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About amino acids.

An amino acid is any molecule that contains both amino and carboxylic
acid functional groups.
Amino acid is any one of a class of simple organic compounds
containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and in certain cases
sulfur.
These compounds are the building blocks of proteins and amino acids
are the biochemical building blocks.
They form short polymer chains called peptides or polypeptides which
in turn form structures called proteins.
Each amino acid has at least one carboxyl (COOH) group, which is
acidic, and one amino (NH (2)) group, which is basic.
Amino acids join together in long chains, the amino group of one amino
acid linking with the carboxyl group of another.
The linkage is known as a peptide bond, and a chain of amino acids is
known as a polypeptide.
Proteins are large, naturally occurring polypeptides.
Hundreds of different amino acids exist in nature, and about 10 of
them are essential for dog’s nutrition – include;
arginine, histidine
isoleucine
leucine
lysine
methionine
phenylalanine
threonine
tryptophan
valine
Essential amino acids – these are amino acids that cannot be
synthesized in the body in adequate amounts and must be obtained
from the diet.

Non-essential amino acids ;

Are those that the body can manufacture from an available source of
nitrogen and a carbon skeleton.
The nonessential amino acids are;
Arginine
Alanine
Asparagine
Aspartic acid
Cysteine
Glutamine
Glutamic acid
Glycine
Proline
Serine
Tyrosine.

Semi-essential amino acids are ones that can sometimes be made

internally if conditions are right.
Histidine is considered semi-essential because the body does not
always require dietary sources of it.
Other amino acids, such as;
Carnitine are used by the body in ways other than protein-building and
are often used therapeutically.
Proteins.
Proteins are any of a group of complex organic compounds containing
carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur.
Proteins are an essential substance in the dog’s diets because of their
constituent amino acids.
A protein molecule is >> a long chain of amino acids linked by peptide
bonds.
Many different proteins are found in the cells of living organisms, but
they are all made up of the same 20 amino acids, joined together in
varying combinations.
Different amino acids are commonly found in proteins >>.
Each protein having a unique, genetically defined amino-acid sequence,
which determines its specific shape and function.
They serve as enzymes, structural elements, hormones,
immunoglobulins, etc. >>.
And are involved in oxygen transport, muscle contraction, electron
transport, and other activities.

