water nearby and your Rottie likes to take a dip, swimming is another option.

Muscle-Building Exercises

Muscle training should target the entire body, from the chest and shoulders to the haunches and back legs. You’ve probably seen dogs that appear overly bulky at the front. This is due to uneven training. It’s problematic, as it can cause balance issues and result in mobility problems, back pain, and hip issues.

Here are some activities you can do with your Rottweiler to boost muscle evenly:

  • Flirt pole: A flirt pole has a long handle with a toy or lure at the end. It’s like a giant cat toy. You move the lure in different directions and let your pup chase it. You can work different muscles in your dog’s body by having them go up stairs, run around poles, and jump over objects.
  • Fetch: Yes, even a simple game of fetch can help boost your Rottweiler’s muscles — if you add weight! Have your dog play fetch using a heavy object, like a plastic dumbbell or a water bottle filled with sand.
  • Tug of war: A sturdy rope is great for this resistance training activity. Encourage your Rottie to stay low to the ground as they pull. When they crouch, they work a different set of muscles in their legs than when moving forward.
  • Stair climbing: Going up and down stairs likewise requires your dog to make use of leg muscles they don’t normally put to use on flat ground. Going down stairs also enhances balance and core stability.
  • Squats: Have your dog repeatedly sit and stand to perform “doggy squats.” You can use treats to motivate them. Add resistance with a weighted vest. Just don’t add more than 10% of their overall body weight.
  • Spring pole: If you don’t have time or energy to invest in your Rottweiler’s workouts, a spring pole is a great solution. It consists of a spring connected to a rope you can hang from a beam or branch. This way, your pup can play tug of war solo.
  • Weight pulling: If you really want to amp up your dog’s muscles, you’ll have to add more resistance to their muscle-building workouts. Weight pulling is ideal. You put your dog in a specialized weight-pulling harness and then have them drag a weight behind them. Have them go 10 to 20 yards at most and then rest for two minutes before repeating. Make sure to build up weight gradually to avoid overexertion.

Rest Days

Just like humans, dogs need rest days if they’re getting a lot of exercise. Rest days give your Rottie’s body time to recover from workouts and allow muscle growth. A strength-training workout will cause small tears in the muscle fibers. When your dog rests, the muscles repair themselves and grow, adding bulk you’re hoping to achieve.

Rest days can also help prevent injuries related to excessive exercise. Rottweiler dogs are susceptible to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and ACL damage. Before you start your pup on any new exercise routine, consult a veterinarian. This is especially important for older or overweight dogs, which increases the risk of joint problems.

Give Your Dog the Fuel They Need With High-Quality Food

Rottweilers are a hardworking breed, and they need plenty of energy to foster their physical activity. Food provides them the fuel they need for maximum performance. Diet helps repair and build tissues, including muscle fibers. A healthy diet also promotes shiny fur, supports healthy hormone regulation, and increases energy levels and immune function.

When planning your dog’s diet, consider factors like their current fitness level, age, and existing health problems. For example, if your dog is overweight, it may benefit from diet kibble. Here’s a generalized breakdown of dog caloric needs:

  • A healthy adult dog needs about 2,200 calories per day.
  • Pups that get a lot of physical activity may need up to 3,500 calories.
  • Less active dogs (like senior dogs that have slowed down) may need less: 1,800 calories a day will likely be sufficient.

So, just what should you be feeding your Rottie? Prioritize a high-protein diet since protein is the basic building block needed to build muscle. As a general rule of thumb, a dog should get 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight every day.

Don’t skimp on your pup’s food: Aim for the best dog foods. Bully Max offers high-protein dog food with a balance of 30% protein and 20% fat. This formula is designed to boost energy, alertness, and strength. These products are packed with healthy, natural ingredients and trusted by K-9 units, champion breeders, and vets alike.

Avoid giving your dog foods lacking in nutritional value — so-called “empty calories.” Table scraps are generally a no-no. Plus, many human foods are actually dangerous for dogs. Gnawing on a chicken or turkey drumstick can be a hazard if it splinters and cuts the delicate tissues inside your dog’s mouth, for example. Save the people food for people.

Finally, make sure your Rottweiler is getting sufficient fresh water as part of their diet. This prevents dehydration, which can lead to weight loss. In general, Rotties require about 20 to 40 milliliters of water per pound of body weight. Your dog will drink when it’s thirsty, so let them have as much water as they want to consume. 

Try Supplements to Build Muscle and Speed Post-Exercise Healing

Often, a standard dog food diet alone isn’t enough to give your Rottie the vitamins and minerals they need to grow and maintain muscle. In this case, supplements can help. You feed your dog supplements alongside their regular diet, giving them an added boost of nutrition in a small dose.

Bully Max supplements are veterinarian-formulated and all-natural. They are 100% safe and contain no harmful ingredients like steroids or creatine. With 19 ingredients, these supplements offer a healthy dose of amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals — all the goods your Rottie needs to bulk up.

These supplements can further improve your pup’s mobility and flexibility, helping keep joints healthy as the dog gets older. They also speed recovery time after muscle-building workouts, keeping your dog’s muscle-growth momentum on track.

Bully Max Has the Key to Building Muscle on Your Rottweiler

As the above guide has hopefully made clear, there is no silver-bullet solution to building muscle on a Rottie. It requires a balanced approach combining diet, exercise, and supplements. In general, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian before making any major changes to any dog breed’s care plan.

Bully Max supplements and food are veterinarian-formulated and can serve as a critical part of your Rottweiler’s muscle growth. Bully Max offers free shipping to dog owners throughout the United States, plus a 30-day guarantee. If you don’t see a change in your dog’s appearance or energy levels, you can return the unused supplements and get your money back.