• Carnitine can improve canine heart function.dog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.com
  
  L-carnitine (carnitine) is a protein-derived compound present in virtually all body cells, according to the Natural Institute of Health. Carnitine helps metabolize energy and break down fatty acids to maintain heart health. To improve your pet's heart function, control his weight and extend his quality of life, it is beneficial to add carnitine to his diet.
  
  

Promote Heart Health

• Carnitine supports healthy cardiac function. The heart gets 70 to 80 percent of its energy from the breakdown of body fat. The primary function of carnitine is to help transport fatty acids throughout your pet's body to be broken down via oxidation and provide energy to the heart.
  
  

Manage Weight

• Overweight and obesity in dogs can constrict blood vessels and arteries, thus decreasing blood flow to the heart. According to Dr. Kevin Owen in an article published in Total Health Magazine, carnitine helps pets lose fat mass while helping the animal maintain lean muscle mass. Lean muscle promotes a healthier body weight for your pet while preventing obesity from recurring. The less fat your dog has, the less stress is placed on his heart.
  
  

Reverse Carnitine Deficiency

• According to Drs. Foster and Smith, a deficiency in carnitine may result in increased fat storage, decreased performance and an increase of heart disease. 50 to 90 percent of dogs with cardiomyopathy may have a myocardial carnitine deficiency, which results in impaired heart muscle contraction, according to Dr. Kevin Owen. Adding a carnitine supplement to your dog's diet can reverse carnitine deficiency and improve overall heart function.