DOGEVERA RESEARCH · Research Project 002
HMB in Dogs: Canine Studies and Commercial Claims
Two linked datasets from a preregistered evidence map. The first lists the 11 records from 9 publications or patents in which dogs were given oral HMB (β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate), with population, design, dose, duration, outcomes and funding. The second records 32 claims about HMB in dogs from 19 commercial pages, word for word, with the source each claim cites, whether that source exists, and whether its population matches the dogs the claim is about.
For researchers, veterinarians and readers examining the published evidence. These datasets do not pool efficacy results or evaluate product efficacy; the HMB dataset also checks commercial claims against their cited sources.
These resources are designed to make published evidence easier to inspect — not to replace veterinary advice or peer-reviewed research.
If no dog study stands behind a product, that does not mean the product does not work. Dogevera sells an HMB supplement for dogs; its own product page was audited first, under the same rules as every other page.
Author check: the record of the 2023 IAVRPT abstract on HMB after orthopaedic surgery was checked by the study's author, Dr Morito Ogasawara (Animal Rehabilitation Medicine Laboratory). This is a check of that one record, not an endorsement of Dogevera or its products.
Study records
Fields below are reproduced as published in the English-language CSV. Empty cells are left blank; see the complete dataset and README for methods and limitations.
| Record | Study | Year | Dogs | Form / product | Formulation | Dose as reported | Duration | Comparator | Funding | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R002-01 | Nghiem PP, Rutledge AM, Tehas K, Kaderli C, et al. Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) improves daily activity and whole-body protein metabolism in Duchenne muscular dystrophy dogs: a pilot study. Sci Rep 15:4026. | 2025 | 6 | Bulk Supplements (gelatin capsules in pill pockets) | Calcium HMB powder | 3 g daily | 28 days per period | Placebo | No funding statement found in PMC full text | doi:10.1038/s41598-025-88651-8; PMID 39894866; PMC11788438 |
| R002-02 | Fuller JC Jr, Rathmacher JA. Calcium beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate improves canine performance in greyhounds and mushing dogs. Open Vet J 16(6):3759–3769. (Study 1) | 2026 | 37 | Not reported | Calcium HMB | 1 g daily | 12-week race meet | 5 g dextrose–electrolyte mixture | MTI Biotech, Inc. (Ames, IA) | doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i6.47 |
| R002-03 | Fuller JC Jr, Rathmacher JA. Open Vet J 16(6):3759–3769. (Study 2) | 2026 | 22 | Metabolic Technologies, Ames, IA (four 250 mg capsules in morning feed) | Calcium HMB | 1 g daily | From at least 2 weeks before competition and throughout | Unsupplemented team (allocation by team membership and trainer preference) | MTI Biotech, Inc. | doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i6.47 |
| R002-04 | Freire TGB. Uso de cálcio 3-hidroxi-3-metilbutirato em programa de perda de gordura em cães idosos. MSc dissertation, UNESP Jaboticabal (advisor Carciofi AC). | 2025 | 20 completed | Not reported | Calcium HMB (in diet, with vitamin D) | Not in public partial version | Until 20% body-weight reduction (programme length not in partial version) | Control diet | CAPES scholarship; acknowledgements thank "empresa patrocinadora TSI" | UNESP repository 8ed109db-f247-4f61-8f97-b1ef51fe0fed |
