A method of improving health in a canine includes administering to the canine a nutritional supplement comprising an amino acid secretagogue composition, which stimulates the pituitary gland of the canines to produce growth hormone. The nutritional supplement may be administered orally. The nutritional supplement may comprise L-arginine hydrochloride, Oxo-proline, L-lysine hydrochloride, and cysteine. When desired, the nutritional supplement may consist essentially of L-arginine hydrochloride, Oxo-proline, L-lysine hydrochloride, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, L-glutamine, and schizonepeta powder.