L-Carnitine for Dogs: What Every Pet Parent Should Know

 

Hello, pet lovers!

 

If you’re into fitness, you’re likely familiar with L-carnitine, an ingredient known for its fat-burning properties. Well, this same ingredient can also be given to dogs and offers a range of benefits beyond just fat burning.

 

Whether you have an energetic working dog, a senior pup needing extra support with mobility, or a dog struggling with weight management, L-carnitine could be an excellent addition to their regimen.

 

Stay with us to learn more about the benefits, dosage, and safety of L-carnitine for dogs!

 

Disclaimer: This supplement should be used with caution, and we advise consulting with a veterinarian before administration.

 

Jump To:

• What is L-Carnitine?
• Benefits of L-Carnitine for Dogs
• Dosage and Administration
• Safety and Side Effects
• L-Carnitine vs. Other Supplements
• Testimonials and Case Studies

 

What is L-Carnitine?

 

 

L-carnitine is an amino acid nutrient produced by the body and found in various foods and supplements. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are essential for fat and energy metabolism. They play a crucial role in supporting normal heart and skeletal muscle functions and are integral to the body’s energy production.

 

L-carnitine is well-known for its role in fat metabolism. It helps transport long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are oxidized (burned) to produce energy. This process is vital for the optimal functioning of the heart and muscles.

 

And don’t forget: the heart is a muscle too—actually, one of the most important ones! :)

 

Moreover, L-carnitine assists in removing toxic byproducts that accumulate in cells during energy production. This is particularly beneficial for overweight dogs, a topic we will explore further.

 

Natural Sources of L-Carnitine

 

L-carnitine is an essential amino acid that can be found mainly in meat and dairy products including the following:

• Beef
• Lamb
• Chicken
• Fish
• Cheese
• Milk

 

Research indicates that some commercial dog foods might include L-carnitine as a chemically pure substance, which should be listed in the ingredient list on the packaging. In pet foods, L-carnitine aids in fat burning supports lean muscle mass, and helps maintain a healthy body weight. Veterinarians often recommend brands containing L-carnitine for weight management, as well as for heart and liver health.

 

If your pet’s food does not specifically list L-carnitine, there's no need to worry. Most well-formulated pet foods provide adequate L-carnitine through various ingredients, primarily of animal origin.

Benefits of L-Carnitine for Dogs

 

 

Besides being useful for converting fat into energy, L-carnitine keeps the animals lean and maintains their muscle mass. However, here are some other benefits of this supplement for dogs.

 

Let’s take a look!

 

Heart Health

 

General health professionals recommend this supplement to humans mainly because it can reduce the total and LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing the HDL (good) cholesterol, which leads to a decreased risk for heart diseases. L-carnitine is well-known for its ability to support cardiovascular function.

 

Similarly, in animals, L-carnitine supports heart function and efficiency by ensuring that the heart muscles receive the necessary energy to operate optimally. It is commonly recommended for pets with conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or congestive heart failure (CHF).

 

A case study of dilated cardiomyopathy in a family of dogs was linked to lower myocardial L-carnitine levels compared to healthy control dogs. In two affected dogs, administering high doses of L-carnitine led to an increase in myocardial L-carnitine levels and significant improvements in both health and heart function. However, when L-carnitine supplementation was stopped, these dogs experienced a recurrence of myocardial dysfunction and clinical symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy.

 

A specific health issue that might be treated with L-carnitine is congestive heart failure. It can improve heart muscle function, especially in dog breeds that are prone to it. Studies claim that not all dogs with congestive heart failure have an L-carnitine deficiency, but they can still benefit from it.

 

L-carnitine facilitates the transport of fatty acids to the mitochondria, where they are converted into energy. Some dog breeds, such as Boxers and Dobermans, are particularly prone to heart diseases, and their owners may be advised to supplement their dogs with L-carnitine from a young age. However, this recommendation is not limited to these breeds alone.

 

Disclaimer: If your dog has a heart condition, consult with a veterinarian to determine if this supplement is appropriate for your pet.

 

Weight Management

 

This amino acid is an essential nutrient that is often included in dog weight loss programs. It improves fat metabolism by transporting long-chain fatty acids into cells where they are burned for energy.