| R002-05 | Fenerick JC. Efeitos do emagrecimento e uso de β-hidroxi-β-metilbutirato na aptidão aeróbia de cães obesos. Dissertation, UNESP. | 2025 | 18 | Not reported | HMB in diet (form not stated in available text) | 87 ± 8.7 mg/kg metabolic body weight | Until 20% body-weight loss | Control weight-loss diet | Acknowledgements thank "TSI Group pelo apoio financeiro" | UNESP repository bitstream 87cf8452-43bb-4a21-95f8-739d280885d2 |
| R002-06 | Rychlik A, Nieradka R, Kander M, et al. The effectiveness of natural and synthetic immunomodulators in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in dogs. Acta Vet Hung 61(3):297–308. | 2013 | 28 | Not reported | HMB extruded into food | Not reported | 42 days | β-1,3/1,6-D-glucan; levamisole | Not reported | doi:10.1556/avet.2013.015; PMID 23921342 |
| R002-07 | Ogasawara M, Fushimi T. Effects of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate on muscle mass of dogs who underwent orthopedic surgeries. Acta Vet Scand 65(Suppl 1):PO.22 (IAVRPT Symposium 2023 abstract). | 2023 | 18 | PE Muscle Booster (QIX, Japan): per 1 g, calcium HMB 200 mg, creatine 300 mg, water-soluble elastin 10 mg, squid-cartilage chondroitin extract 30 mg (manufacturer page) | Calcium HMB in a multi-ingredient powder | 0.2 g/kg/day (author, email 2026-10-12) | 30 days post-operatively (measured days 0, 4, 10, 30) | No HMB | Not reported | Acta Vet Scand 2023;65(Suppl 1):PO.22; PMC10722699 |
| R002-08 | Fuller J, Rathmacher J, Harris E, Baier S (Metabolic Technologies LLC). Compositions and methods of use of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) for joint stability. Patent CA3011364A1 (family: US20210077439A1, JP7611111B2). | 2017 (publication; priority 2016) | 1 | Not reported | Calcium HMB capsules | 2 g/day (two 1 g doses) | About 2 months, paused ~2 weeks, then resumed (total not stated) | None | Patent applicant Metabolic Technologies LLC | CA3011364A1 |
| R002-09 | Zhu D, Lu J, Zhao X, et al. (Jiangsu Agri Animal Husbandry Vocational College). Nutritional paste for pet dogs with renal failure and preparation method thereof. Patent CN110710600A. (Experiment: surgically induced CRF model) | 2020 (publication; filed 2019) | 20 | Paste examples 2, 3, 6 | Calcium HMB in a nutritional paste | Paste 6 g/kg body weight (with normal diet); CaHMB share 2–5 parts by weight (preferred formula 4 parts of ~281.6) | 4 weeks | Normal diet (model group) | Not reported | CN110710600A |
| R002-10 | CN110710600A (as R002-09). (Experiment: client dogs with chronic renal failure) | 2020 (publication; filed 2019) | 24 | Paste example 2 | Calcium HMB in a nutritional paste | Paste (example 2) 6 g/kg body weight, morning and evening | 60 days follow-up | Ordinary diet | Not reported | CN110710600A |
| R002-11 | Jaśkiewicz A, et al. Holistic management of renal nephroblastoma in a juvenile dog with severe cachexia: a case report. Med Weter 78(12):651–655. | 2022 | 1 | Not reported | 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid (form otherwise not stated) | Not reported | Not reported | None | Not reported | doi:10.21521/mw.6688 |
Commercial claims audit
Third-party claims are reproduced from the source pages identified below. Rights in those source materials may be separate from the dataset’s CC BY 4.0 licence.