Proteins are involved in controlling the metabolism of cells,

controlling the structure and movement of cells and larger structures
and coordinating the response of cells to internal and external factors.
Nutritionally, complete proteins are those which contain the right
concentrations of the amino acids that dogs cannot synthesize from
other amino acids or nitrogenous sources.
Common amino acids.
Alanine - Alanine is one of the simplest of the amino acids and is
involved in the energy-producing breakdown of glucose.
L-alanine is created in muscle cells from glutamate in a process called
transamination. Alanine comes from the breakdown of DNA or the
dipeptides, anserine and carnosine, and the conversion of pyruvate, a
compound in carbohydrate metabolism. Alanine is used by the body to
build proteins. Alanine is vital for the production of protein, essential
for proper function of the central nervous system and helps form
neurotransmitters. Alanine is necessary for the promotion of proper
blood glucose levels from dietary protein.
Arginine - Arginine is a complex amino acid that is often found at the
active (or catalytic) site in proteins and enzymes due to its amine-
containing side chain. Arginine is involved in multiple areas of human
physiology and metabolism. Arginine plays an important role in cell
division, the healing of wounds, removing ammonia from the body,
immune function, and the release of hormones. Arginine has a number
of functions in the body such as assisting in wound healing, hormone
production, immune function and removal of excess ammonia.
Asparagine - Asparagine is the ß-amide of aspartic acid synthesized
from aspartic acid and ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Asparagine is one
of the principal and frequently the most abundant amino acids involved
in the transport of nitrogen. Asparagine is very active in converting one
amino acid into another (amination and transamination) when the need
arises. Asparagine serves as an amino donor in liver transamination
processes.
Aspartic acid - Aspartic acid is alanine with one of the β hydrogens
replaced by a carboxylic acid group. Aspartic acid is a part of organic
molecules containing an amino group, which can combine in linear
arrays to form proteins in living organisms. Although aspartic acid is
considered a non-essential amino acid, it plays a paramount role in
metabolism during construction of other amino acids and biochemicals
in the citric acid cycle. Among the biochemicals that are synthesized
from aspartic acid are asparagine, arginine, lysine, methionine,
threonine, isoleucine, and several nucleotides.
Carnitine - Carnitine is a non-essential amino acid produced in the liver,
brain and the kidneys from the essential amino acids methionine and
lysine. Carnitine is a nutrient responsible for the transport of long-chain
fatty acids into the energy-producing centers of the cells (known as the
mitochondria). Carnitine is recommended as a daily supplement to help
maintain blood lipid profile and promote fatty acid utilization within
heart muscle.
Carnosine - Carnosine is a dipeptide composed of the covalently
bonded amino acids alanine and histidine and is found in the brain,
heart, skin, muscles, kidneys and stomach. Carnosine is one of the most
important and potent natural antioxidant agents which act as universal
antioxidants both in the lipid phase of cellular and biological
membranes and in the aqueous environment protecting lipids and
water-soluble molecules like proteins (including enzymes), DNA and
other essential macromolecules from oxidative damage mediated by
reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides.
Creatine - Creatine is a natural derivate of an amino acid and is
synthesized in the liver, kidneys and pancreas out of arginine,
methionine and glycine. Creatine functions to increase the availability
of cellular ATP, adenosine triphosphate. Creatine works by acting on
mechanisms of ATP by donating a phosphate ion to increase the
availability of ATP. Creatine is stored in muscle cells as phosphocreatine
and is used to help generate cellular energy for muscle contractions.
Citrulline - Citrulline is a precursor to arginine and is involved in the
formation of urea in the liver. Arginine is a contributing member of the
various amino acids found in the urea cycle, which is responsible for
detoxifying ammonia. Citrulline supports the body in optimizing blood
flow through its conversion to l-arginine and then nitric oxide (NO).
Cysteine - Cysteine is a naturally occurring hydrophobic amino acid
which has a sulfhydryl group and is found in most proteins. Cysteine is
one of the key components in all living things. N-acetyl cysteine (which
contains cysteine) is the most frequently used form of cysteine. N-
acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) helps break down mucus and detoxify harmful
substances in the body. Both cysteine and NAC have been shown to
increase levels of the antioxidant glutathione.
Cystine - Cystine is the product of an oxidation between the thiol side
chains of two cysteine amino acids. As such, cystine is not considered
one of the 20 amino acids. This oxidation product is found in
abundance in a variety of proteins such as hair keratin, insulin, the
