Does eating dog food help build muscles in humans? Emphatic No

“I haven’t seen the video myself, but there was a lot of discussion around this in my gym over the last three days,” said Sandeep Singh, a gym enthusiast from JP Nagar in Bengaluru.

“I am not sure if anyone in India would try it. But the curiosity may drive some desperate ones to pick up that dog food trend,” he giggled.

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So, does dog food help build muscles?

Dog food is not recommended for human consumption as it is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs. (iStockphoto)

The answer is an emphatic No!

Doctors South First spoke to debunked this idea and were categorical that dog food does not help build muscles in humans.

Dog food is not recommended for human consumption as it is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs.

“It is disgusting to try something of this sort. This is abnormal. We are disrespecting health in the name of building muscle,” said fitness expert and Fit India brand ambassador Wanita Ashok.

“We are not canines. We are humans and our food is totally different. We have to keep this in mind and not try any such thing even for the sake of displaying it on social media. This will definitely affect your health,” she added.

Dr Sudhir Kumar, a consultant neurologist with the Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, told South First: “There is no scientific basis for eating dog food to build muscles.”

Kumar, who is also a fitness freak and popular for his tweets on marathon running and physical fitness, also asked: “Any diet rich in proteins can help build muscles, but eating dog food is bizarre and unhealthy.”

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What happens if humans eat dog food?

Fitness consultant and life coach Sachin Kumar from Bengaluru pointed out that the human and canine digestive systems are very different.

“A human colon is five-six times the body length, while a dog’s colon is three-four times its body length. Dog foods contain ground meat and this may take up to 70-74 hours for a human to digest,” he explained.

He added that the more complex the food is, the more energy is consumed by our body to digest it. So, we must eat food that suits our digestive system.

He also said that this trend of eating anything and everything without understanding human anatomy could lead to various diseases — even cancer.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru-based physician Dr Nagesh B, who runs an independent clinic, said it was not just about human anatomy.

Dog food also is subject to sanitary conditions, he pointed out. There is a high possibility of salmonella or bacterial infections, which are caused by eating uncooked meat.

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Which foods can help build muscles?

Doctors insist that humans stick to food that has been tried, tested, and eaten by humans for generations.

Sachin Kumar said any diet rich in proteins helps build muscles. Both non-vegetarian and vegetarian foods can give you protein sources for muscle-building, he said.

“We have a variety of food options like fruits, veggies, millets, sprouts, legumes, pulses, eggs, and cooked meat from where we can to get our nutrients. The more we consume natural foods, the more energy we get. We can build muscle with the right food, physical activity, and mental health,” Sachin Kumar noted.

Manipal Hospital consultant physician Dr Manohar KN said: “It’s preferable to go for natural proteins. Cutting down heavily on carbs is also not advisable as carbs also act as protein sparers.”

Dr Manohar, who is also the chairman of the Karnataka Chapter of the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI), explained that building muscle mass was not just about pumping iron.

A well-balanced diet, rest and recovery are key ingredients as well, he said.

“If we overdo carb restriction, proteins get broken down for getting energy,” he added.

Meanwhile, Darshan R, cofounder of the Bengaluru-based running club ODUBA, said there are several foods that are beneficial for muscle-building.

Here are some examples:

• Lean meats: Chicken, turkey, beef, and pork are all excellent sources of protein, which is essential for muscle-building.
• Fish: Salmon, tuna, and other fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and promote muscle recovery.
• Eggs: A great source of protein, they also contain other important nutrients like choline, which is important for muscle health.
• Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and yoghurt are all high in protein and also contain calcium, which is important for bone health.
• Whole grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and other whole grains are rich in complex carbohydrates, which provide energy for workouts and help with muscle recovery.
• Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are important for overall health and can also help reduce inflammation and promote muscle recovery.
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, peanuts, and other nuts and seeds are rich in protein, healthy fats, and other important nutrients.

Darshan insisted that in addition to consuming these foods, it was important to eat enough calories to support muscle-building and engage in regular strength training exercises.

Combining a healthy diet with exercise is how you can maximise your muscle-building potential and achieve your fitness goals. Not by eating dog food!

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