Animal's Complete Creatine Lineup: Finding Your Perfect Match

Animal's Complete Creatine Lineup: Finding Your Perfect Match

Animal covers every creatine need with 4 distinct products: convenient chews with glycogen support, synergistic HMB+ combinations, pure micronized powder for loading, and travel-ready capsules. Each targets specific goals from muscle growth to cognitive enhancement.

When it comes to creatine supplementation, Animal has built an impressive arsenal that covers every conceivable need and preference. From convenient chewable tablets to advanced combination formulas, their four distinct creatine products ensure that whether you're a seasoned lifter, cognitive enhancement seeker, or someone just starting their supplement journey, there's a perfect option waiting for you.

Four Animal Creatine Options: One (or More) For Everyone

In this comprehensive breakdown, we'll explore each option in Animal's creatine lineup, explain when you might want to consider high-dose protocols, and show you how to strategically combine products for maximum results.

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Why Creatine Remains King

Before breaking down Animal's specific products, let's quickly revisit why creatine has maintained its position as the most researched and effective supplement in sports nutrition for over three decades.

Creatine works by donating phosphate groups to your mitochondria, enabling the conversion of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – your body's primary energy currency.[1] This fundamental mechanism drives a wide range of benefits:

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  • Increased muscular power and strength[2]
  • Faster lean mass gains[3]
  • Enhanced cellular hydration[4]
  • Improved sprint and high-intensity performance[5]
  • Cognitive performance enhancement[6]
  • Better mood and reduced fatigue[7]

The average person loses about 2 grams of creatine daily through normal metabolic processes.[8] Since dietary sources like beef only provide 2-2.5 grams per pound, supplementation becomes essential for optimizing creatine stores and maximizing these benefits if you're not eating pounds of meat!

Animal's Four Creatine Options: Complete Breakdown

  1. Animal Creatine Chews: Convenience Meets Performance

    Best For: Daily convenience, post-workout glycogen support, anyone who dislikes powder mixing

    Animal Creatine Chews: Candy'd Crush'd

    Animal Creatine Chews revolutionized creatine supplementation by delivering the full clinical dose in a delicious, chewable tablet format. But these aren't just convenient – they're scientifically formulated for optimal post-workout nutrition.

    Key Features:

    • 5g creatine monohydrate per 4-tablet serving
    • 4g carbohydrates from sugar and dextrose for glycogen support
    • 25mg AstraGin for enhanced absorption
    • Multiple flavors: Grape, Fruit Punch, Green Apple, Lemon Ice, and the new Candy'd Crush'd

    The Glycogen Advantage:

    Creatine Gummies vs Creatine Chews

    Creatine Gummies were recently discovered to fail NOW Foods' testing - 46% failed testing! But Animal Creatine Chews are built different.. and better

    An added bonus of Animal Creatine Chews isn't just the convenience, it's the fact that it includes some carbohydrates. Research consistently shows that muscle glycogen synthesis is greater with glucose/dextrose than fructose, and that both dextrose and sucrose are excellent for post-workout glycogen replenishment.[9]

    The 4 grams of carbs in each serving provide the perfect starter for your post-workout glycogen reload, especially when combined with creatine's own glycogen-enhancing properties.[10]

    Why Chews Beat Gummies:

    Recent testing revealed that 46% of creatine gummy products failed to meet label claims, with many containing significant levels of creatinine (degraded creatine). Animal's dry tablet pressing process maintains creatine stability throughout manufacturing, ensuring you get exactly what's on the label.

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  2. Animal Creatine HMB+: The Synergistic Powerhouse

    Best For: Maximizing muscle growth, advanced athletes, those seeking research-backed combinations

    Animal Creatine HMB+: Advanced Muscle Growth & Strength Formula

    Animal Creatine HMB+ combines 5g creatine monohydrate with 3g myHMB for superior results. Research shows this duo delivers 67% more muscle growth and 38% more strength than creatine alone. Plus vitamin D3 and electrolytes for complete performance support.

    Animal Creatine HMB+ represents the cutting edge of creatine supplementation, combining 5g of creatine monohydrate with 3g of premium myHMB® for synergistic effects that significantly outperform either ingredient alone.