digestive enzymes chromotrypsinogen A, papain, and trypsinogen
where it is heavily involved in stabilizing the tertiary structure of these
macromolecules.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid - Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-
essential amino acid formed from glutamic acid with the help of vitamin
B6. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is found in almost every region of
brain, and is formed through the activity of the enzyme glutamic acid
decarboxylase (GAD). GABA serves as a inhibitory neurotransmitter to
block the transmission of an impulse from one cell to another in the
central nervous system.
Glutamic acid - Glutamic acid is biosynthesized from a number of amino
acids including ornithine and arginine. When aminated, glutamic acid
forms the important amino acid glutamine. Because it has a carboxylic
acid moiety on the side chain, glutamic acid is one of only two amino
acids (the other being aspartic acid) that has a net negative charge at
physiological pH. This negative charge makes glutamic acid a very polar
molecule and it is usually found on the outside of proteins and enzymes
where it is free to interact with the aqueous intracellular surroundings.
On a molar basis, glutamic acid is incorporated into proteins at a rate of
6.2 percent compared to the other amino acids.
Glutamine - Glutamine is one of the twenty amino acids generally
present in animal proteins. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid
in the body. Over 61% of skeletal muscle tissue is glutamine. It contains
two ammonia groups, one from its precursor, glutamate, and the other
from free ammonia in the bloodstream. Glutamine is involved in more
metabolic processes than any other amino acid. Glutamine is converted
to glucose when more glucose is required by the body as an energy
source. Glutamine assists in maintaining the proper acid/alkaline
balance in the body, and is the basis of the building blocks for the
synthesis of RNA and DNA.
Glutathione - Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide composed of three
different amino acids: glutamate, cysteine and glycine that has
numerous important functions within cells. Glutathione plays a role in
such diverse biological processes as protein synthesis, enzyme catalysis,
transmembrane transport, receptor action, intermediary metabolism,
and cell maturation. Glutathione acts as an antioxidant used to prevent
oxidative stress in most cells and help to trap free radicals that can
damage DNA and RNA.
Glycine - Glycine is the simplest amino acid and is the only amino acid
that is not optically active (it has no stereoisomers). The body uses it to
help the liver in detoxification of compounds and for helping the
synthesis of bile acids. It has a sweet taste and is used for that purpose.
Glycine is essential for the synthesis of nucleic acids, bile acids,
proteins, peptides, purines, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), porphyrins,
hemoglobin, glutathione, creatine, bile salts, one-carbon fragments,
glucose, glycogen, and l-serine and other amino acids.
Histidine - Histidine is one of the basic (with reference to pH) amino
acids due to its aromatic nitrogen-heterocyclic imidazole side chain.
Histidine is the direct precursor of histamine, it is also an important
source of carbon atoms in the synthesis of purines. Histidine is needed
to help grow and repair body tissues, and to maintain the myelin
sheaths that protect nerve cells. It also helps manufacture red and
white blood cells, and helps to protect the body from heavy metal
toxicity. Histamine stimulates the secretion of the digestive enzyme
gastrin.
Hydroxyproline - Hydroxyproline is derived from the amino acid proline
and is used almost exclusively in structural proteins including collagen,
connective tissue in mammals, and in plant cell walls. An unusual
feature of this amino acid is that it is not incorporated into collagen
during biosynthesis at the ribosome, but is formed from proline by a
posttranslational modification by an enzymatic hydroxylation reaction.
Non-hydroxylated collagen is commonly termed pro-collagen.
Isoleucine - Isoleucine belongs to a special group of amino acids called
branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are needed to help
maintain and repair muscle tissue. Leucine and valine are other two
branched-chain amino acids. Isoleucine is an essential amino acid that
is not synthesized by mammalian tissues. Isoleucine is needed for
hemoglobin formation and also helps to maintain regular energy levels.
Isoleucine is important for stabilizing and regulating blood sugar and
energy levels and is required through the diet as it cannot be produced
by our bodies.
Leucine - Leucine is a member of the branched-chain amino acid family,
along with valine and isoleucine. The branched-chain amino acids
(BCAAs) are found in proteins of all life forms. Leucine ties glycine for
the position of second most common amino acid found in proteins with
a concentration of 7.5 percent on a molar basis compared to the other
amino acids. Leucine is necessary for the optimal growth of puppies
and for the nitrogen balance in adult dogs.
