Creatine
Creatine is a substance that naturally occurs in animal tissues. The substance consists of three different amino acids, namely L-arginine, lysine, and L-methionine. It is mainly stored in the skeletal muscles (up to 95%); but smaller amounts of creatine are also stored in smooth muscle tissue, the retina, the brain, macrophages (white blood cells), and sperm cells. Daily, the body converts about 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 it reaches the right places, including the skeletal muscles and the brain.
Creatine in the bodies of dogs and cats comes from two sources: food and the body itself (endogenous creatine); dogs and cats are capable of synthesizing creatine. The creatine that our four-legged friends obtain through food comes from meat, which contains relatively high levels of creatine. Beef contains about 4.5 g/kg of creatine, while fish contains even 10 g/kg.
In phosphorylated form – bound to a phosphate group – phosphocreatine is formed. Phosphocreatine is needed during (high) exertion; it ensures that muscle performance remains optimal during exertion. Phosphocreatine contributes to the formation of adenosine triphosphate, a substance that provides energy for muscle contractions.
Creatine is believed to have a positive effect on the following: improvement in strength (performance), increased lean muscle mass, and faster recovery of muscles after (high) exertion. Additionally, 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 supplementation with creatine can have a beneficial effect on sporting or working dogs. This is because the substance can contribute to greater muscle mass. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that creatine has a positive effect on maximal short-duration training performance, as well as on sustained intensive training.
