Considering Creatine For Your Canine? Read This First!

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Creatine is an amino acid supplement for building muscle mass.

Naturally produced in the liver, this organic compound increases production of adenosine thiphosphate (ATP) which helps muscles work longer.

Can I Give My Dog Creatine?Are you wondering if Creatine is a safe way for your dog to gain weight and/or add muscle mass?

Our view is straightforward: No!

That is unless you are willing to get a specialized weighed vest — one that is designed for dogs — which would enable a canine weight training equivalent.

The truth is providing this performance powder may work but…

Rarely Should Dogs Take Creatine

Is Fido up for the tough training required to make this supplement actually do what it’s designed to do?

Even if they are, bulking up a best buddy is better done with whey protein. A strong case could be made that whey is safer and generally makes more sense for dogs.


Another Recommendation: Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food is a sustainable way to add muscle mass to your mutt!


No Practical Uses For Pets

Some people point out that Creatine is also taken for other reasons such as:

  • Nerves
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression
  • High cholesterol

However, for animals, these unconventional uses don’t apply so well. Besides, your dog is already producing enough creatine, naturally.

Intentions And Assessment

Do you simply want your dog to gain weight without adding fat?

Instead of Creatine, it’s a good idea to regularly feed red meat and fish.

Having said that, do not overlook the fact that certain breeds are naturally slim. Of course, sometimes dogs are overly slim due to poor nutrition or because they could be carrying parasites in their bodies.

Try to pin down the underlying reason(s) for your dog’s tenancy to be skinny. Rule out a diet problem first.

Whatever the case…

Know that Creatine could complicate matters. Giving this supplement should not be taken lightly.

Some Serious Side Effects

Muscle cramping, upset stomach, and dehydration are side effects that humans report from using Creatine — though the causes haven’t been conclusively proven.

There are even reports the supplement has caused liver, kidney or heart function to deteriorate. Again, these effects have not been confirmed by science.

In any case, it is certainly possible your dog experiences discomfort after being given Creatine (ie. vomiting or diarrhea).

Not only that…

Creatine causes muscles to draw water from other parts of the body. You must ensure that your dog has extra water in their bowl because dehydration is a real concern.

And again, there is a small chance something worse will happen. Results may be unpredictable for pets!

Speak with your vet and see what they think about giving your dog Creatine.

The Bottom Line

Most dogs are not good candidates for Creatine.

Stick to protein-packed healthy foods like chicken, beef and/or fish to help make Rover a bit more ripped. Combine this diet with strenuous exercise and you have a winning formula.

Do not experiment with Creatine as it could jeopardize your dog’s well-being.

What Do You Think? Have Your Say Below…

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6 thoughts on “Considering Creatine For Your Canine? Read This First!”

  1. Studies in humans suggest that Creatine’s performance enhancing capacity can help to rebuild or prevent further deterioration of weakening muscles. I was looking for information regarding this therapeutic use-case, specifically in preventing or treating corticosteroid induced myopathy and potential interactions with other medication.

  2. My little 17 year old male Min Pin is losing strength in his rear legs. It seems there is a lot of misinformation about creatine. I am not trying to create a weight lifter. I would just like to help him regain some of the strength he used to have.

  3. I’m considering Joint Max Triple Strength soft chews which contain 400mg of creatine. It seems like a lot for a 55-65 pound dog. I can not locate an amount anywhere except that it should be low dosage. Can you help or suggest an amount to give?

  4. Look up Gorilla Max. It’s super high in calories and made for dogs. People use it to get their dogs ripped or just to put on weight.

  5. My dog is recovering from herniated disc surgery. I am trying to strengthen his hind legs and core.

    I don’t want to bulk him up. I just want to help him gain strength. Is Creatine OK for rehabilitation and for preventing muscle atrophy?

  6. My Terrier is still trying to regain weight and muscle mass loss when he developed diabetes. It doesn’t help that is also a selective eater. I am running out of ideas. I already use chicken with a little shredded cheese but something to add more weight quickly is needed. Can you help me? What about whey or casein powder?

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