💪 The importance of quality proteins in the nutrition of sporting dogs

🧬 Protein: Fuel for Muscle and Performance

In sporting dogs, performance depends directly on the quality of their muscle tissue. Every training session and every competition causes micro-lesions in the muscles. To repair these lesions and allow for physical progress, the body needs a sufficient and balanced intake of protein.

Proteins are made up of amino acids, some of which are considered essential and cannot be synthesized by the body. In dogs, the most important are lysine, methionine, leucine, and valine—essential elements for muscle synthesis and recovery.

👉 Research in canine nutrition (Zentek et al., Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 2019) shows that a high-quality protein intake improves muscle recovery capacity and exercise resistance in trained dogs. Furthermore, a good balance between protein and fatty acids helps limit oxidative stress, which is responsible for cellular fatigue after exercise.

🐾 Why protein quality matters so much

The quality of a protein depends on two factors:

Its essential amino acid profile, i.e., its ability to provide the building blocks necessary for muscle reconstruction.

Its digestibility, i.e., the proportion actually absorbed by the body.

Proteins of animal origin (meat, eggs, fish) are closer to the biological profile of dogs and have a digestibility greater than 90%, compared to around 60 to 70% for plant proteins. This is why athletic dogs should favor highly bioavailable animal sources to ensure rapid muscle regeneration and lasting endurance.

⚡ PROTEIN POWER — The natural source for optimal recovery

Developed by Neo-nutrition to meet the specific needs of sporting dogs, PROTEIN POWER contains a concentrated formula of highly digestible animal proteins combined with essential amino acids.

This synergy promotes:

✅ Rebuilding muscle fibers after exercise, reducing the risk of injury.

✅ Stimulation of protein synthesis (particularly via leucine), essential for maintaining muscle mass.

✅ Faster recovery and improved endurance during successive workouts.

✅ Optimal absorption, without digestive overload or loss of appetite.

Each dose of Protein Power acts as a natural nutritional boost, allowing the dog to reach its full potential while maintaining its metabolic balance.

🔬 What the studies say

A study conducted by Wanner et al. (Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practising Veterinarian, 2020) highlights that athletic dogs with a high animal protein intake exhibit better tolerance to prolonged exercise and reduced markers of muscle inflammation.

According to the NRC (Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, 2006), active dogs require 25 to 30% of their energy from protein to maintain muscle mass and metabolic performance.

This data confirms what experienced canine athletes have long observed: a diet rich in quality, well-balanced, and digestible protein is the key to sustained performance.

🏁 In Summary

Protein is the cornerstone of canine performance. It ensures recovery, strength, endurance, and resistance to exertion, while protecting muscles from breakdown.

With PROTEIN POWER, Neo-nutrition puts science at the service of sporting dogs, offering a natural, complete, and highly bioavailable source of protein, perfectly suited to their athletic needs.

💬 Testimony

Since I incorporated Protein Power into my Border Collie's diet, his recovery has been impressive. He maintains consistent muscle mass even in the middle of the season. It has become a pillar of his preparation.”— Élodie & Nox, agility and canicross team