| Claim | Supplier | Source URL | Claim as recorded | Source cited | Source retrievable | Source population | Population match | Evidence tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C01 | Dogevera (ViralMomentum LLC) | https://dogevera.com/products/muscle-strength-recovery-soft-chews-for-dogs | precisely specified daily muscle-support formula for active and aging dogs, built around 150 mg calcium HMB per 2-chew reference serving | n/a | n/a | no | none | |
| C02 | VetriScience | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSGFSF6X | Formula features HMB for mobility support | n/a | n/a | no | none | |
| C03 | VetriScience | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSGFSF6X | myHMB, the foundational ingredient of our powerful new muscle powder for dogs, has been clinically proven to help slow age-related muscle loss, helps to increase exercise endurance for longer walks and more play, and promotes healthy recovery after exercise or surgery, injury, or other periods of restricted movement. | "clinically proven" (no study named) | n/a | n/a | unclear | untraceable |
| C04 | Wonder Paws | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H6GYDRV8 | uses clinically studied myHMB, which is a premium metabolite shown to help increase muscle mass and strength, retain muscle mass, and improve recovery from injury or surgery. | "clinically studied" (no study named) | n/a | n/a | unclear | untraceable |
| C05 | Wonder Paws | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H6GYDRV8 | a natural metabolite shown in both humans and pets to help reduce muscle loss, increase muscle mass and strength, while supporting overall joint health. | "shown in both humans and pets" (no study named) | n/a | n/a | unclear | untraceable |
| C06 | NaturVet | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GT25BH7K | these soft chews use myHMB to assist with muscle recovery and strength for active dogs of all sizes and life stages | n/a | n/a | no | none | |
| C07 | AminAmend | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZ8P56Q1 | It helps reduce muscle loss, promotes recovery, and maintains strength and mobility with ingredients like HMB and Vitamin D3. | "Scientifically Proven" tab heading; "clinically researched ingredients" (no study named) | n/a | n/a | unclear | untraceable |
| C08 | AminAmend | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZ8P56Q1 | Many pet parents notice improvements in mobility and energy within a few weeks. | n/a | n/a | no | none | |
| C09 | Native Pet | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FS247J2S | HMB helps preserve muscle around joints | "four clinically studied joint-support ingredients" (no study named) | n/a | n/a | unclear | untraceable |
| C10 | X100BEST | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HJZWKJKG | HMB is a metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine that supports healthy muscle maintenance, daily strength and an active lifestyle. | n/a | n/a | no | none | |
| C11 | Replenish | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HDZXL71N | Formulated with HMB to help preserve lean muscle mass, improve endurance, and enhance recovery after activity. | "scientifically developed formula" (no study named) | n/a | n/a | unclear | untraceable |
| C12 | CPN (Vertex) | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MH1XZRJ | Loaded with essential vitamins, HMB, glucosamine, chondroitin, and probiotics, Vertex keeps joints flexible and energy high | n/a | n/a | no | none | |
| C13 | MuscleX | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4JZ7YYZ | Helps Reduce Muscle Loss Due to Normal Aging and Improves Recovery from Injury | n/a | n/a | no | none | |
| C14 | MuscleX | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4JZ7YYZ | a proven and clinically tested combination of dietary supplements that prevents muscle protein breakdown and supports muscle protein synthesis. | "proven and clinically tested" (no study named) | n/a | n/a | unclear | untraceable |
| C15 | MuscleX | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4JZ7YYZ | HMB has been clinically studied for more than 20 years and has been shown to improve muscle protein synthesis and prevent muscle protein breakdown. | "clinically studied for more than 20 years" (no study named) | n/a | n/a | unclear | untraceable |
| C16 | Dr. Bill's | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0752XQFBC | Includes HMB, essential amino acids, and collagen to promote muscle retention, connective tissue strength, and faster recovery, ideal for aging, athletic, or recovering dogs. | n/a | n/a | no | none | |
| C17 | AminAmend | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZDDD3Z1 | HMB helps support normal muscle maintenance and dietary protein use when paired with a balanced diet | n/a | n/a | no | none | |
| C18 | Dr. Bill's | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075HBRBX6 | Formulated to support muscle strength, endurance, normal metabolism, and healthy skin and coat | n/a | n/a | no | none | |
