AWARD WINNING RAW DOG FOOD & DOG SUPPLEMENTS
Customer Stories
If you’ve been grappling with trying to keep your dog fit and strong despite joint issues, you know it’s not easy. You watch them, wanting them to stay as active as they’re born to be, yet each setback makes you wonder if you’re doing enough. This is exactly the place Martin Kirkbride found himself with his beloved Labrador, Maximus.
Author: Anna Bain
Maximus, a fox-red Labrador with a boundless spirit, had a recurring joint issue in his front leg that kept casting shadows on their daily routines and adventures. After a journey through diet changes and careful management, Martin found what he was searching for: ProDog Raw’s Muscle Plus, a supplement that’s helped turn things around for Maximus.
Maximus’s story began with a health challenge. Martin recalls,
“Maximus came into our lives at just 8 weeks old. We couldn’t wait to see him grow into a strong, happy dog.”
But at only 16 weeks, the excitement turned to worry when Martin noticed Maximus showing discomfort in his front left leg. Swelling and stiffness were apparent, and after a vet visit, the issue was revealed—a small cartilage growth on his elbow.
Surgery removed the growth, and Martin hoped that was the end of Maximus’s struggles. But as the years passed, the issues returned.
“At around three and a half years old, Maximus started showing signs of discomfort again. It felt like déjà vu.”
Though there was no sign of a new growth this time, the recommendation was clear: rest, gentle lead walks, and keeping his activity levels closely monitored.
To Martin, Maximus’s wellbeing was a top priority. Determined to get Maximus feeling his best, Martin focused on his nutrition and physical support. He says,
Plus, Martin noticed a welcome bonus: Maximus’s overall body composition improved on the raw diet.
Discover the incredible health benefits of raw dog food, check out our blog, Top 12 Health Benefits of Raw Feeding, to see how it can transform your dog’s health and vitality. Or, if you’re ready to get started, our Beginner’s Guide to Raw Feeding will walk you through every step!
Even with these dietary strides, Martin wanted more for Maximus. He knew that building muscle could help Maximus maintain a stronger frame, better support his joints, and perhaps get back to some of the activities he loved. That’s when Martin discovered ProDog Raw’s Muscle Plus, protein supplement for dogs.
In Martin’s words,
“I was thrilled to find a supplement like Muscle Plus that could help with Maximus’s muscle development. It felt like exactly what he needed.”
Within eight weeks of using the supplement, Martin started noticing a difference.
“He felt sturdier. You could see the muscle definition improving, and he just seemed stronger overall.”
Alison Frost, lead canine nutritionist at ProDog Raw, explains why Muscle Plus such a game-changer for dogs like Maximus can be.
For Maximus, Muscle Plus didn’t just make a difference in appearance—it helped him physically and mentally. Martin shares,
“He’s been able to have a bit more freedom in the garden, running around on his own terms.”
It’s the small wins like this that make all the difference to Martin and Maximus, especially as they look forward to regaining even more mobility.
Martin and Maximus’s days are filled with small adventures, each carefully planned to keep Maximus happy and comfortable. Long sniffs are a favourite on their daily walks, where Maximus can follow his nose and uncover treasures like sprinkled ostrich treats. At home, Martin says Maximus’s favourite chews are lamb strips, yak bars, and furry rabbit ears, all of which keep him entertained and satisfied.
These natural dog treats and his customised diet of ProDog Raw’s Exotics novel protein, complete raw dog food—wild boar, venison, goat, and poultry-free meals have helped keep Maximus’s sensitive stomach issues at bay while giving him the energy and nutrition he needs.
Now, Martin is adding ProDog Raw’s Flexx, joint support supplement to Maximus’s regimen, aiming to further improve Maximus’s mobility and recovery.
“I’m hopeful that with Flexx, we can start to give him a bit more freedom on our walks, maybe even some off-lead time soon,”
he shares. It’s clear that Martin’s approach is not about taking shortcuts but giving Maximus every chance to thrive with the best tools possible.
If you’ve been watching your own dog struggle with strength or joint issues, Maximus’s journey could be the encouragement you need to focus on nutrition as the foundation to overall health and wellbeing. For Martin, the decision to try it came from that same feeling of wanting more for his dog and knowing he couldn’t give up on finding solutions. “There’s something so fulfilling in seeing Maximus run in the garden and knowing he feels strong,” he says.
ProDog Raw’s Muscle Plus, combined with Flexx, has given them both hope for a stronger, happier future. In the words of Alison Frost, “Muscle Plus isn’t just about muscle; it’s about giving dogs the foundation they need to stay active, vibrant, and ready for life’s adventures.” If your dog could use that kind of support, take it from Martin and Maximus: the journey is worth it.
If you’re new to raw feeding, start with our Beginner’s Guide to Raw Feeding. Curious about dog supplements? Our Beginner’s Guide to Dog Supplements has you covered. And if you’re after expert advice on nutrition or food behaviour, our ProDog nutritionists and behaviourists are ready to help—reach out today for free, personalised support!
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