Creatine
Creatine is a substance that naturally occurs in animal tissues. It consists of three different amino acids: L-arginine, lysine, and L-methionine. Creatine is primarily stored in skeletal muscles (up to 95%), but smaller amounts are also stored in smooth muscle tissue, the retina, the brain, macrophages (white blood cells), and sperm cells. Every day, the body converts approximately 1.5 to 2% of the stored creatine into a usable form. This process involves the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. The blood then transports the substance and ensures that it reaches the right places, including the skeletal muscles and the brain.
Creatine in the bodies of dogs and cats comes from two sources: their diet and the body itself (endogenous creatine); dogs and cats are capable of synthesizing creatine. The creatine our four-legged companions obtain through their diet comes from meat, which contains relatively high levels of creatine. Beef contains approximately 4.5 g/kg of creatine, while fish contains as much as 10 g/kg.
In phosphorylated form – bound to a phosphate group – phosphocreatine is formed. Phosphocreatine is needed during (high-intensity) exercise; it helps maintain optimal muscle performance during exertion. Phosphocreatine contributes to the formation of adenosine triphosphate, a substance that provides energy for muscle contractions.
Creatine is thought to have a positive effect on the following: improved strength and performance, increased lean muscle mass, and faster muscle recovery after (high-intensity) exercise. In addition, creatine allows more phosphocreatine to be stored in the muscles. Because this substance contributes to the production of adenosine triphosphate, muscle cells are able to produce more energy.
Research has shown that creatine supplementation may have beneficial effects in sporting or working dogs. This is because it may contribute to greater muscle mass. It has also been demonstrated that creatine has a positive effect on maximal short-duration training performance, as well as on sustained high-intensity training.