Lysine - Lysine is an essential amino acid that has a net positive charge
at physiological pH values making it one of the three basic (with respect
to charge) amino acids. Lysine is an essential amino acid because it
cannot be synthesized in the body and its breakdown is irreversible. It is
an essential building block for all protein, and is needed for proper
growth and bone development in young dogs. Lysine helps the body
absorb and conserve calcium and it plays an important role in the
formation of collagen.
Methionine - Methionine is an important amino acid that helps to
initiate translation of messenger RNA by being the first amino acid
incorporated into the N-terminal position of all proteins. Methionine
supplies sulfur and other compounds required by the body for normal
metabolism and growth. Methionine reacts with adenosine
triphosphate to form S-adenosyl methionine. S-adenosyl methionine is
the principal methyl donor in the body and contributes to the synthesis
of many important substances, including epinephrine and choline.
Ornithine - Ornithine plays an important role in the urea cycle and is
the precursor of the amino acids citrulline, glutamic acid, and proline.
Another primary role of ornithine is being an intermediate in arginine
biosynthesis, although this is due to its participation in the urea cycle
(responsible for the production of urea). Ornithine is not directly
incorporated into proteins and enzymes and does not have a codon in
the genetic code.
Phenylalanine - Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that is also one
of the aromatic amino acids that exhibit ultraviolet radiation absorption
properties with a large extinction coefficient. Phenylalanine is part of
the composition of aspartame, a common sweetener found in “some”
prepared foods. Phenylalanine plays a key role in the biosynthesis of
other amino acids and some neurotransmitters.
Proline - Proline is a non-essential amino acid that is involved in the
production of collagen and in wound healing. Proline is the precursor
for hydroxyproline, which the body incorporates into collagen, tendons,
ligaments, and the heart muscle. Proline plays important roles in
molecular recognition, particularly in intracellular signaling. Proline is
an important component in certain medical wound dressings that use
collagen fragments to stimulate wound healing.
Serine - The methyl side chain of serine contains a hydroxy group
making this one of two amino acids that are also alcohols. Serine plays
a major role in a variety of biosynthetic pathways including those
involving pyrimidines, purines, creatine, and porphyrins. Serine has
sugar-producing qualities, and is very reactive in the body. It is highly
concentrated in all cell membranes, aiding in the production of
immunoglobulins and antibodies.
Taurine - Taurine is a non-essential sulfur-containing amino acid that
functions with glycine and gamma-aminobutyric acid as a
neuroinhibitory transmitter. Taurine is the body's water soluble anti-
oxidant, and inhibitory neurotransmitter. The major antioxidant activity
of taurine derives from its ability to scavenge the reactive oxygen
species hypochlorite. Taurine plays an important role in numerous
physiological functions.
Theanine - L-theanine is the predominant amino acid in green tea and
makes up 50% of the total free amino acids in the plant. Theanine is
considered to be the main component responsible for the taste of
green tea. L-theanine is involved in the formation of the inhibitory
neurotransmitter, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). GABA influences
the levels of two other neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin,
producing a relaxation effect.
Threonine - Threonine is another alcohol-containing amino acid that
cannot be produced by metabolism and must be taken in the diet.
Threonine is an important component in the formation of protein,
collagen, elastin and tooth enamel. It is also important for production
of neurotransmitters and health of the nervous system.
Tryptophan - Tryptophan is an essential amino acid formed from
proteins during digestion by the action of proteolytic enzymes.
Tryptophan is also a precursor for serotonin (a neurotransmitter) and
melatonin (a neurohormone). Tryptophan may enhance relaxation and
sleep, relieves minor premenstrual symptoms, soothes nerves and
anxiety, and reduces carbohydrate cravings.
Tyrosine - Tyrosine is metabolically synthesized from phenylalanine to
become the para-hydroxy derivative of that important amino acid.
Tyrosine is a precursor of the adrenal hormones epinephrine,
norepinephrine, and the thyroid hormones, including thyroxine. L-
tyrosine, through its effect on neurotransmitters, is used to treat
conditions including mood enhancement, appetite suppression, and
growth hormone (HGH) stimulation.
Valine - Valine is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) that is closely
related to leucine and isoleucine both in structure and function. Valine
is a constituent of fibrous protein in the body. As a branched-chain
amino acid (BCAA), valine has been found useful in treatments involving
muscle, mental, and emotional upsets, and for insomnia and
nervousness. Valine may help treat malnutrition associated with drug
addiction.