    Key Features:

    • 5g creatine monohydrate for strength and power
    • 3g myHMB® (premium calcium β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate)
    • 12mcg Vitamin D3 for enhanced HMB effectiveness
    • Comprehensive electrolyte blend including sodium bicarbonate

    The Science of Synergy:

    Groundbreaking research shows that creatine and HMB work better together than apart, delivering 67% greater muscle growth and 38% greater strength increases compared to creatine alone.[11] More recent studies with elite athletes found synergistic effects on testosterone (680% improvement in testosterone-to-cortisol ratio) that mathematically exceeded what either ingredient could achieve individually.[12][13]

    Why the Combination Works:

    Creatine primarily enhances energy systems and cellular volumization, while HMB targets protein metabolism and reduces muscle breakdown. Together, they address both the anabolic (building) and anti-catabolic (preservation) sides of muscle development through completely different mechanisms.

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  3. Animal Micronized Creatine Monohydrate: Pure Performance

    Best For: Loading phases, high-dose protocols, budget-conscious users, stacking flexibility

    Animal's 100% Pure Creatine Monohydrate represents the gold standard that started it all: pure, unflavored creatine monohydrate that's been micronized for enhanced solubility and absorption.

    Universal Animal 100% Pure Creatine

    Key Features:

    • 100% pure creatine monohydrate
    • Micronized for better mixing and faster absorption
    • Unflavored for stacking versatility
    • Cost-effective for high-dose protocols
    • Research-backed form with decades of studies

    The Foundation Choice:

    Creatine monohydrate remains the most studied form of creatine, with virtually every major study using this specific form. Animal's micronized version breaks down the particles by a factor of 20, improving solubility without altering the molecular structure or effectiveness.

    This is your go-to option for loading phases (20-25g daily for 5-7 days), cognitive support protocols (typically 5-20g daily), or when you want the flexibility to add creatine to any beverage or shake without flavor interference.

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  4. Animal Ready-to-Go Creatine Capsules: Ultimate Convenience

    Best For: Travel, precise dosing, those who dislike powders or chewing

    Animal's creatine capsules provide the ultimate in convenience and portability, delivering pure creatine monohydrate in easy-to-swallow capsule form.

    Animal Ready-to-Go Creatine Capsules

    Key Features:

    • Pure creatine monohydrate in capsule form
    • Precise dosing with no measuring required
    • Travel-friendly and temperature-stable
    • No taste or texture concerns
    • Perfect for consistent daily use

    When Capsules Make Sense:

    Some people simply prefer capsules – no mixing, no chewing, no flavor considerations. The capsule format is also ideal for maintaining consistent intake while traveling or when you want to take creatine away from workout times without any preparation.

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High-Dose Creatine Protocols: When More Makes Sense

While the standard 5g daily dose works well for most athletic purposes, certain situations call for higher creatine intake. This is where Animal's product lineup really shines, allowing you to strategically combine products or scale up individual products.

Loading Phases: Fast-Track Your Saturation

The traditional creatine loading protocol involves taking 20-25g daily for 5-7 days to rapidly saturate muscle creatine stores. While not strictly necessary (daily 5g intake will achieve saturation in about 30 days), loading can accelerate results for those who want faster benefits.

Animal's Complete Creatine Lineup: Finding Your Perfect Match

Optimal Loading Strategy:

  • Animal Micronized Creatine: 4-5 scoops daily (20-25g) split into 4-5 doses
  • Alternative: 2 servings of Animal Creatine HMB+ (10g creatine) plus 2-3 scoops of micronized creatine
  • Take with meals to improve absorption and reduce potential stomach upset

Cognitive Enhancement Protocols

Emerging research shows creatine's benefits extend far beyond muscle tissue, with studies demonstrating cognitive improvements, especially in vegetarians and during periods of mental stress.[14] Cognitive protocols often use higher doses than traditional athletic supplementation.