| C19 | MuscleX | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4G4XY4V | Helps Reduce Muscle Loss Due to Normal Aging & Improves Recovery from Inj | n/a | n/a | no | none | |
| C20 | Wonder Paws | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FYJLJM58 | made with a patented form of natural metabolite HMB, this formula helps reduce muscle loss and support lean mass. | n/a | n/a | no | none | |
| C21 | VetriScience (FoodScience LLC) | https://www.vetriscience.com/hmb-healthy-muscle-strength.html | Research has shown that HMB (β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate) helps to support lean muscle mass and maintain healthy muscle during aging.1 | Superscript footnote "1"; no reference list found on the page | n/a | n/a | unclear | untraceable |
| C22 | VetriScience (FoodScience LLC) | https://www.vetriscience.com/hmb-healthy-muscle-strength.html | HMB supports exercise endurance for longer walks and may help with healthy recovery after surgery, injury, or periods of limited movement or crate rest. | n/a | n/a | no | none | |
| C23 | VetriScience (FoodScience LLC) | https://www.vetriscience.com/hmb-healthy-muscle-strength.html | It's one of the most clinically tested ingredients to help slow age-related muscle loss | "most clinically tested" (no study named) | n/a | n/a | unclear | untraceable |
| C24 | TSI Group (ingredient supplier, myHMB) | https://tsigroupltd.com/milestone-study-provides-strong-evidence-for-how-hmb-supports-healthy-aging-in-pets/ | Milestone Study Provides Strong Evidence for How HMB Supports Healthy Aging in Pets | Nghiem PP et al. 2025. Sci Rep 15:4026. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-88651-8 | partly | disease model (Duchenne muscular dystrophy dogs, about 2–3 years old, n = 6) | no | canine disease model |
| C25 | TSI Group (ingredient supplier, myHMB) | https://tsigroupltd.com/milestone-study-provides-strong-evidence-for-how-hmb-supports-healthy-aging-in-pets/ | Now a new study, published in Nature, is the first to demonstrate HMB’s ability to improve daily activity and protein metabolism in dogs with clinically relevant muscle loss. | Nghiem PP et al. 2025. Sci Rep 15:4026. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-88651-8 | partly | disease model (DMD dogs, n = 6) | unclear | canine disease model |
| C26 | TSI Group (ingredient supplier, myHMB) | https://tsigroupltd.com/milestone-study-provides-strong-evidence-for-how-hmb-supports-healthy-aging-in-pets/ | It is well positioned as a scientifically validated solution for muscle preservation and healthy aging in companion animals. | Nghiem PP et al. 2025. Sci Rep 15:4026. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-88651-8 | partly | disease model (DMD dogs, n = 6) | no | canine disease model |
| C27 | TSI Group (myHMB) | https://myhmb.com/applications/pet/ | A new study shows that HMB supports increased daily activity and healthy protein metabolism in pets. | 'TELL ME MORE' link to TSI press release (G02) -> Nghiem PP et al. 2025. Sci Rep 15:4026. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-88651-8 | yes | disease model (DMD dogs, n = 6) | no | canine disease model |
| C28 | TSI Group (myHMB) | https://myhmb.com/applications/pet/ | HMB attenuates exercise-induced muscle damage from intense performance (greyhound racing and Iditarod sled dogs) similar to humans | n/a | n/a | no | none | |
| C29 | TSI Group (myHMB) | https://myhmb.com/applications/pet/ | Thankfully, what has been scientifically proven to help humans has also been proven to help our companion animals! | no study named | n/a | n/a | unclear | untraceable |
| C30 | TSI Group (myHMB) | https://myhmb.com/applications/pet/ | Therefore, supplementing with HMB can improve mobility, strength, stability and overall quality of life for humans and our companions alike. | "numerous studies published in humans" | n/a | human | no | human |
| C31 | Platinum Performance | https://www.platinumperformance.com/dogs-cats/dog-cat-conditions/dog-muscle-health-recovery | HMB is involved in protein synthesis and has been shown to increase muscle mass, prevent muscle from breaking down and/or assist in muscle repair. | "has been shown" (no study named) | n/a | n/a | unclear | untraceable |
| C32 | Platinum Performance | https://www.platinumperformance.com/dogs-cats/dog-cat-conditions/dog-muscle-health-recovery | it can significantly reduce recovery time | n/a | n/a | no | none |
How to cite
Tang, M. (2026). HMB in dogs: canine study dataset and claims audit (Dogevera Research 002) (Version 1.0) [Data set]. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23525238
Licensed under CC BY 4.0Download and documentation
Disclosure
Dogevera is a commercial canine wellness company. It sells green-lipped mussel products, the subject of Research Project 001, and a supplement containing HMB, the subject of Research Project 002. Dogevera Research is an evidence-organization initiative maintained by Dogevera. It reports what studies show whichever way it points. Unless explicitly stated, the authors of cited studies have not reviewed, endorsed or participated in the preparation of these resources. Corrections are welcome at morty@dogevera.com and will be credited.