 

One study investigated the effect of L-carnitine on feed intake, body weight, and composition and Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) in Labradors that were fed with high-calorie diets. There are disturbing statistics that show that 18% to 44% of dogs worldwide are overweight or obese and this study explains the effect of the supplement.

 

The dogs were divided into 3 groups depending on the received dose, including the following 3 doses:

• 0 mg/day
• 236 mg/d
• 492 mg/d

 

Each group was further divided into two subgroups, receiving either 110% or 120% of their Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER), which was evaluated in a metabolic chamber at baseline.

 

This trial consisted of 2 periods:

• 8-week weight gain period
• 7-week exercise phase

 

All dogs performed a twice-weekly endurance run with increasing distance, and activity levels and average speeds were recorded. Dogs receiving high-calorie intake (120% MER) exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in feed consumption and significant body weight decrease at doses of 236 mg and 492 mg of L-carnitine, independent of exercise, and this was mostly found in females.

 

The control group (0 mg/day) showed a significant increase in fat mass from baseline to the end of the weight gain phase, while no significant increase was observed in the L-carnitine group.

 

The conclusion shows that dogs fed with high-calorie diets can benefit from this amino acid because there is a decrease in food intake, and an increase in the basal metabolic rate, which prevents weight gain.

 

Read More: Find out more about weight loss supplements for dogs

 

Muscle Function

 

The heart and skeletal muscles are key areas where L-carnitine is stored and utilized. If your dog is experiencing muscle pain, fatigue, or lethargy, this ingredient might be beneficial. However, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen.

 

Active dogs and working dogs particularly benefit from L-carnitine. It supports muscle function and enhances fat metabolism, helping to convert fat into an energy source. This supplement can lead to reducing fat stores while maintaining lean muscle mass.

 

One study that examined muscle recovery in Labrador retrievers revealed that L-carnitine-supplemented dogs show more activity and endurance compared to unsupplemented. One other interesting thing from this research is that female dogs showed more pronounced effects compared to male dogs. Results also revealed that this amino acid can prevent exercise-induced muscle damage based on the reduced efflux of inflammatory enzymes and reduced oxidative stress during exercise.

 

This supplement can also be advantageous for older dogs, as it may help counteract the effects of aging, such as decreased activity and lethargy. For senior dogs, L-carnitine may help boost energy levels and improve recovery times after strenuous activities.

 

Testimonials and Case Studies

 

In a study involving six conditioned Greyhounds, researchers tested the effects of L-carnitine supplementation (100 mg per kg of body weight per day) over 6 weeks. The dogs participated in a placebo-controlled crossover study, where they were monitored at rest and after running a 5/16 mile race at maximum speed. The results showed that L-carnitine increased their hematocrit levels both at rest and immediately after the race.

 

Dogs with the highest levels of muscle damage under placebo conditions showed the greatest improvement with L-carnitine supplementation. The overall results showed that L-carnitine improved oxygen transport and reduced signs of muscle damage in racing Greyhounds.

 

Disclaimer: This is not a large study and does not include many patients. This is why before giving your dog L-carnitine, you should consult with a veterinarian to get personalized advice.

 

Dosage and Administration

 

 

Veterinarians should determine the appropriate L-carnitine dosage for your dog, based on their current health status and symptoms.

 

Before introducing this supplement, review your pet food label. Some AAFCO-approved foods already contain sufficient L-carnitine and are nutritionally complete. While L-carnitine is FDA-approved for human use, it is not FDA-approved as a veterinary supplement for dogs.

 

There are no specific dosage recommendations, however, we will try to advise you as much as possible to avoid side effects.

Recommended Dosage

 

For weight management, the recommended dose is 250 to 500 mg per 50 lbs approximately.

 

For muscle conditions, the recommended dose is 250 mg/d approximately.

 

According to meta-analysis, L-carnitine supplementation can improve the lipid profile status and can lead to normal heart function, especially in doses of more than 1500 mg/day.

 

Disclaimer: The dosage of L-carnitine varies depending on your dog’s size, weight, and specific health needs. We advise all pet parents to consult with a veterinarian to establish the correct dosage, especially for dogs with heart conditions or decreased muscle function, as these may require different dosages.

 

Forms of L-Carnitine

 

There are different forms of the L-carnitine supplement available on the market and each form comes with its pros and cons. Here are some of the most common forms:

 

• Capsules: They are easy to administer and easy to measure, but the disadvantage is that there are some dogs that “smell” the presence of the pill and won’t fall on your tricks.