Cognitive Support Strategy:

  • Start with: 1 serving Animal Creatine HMB+ (5g) plus 1 serving Animal Creatine Chews (5g) = 10g daily
  • Advanced: Add 1-2 scoops of micronized creatine for 15-20g total daily intake
  • Timing: Split doses throughout the day, with largest dose post-workout

Competition and Peak Performance Periods

During intensive training camps, competition preparation, or peak performance periods, higher creatine intake can support enhanced recovery and maintain performance across multiple daily sessions.

Peak Performance Strategy:

  • Foundation: Animal Creatine HMB+ for synergistic muscle support
  • Addition: Animal Creatine Chews post-workout for glycogen support
  • Top-off: Micronized creatine in pre-workout or intra-workout drinks
  • Total: 10-15g daily from multiple sources and timing strategies

Strategic Stacking: Combining Animal's Creatine Products

One of the biggest advantages of Animal's diverse creatine lineup is the ability to strategically combine products for specific goals:

Why Creatine and HMB Work Better Together: The Science Behind Animal Creatine HMB+

Research shows creatine + HMB work better together than apart. Studies demonstrate 67% greater muscle growth and 680% improvement in testosterone-to-cortisol ratio when combined. Animal Creatine HMB+ leverages this synergy with clinical doses of both.

  • The Muscle-Building Stack

    Animal Creatine HMB+ and Animal Creatine Chews

    • Take HMB+ with breakfast or pre-workout for all-day muscle support
    • Use Creatine Chews immediately post-workout for glycogen reload
    • Total: 10g creatine plus HMB benefits plus post-workout carbs
  • The Convenience Stack

    Animal Creatine Chews and Animal Ready-to-Go Capsules

    • Chews around workout times for taste and carb benefits
    • Capsules on off-days or when traveling
    • Maintains consistent 5-10g daily intake with maximum flexibility
  • The Performance Stack

    Animal Creatine HMB+ and Animal Micronized Creatine

    • HMB+ as your daily foundation (5g creatine + HMB synergy)
    • Add micronized creatine to pre-workout drinks or protein shakes
    • Scale total creatine intake based on training demands (10-20g daily)

With four excellent options, selecting the right creatine product comes down to your specific needs, preferences, and goals.

Conclusion: Animal Has Your Creatine Needs Covered

NOW Foods Creatine Gummy Testing

NOW Foods has published a new round of third-party lab testing, finding that only 46% of creatine gummies tested passed lab tests for creatine.[15]

Whether you're just starting your supplement journey or you're a seasoned athlete looking to optimize every aspect of your nutrition, Animal's comprehensive creatine lineup ensures you'll find the perfect match for your needs. From the innovative convenience of Creatine Chews to the scientifically-backed synergy of Animal Creatine HMB+, each product serves a specific purpose while maintaining the quality and effectiveness that has made Animal a trusted name for over four decades.

The beauty of having multiple options isn't just choice – it's the ability to adapt your supplementation to your changing needs, whether that's switching between products for different phases of training or strategically combining them for enhanced results.

Remember, creatine isn't just about muscle building anymore. With research expanding into cognitive benefits, recovery enhancement, and overall health support, maintaining optimal creatine levels has become essential for anyone serious about peak performance in any aspect of life.

Make sure you're signed up for our Animal news alerts below to stay updated on new flavors, products, and the latest research on these game-changing supplements:

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About the Author: PricePlow Staff

PricePlow Staff

PricePlow is a team of supplement industry veterans that include medical students, competitive strength athletes, and scientific researchers who all became involved with dieting and supplements out of personal need.

The team's collective experiences and research target athletic performance and body composition goals, relying on low-toxicity meat-based diets.

