Bully breeds need strong muscles to help them stay healthy, be active, and enjoy a good life. Because they are born with a muscular build, sustaining these strong muscles provides them with stability and balance, thus preventing injuries related to their large skeletal frame.

Building muscles in Bully breeds requires two major components: a proper, high-quality diet and a wide variety of exercise. Their diet must include a high-protein ratio because proteins are the building blocks of muscles. On the other hand, exercise regimen must include strength training, stretching, and cardiovascular exercise.

Safe Weight Gain in a Rescue Bully

When rehoming, rescue Bullies usually present with some level of malnutrition due to improper husbandry and lack of exercise. In these cases, it is very important to allow their bodies to recover by providing a high-quality diet and gradually introducing exercise according to their weight gain progress.

A proper feeding ration is important to aid weight gain. It is very essential to know that in underweight dogs, the proper daily ration to follow based on the manufacturer’s recommendation is under the “ideal weight” instead of the current weight of the dog. For example, an adult male Pitbull Terrier weighing 25 pounds is underweight – the ideal weight is 36 pounds at least so the feed ration should be calculated based on this ideal weight.

Weight gain supplements are beneficial for gaining weight because they are packed with lots of calories. It is recommended to pick at least one type of supplement in Rescue Bullies to help them gain weight.

Below is a sample feeding calculation for an underweight adult male Pitbull Terrier.

• Current Weight: 25 pounds
• Ideal Weight or Target Weight: 36 pounds
• Recommended Diet: Bully Max 30/20 High Protein & Fat Dog Food
• Amount (Cups) Based on Ideal Weight: 2 ½ cups daily (550 grams)
• Meals per Day: 3
• Amount per Meal: 185 grams
• Recommended Supplement: Bully Max Power Chews for Weight Gain
• Amount: 2 chews daily

Once the Rescue Bully is at a healthy weight, exercise can be introduced, and a healthy transformation can be expected.

Cardiovascular/Aerobic Exercise

Cardiovascular exercise refers to any activity that elevates your dog’s heart rate. It’s essential for Bullies because it:

1. Helps burn calories, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce obesity-related risks
2. Strengthens the heart and lungs, enhancing circulation, endurance, and longevity
3. Boosts energy levels and overall stamina for daily activity

Recommended Activities:

1. Flirt poles: high-intensity play that engages both mind and body
2. Treadmills (e.g., motorized or slat-style): ideal for inclement weather or injury recovery
3. Sprinting (with or without a weight vest): enhances agility and strength when accompanied with a weight vest
4. Jogging or running: recommended warm-up before higher intensity exercises
   
   

 💡 Safety Tip: Prefer softer surfaces (e.g., grass, dirt trails, or rubber tracks) over concrete to reduce long-term joint stress and potential injury.

Resistance/Strength Exercise

Resistance training challenges your dog’s muscles by having them work against a force. It’s essential for Bullies because it:

1. Demands for muscle exertion, thus, helps build muscle
2. Strengthens bones, joints, and tendons
3. Boosts energy levels, stamina, and agility

Recommended Activities:

1. Spring Poles: your dog pulls on a bungee-style tether
2. Weighted Vests: worn by your dog during walks, treadmills or play
3. Elastic Bands: pulling on a bungee leash
4. Sled or Tire Pulls

 💡 Safety Tip: Begin with light resistance and short sessions to prevent injuries like torn ligaments or heat stroke.

30-Day Muscle Building Guide

To safely add muscle to your Rescue Bully, it is important to gradually introduce exercise by focusing more on cardiovascular exercise. This helps enhance the stamina first to help the Bully’s body adapt to exercise. As the weeks progress, strength exercises can be increased in frequency and duration. The session in each day can be divided and adjusted depending on the dog’s capacity. It is very important to take rest and fluids in between sessions to prevent fatigue.

Success Story of a Rescue Bully on Bully Max

“Molly”

Molly is a great example of a Rescue Bully who benefited from a proper diet and exercise. The transformation within 30 days is incredible. Here is her story.

“This is my dog, Molly. I rescued her from my abusive ex after my children begged me to take her in - she had been mistreated and beaten. On her first day home, I took her outside, and people walking by snickered and laughed, telling me to feed my dog. It made me incredibly upset and angry.

Later that night, I searched online for the best food for a pit bull and discovered Bully Max. I was initially taken aback by the price - not going to lie - I joked it’d better contain caviar and diamonds! Molly spent two years in a cage, so she was very timid and shy. After just 30 days on Bully Max, she gained 10 pounds. We probably shower her with extra love to make up for her earlier mistreatment.

Thanks to Bully Max, she now has lots of energy and is very playful - whereas before, she did nothing but hide. She used to walk with her head down and tail between her legs. Now she’s happy and excited. I truly feel that Bully Max saved her life.”

Before Bully Max

30 Days After Bully Max

Why Choose Bully Max for your Rescue Bully?

Bully Max 30/20 High Protein & Fat Dog Food provides balanced, high‑quality nutrition that helps underweight or neglected rescue Bullies rebuild muscle, gain healthy weight, and regain vitality.

Key ingredients:

1. Chicken Meal (1st ingredient): A concentrated protein source with 300% more protein than fresh chicken
2. Brown Rice, Beet Pulp & Sorghum: Whole grains and fiber support sustained energy levels and healthy digestion
3. Chicken Fat: A premium fat source rich in essential fatty acids for a glossy coat and improved energy reserve
4. Fish Meal & Flaxseed: Provide Omega‑3s for heart health, joint support, and skin integrity

Clean and Safe Formulation:

1. No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
2. No BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin
3. No fillers like corn, wheat, soy, or by-products

Rescuing a Bully or any other breed is challenging but nevertheless rewarding with proper guidance, research, and consistency. Through proper diet and exercise, it is very possible to help these rescues gain a healthy weight and a muscular body without compromising their overall health. Just keep in mind that the transformation does not end at the 30-day mark because proper nutrition and husbandry should be a lifelong commitment to these canine friends.

Do you have a rescue story? Share with us by leaving a comment below.