 

• Tablet: Consult with a vet, and if you find a flavored tablet, it will be great and more appealing to the dog. However, the dosage may not be as precise as capsules.

 

• Powder: Probably one of the best forms of supplement. The powder form is easy to mix with dog food and dogs won’t even notice it.

 

• Liquid: The liquid form can be mixed into food or water which makes it a flexible option and is useful for dogs that dislike pills.

 

• Note: It is always rare to find ingredients in liquid form as this is a less stable form than others, and sometimes not as easy to use.

 

Consult with a veterinarian to determine which form of the supplement is the best for your pet based on its current health status and individual preferences.

 

How to Administer?

 

Administering an L-carnitine supplement to your dog typically depends on the form you choose. If you're using capsules or tablets, consider hiding the supplement in a small treat or bite to make it more palatable.

You can sprinkle powders onto your dog’s food.

For liquid forms, you can mix the recommended dosage into your dog’s food or water. Ensure they consume the entire meal to receive the full dosage.

 

However, there are some general tips. First of all, you should always be careful about the introduction of any new supplement. Make sure you make it gradually and step-by-step. This will help in detecting any possible side effects promptly. Another general advice is to begin with a lower dose and gradually increase it to detect any side effects.

 

If your dog has consequences after consuming the supplement, you should limit the usage and consult with a veterinarian.

 

Safety and Side Effects 

 

L-carnitine is generally considered a safe supplement for dogs, but, as with any supplement, side effects can occur. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and may include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset.

 

When administered at the recommended dosage, the risk of side effects is minimal. Since L-carnitine is a naturally occurring compound in the body, most dogs tolerate it well. Nonetheless, it's important to monitor your dog for any adverse reactions and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Is L-Carnitine Safe for Dogs?

 

L-carnitine is generally safe for dogs and can offer numerous benefits. However, it's important to remember that each dog is unique, and you should remain vigilant for any potential side effects.

 

Note: Before introducing this supplement to your dog's regimen, consult with a veterinarian to determine if the L-carnitine supplement alone is sufficient or if it should be combined with other medications or supplements.

 

L-Carnitine vs. Other Supplements

 

Many other supplements and drugs can be used to improve the overall health of the animals. This includes glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids.

 

L-Carnitine vs. Glucosamine

• L-carnitine
  • Objective: You want to use L-carnitine to support your dog's muscle health, boost energy production, and promote a healthy heart.
  • Evidence: L-carnitine is backed by strong research, showing clear benefits for improving cardiovascular health and enhancing muscle energy, particularly for aging or overweight dogs.

 

• Glucosamine
  • Objective: Glucosamine is often marketed for joint health, but we recommend reconsidering its use for this purpose.
  • Evidence: Studies have shown that glucosamine provides limited improvement for joint health. Instead, UC-II® collagen has been proven to be much more effective in maintaining joint flexibility and overall comfort by targeting the underlying causes of joint degeneration.

 

Conclusion: While L-carnitine is a great option for maintaining optimal cardiovascular function when it comes to joints, UC-II® collagen outperforms glucosamine. If you're focused on keeping your pet active and comfortable, we recommend making the switch to scientifically-backed solutions like UC-II® collagen for joint health.

 

L-Carnitine vs. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

 

Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for overall health and are primarily sourced from marine environments. They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate joint-related issues and promote general well-being.

 

Omegas can also enhance mobility in pets with osteoarthritis. Based on owner observations, dogs given omega-3 supplements showed a noticeable improvement in their ability to rise from a resting position after just 6 weeks. Additionally, at 12 and 24 weeks, these dogs demonstrated better walking ability. Omega-3s also help protect against further cartilage deterioration in the joints, and depending on the stage of osteoarthritis, they can slow down cartilage breakdown.

 

However, L-carnitine is the best choice in cases of heart disease and weight management. Additionally, it is a supplement that can improve the overall health status and physical performance of the animal.

 

Conclusion

 

L-carnitine is an essential amino acid and is generally safe when used at the recommended dosages. It can enhance heart function and improve muscle endurance, making it a popular choice in weight loss programs and contributing to overall health improvements in dogs.

 

We'd love to hear from you! What was the main reason you decided to use this supplement for your dog? What benefits have you observed? Share your experiences in the comments!