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References

  1. Greenhaff, Paul L. "The Nutritional Biochemistry of Creatine." The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, vol. 8, no. 11, Nov. 1997, pp. 610–618, doi:10.1016/s0955-2863(97)00116-2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955286397001162
  2. Rawson, Eric S., and Jeff S. Volek. "Effects of Creatine Supplementation and Resistance Training on Muscle Strength and Weightlifting Performance." The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, vol. 17, no. 4, 2003, p. 822, doi:10.1519/1533-4287(2003)017%3C0822:eocsar%3E2.0.co;2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14636102/
  3. Branch, J David. "Effect of Creatine Supplementation on Body Composition and Performance: A Meta-Analysis." International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, vol. 13, no. 2, 2003, pp. 198–226, doi:10.1123/ijsnem.13.2.198. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12945830/
  4. Lopez, Rebecca M., et al. "Does Creatine Supplementation Hinder Exercise Heat Tolerance or Hydration Status? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses." Journal of Athletic Training, vol. 44, no. 2, Mar. 2009, pp. 215–223, doi:10.4085/1062-6050-44.2.215. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2657025/
  5. Mielgo-Ayuso, Juan, et al. "Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Athletic Performance in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Nutrients, vol. 11, no. 4, 31 Mar. 2019, p. 757, doi:10.3390/nu11040757. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6520963/
  6. Rae, Caroline, et al. "Oral Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation Improves Brain Performance: A Double–Blind, Placebo–Controlled, Cross–over Trial." Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences, vol. 270, no. 1529, 22 Oct. 2003, pp. 2147–2150, doi:10.1098/rspb.2003.2492. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1691485/
  7. McMorris, T., et al. "Effect of Creatine Supplementation and Sleep Deprivation, with Mild Exercise, on Cognitive and Psychomotor Performance, Mood State, and Plasma Concentrations of Catecholamines and Cortisol." Psychopharmacology, vol. 185, no. 1, 17 Jan. 2006, pp. 93–103, doi:10.1007/s00213-005-0269-z. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16416332/
  8. Wyss, Markus, and Rima Kaddurah-Daouk. "Creatine and Creatinine Metabolism." Physiological Reviews, vol. 80, no. 3, 1 July 2000, pp. 1107–1213, doi:10.1152/physrev.2000.80.3.1107. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.2000.80.3.1107
  9. Blom, Per C. S., et al. "Effect of Different Post-Exercise Sugar Diets on the Rate of Muscle Glycogen Synthesis." Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, vol. 19, no. 5, 1 Oct. 1987, pp. 491–496. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Abstract/1987/10000/Effect_of_different_post_exercise_sugar_diets_on.12.aspx
  10. Roberts, Paul A., et al. "Creatine Ingestion Augments Dietary Carbohydrate Mediated Muscle Glycogen Supercompensation during the Initial 24H of Recovery Following Prolonged Exhaustive Exercise in Humans." Amino Acids, vol. 48, no. 8, 19 May 2016, pp. 1831–1842, doi:10.1007/s00726-016-2252-x. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4974290/
  11. Jówko, Ewa, et al. "Creatine and β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate (HMB) Additively Increase Lean Body Mass and Muscle Strength during a Weight-Training Program." Nutrition, vol. 17, no. 7-8, July 2001, pp. 558–566, doi:10.1016/s0899-9007(01)00540-8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900701005408
  12. Fernández-Landa, Julen, et al. "Effect of Ten Weeks of Creatine Monohydrate plus HMB Supplementation on Athletic Performance Tests in Elite Male Endurance Athletes." Nutrients, vol. 12, no. 1, 2020, p. E193, doi:10.3390/nu12010193. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7019716/
  13. Fernández-Landa, Julen, et al. "Long-Term Effect of Combination of Creatine Monohydrate plus β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate (HMB) on Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage and Anabolic/Catabolic Hormones in Elite Male Endurance Athletes." Biomolecules, vol. 10, no. 1, 15 Jan. 2020, p. 140, doi:10.3390/biom10010140. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7022312/
  14. Benton, David, and Rachel Donohoe. "The Influence of Creatine Supplementation on the Cognitive Functioning of Vegetarians and Omnivores." The British Journal of Nutrition, vol. 105, no. 7, 2011, pp. 1100–5, doi:10.1017/S0007114510004733. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/influence-of-creatine-supplementation-on-the-cognitive-functioning-of-vegetarians-and-omnivores/E2D37729902DDFA6CFC85767AD0421FC
  15. NOW Foods. "NOW Testing Program Identifies Creatine Gummies Failings". 01 Mar. 2023; https://www.nowfoods.com/about-now/press-room/press-releases/now-testing-program-identifies-creatine-gummies-failings

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