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A Complete Guide to What Are Animal Pump's Ingredients

4 min read

Originally released as one of the first encapsulated pre-workout formulas, Animal Pump is known for delivering explosive pumps and sustained energy through a unique, complex ingredient profile. Understanding what are Animal Pump's ingredients is key to appreciating its comprehensive approach to maximizing training performance and muscle volumization.

Quick Summary

Animal Pump's formula is comprised of five distinct complexes: a creatine matrix, a nitric oxide blast complex, a customizable energy rush complex, an antioxidant complex, and a pump transport complex.

Key Points

  • Creatine Matrix: Animal Pump contains a blend of five different creatine forms, including monohydrate, for enhanced strength and performance.

  • Nitric Oxide Boosters: The formula includes Arginine-AKG and Citrulline Malate to increase nitric oxide production, resulting in intense muscle pumps and vascularity.

  • Customizable Energy: The stimulant complex, featuring caffeine and guarana, is housed in a separate red capsule, allowing users to remove it for a non-stimulant workout.

  • Antioxidant Support: Powerful antioxidants like grape seed extract and green tea help combat oxidative stress caused by intense training.

  • Advanced Nutrient Transport: Patented ingredients like BioPerine® and Cinnulin PF® are included to maximize the absorption and utilization of the entire formula.

  • All-in-One Pill Pack: The encapsulated format organizes numerous ingredients into one convenient, pre-dosed packet, simplifying pre-workout supplementation.

In This Article

The Five Key Complexes of Animal Pump

Unlike many single-powder pre-workouts, Animal Pump is delivered in convenient pill packs, which allows it to organize its extensive ingredient list into five synergistic complexes. These specialized blends work together to cover multiple facets of pre-workout supplementation, from energy and focus to muscle hydration and nutrient delivery.

1. Foundational Creatine Matrix

Creatine is a cornerstone of performance supplementation, and Animal Pump includes a comprehensive blend to support energy production and muscle strength. The matrix ensures a consistent and effective dose to help increase high-intensity performance during workouts.

  • Creatine Monohydrate: The most researched and proven form of creatine for muscle strength and energy.
  • Creatine Gluconate: A form of creatine attached to a glucose molecule to potentially improve absorption.
  • Creatine Orotate: A combination of creatine and orotic acid, which supports ATP synthesis.
  • Creatine AKG: Creatine attached to alpha-ketoglutarate, which assists with nutrient transport.
  • Magnesium Creatine Chelate: A creatine molecule bonded with magnesium, which may improve stability and bioavailability.

2. Nitric Oxide Blast Complex

This complex is formulated to boost nitric oxide (NO) production, which promotes vasodilation—the expansion of blood vessels. This increased blood flow, or 'the pump', delivers more oxygen and nutrients to working muscles for better performance and growth.

  • Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (Arginine-AKG): An amino acid compound that serves as a precursor to nitric oxide.
  • Citrulline Malate: Helps increase plasma arginine levels, leading to higher NO production and improved endurance.
  • Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (Ornithine-AKG): An amino acid that can aid in reducing fatigue and supporting arginine levels.
  • L-Norvaline: Inhibits the enzyme arginase, which breaks down arginine, prolonging its effects.

3. Energy Rush Complex (Removable Stimulant)

The energy complex is designed to provide a customizable boost for focus and intensity. All stimulants are contained within a single, identifiable red capsule, allowing users to remove it for a stimulant-free workout, especially for evening training sessions.

  • Caffeine Anhydrous: A dehydrated form of caffeine for energy and alertness.
  • Kola Nut Powder: A natural source of caffeine and methylxanthines for a sustained energy release.
  • Guarana Powder: Another natural source of caffeine, often used to improve focus and reduce fatigue.
  • Evodiamine: Supports the effects of other stimulants.

4. Antioxidant Complex

Intense exercise can produce damaging free radicals. This complex includes potent antioxidants to help the body combat oxidative stress and promote cellular health.

  • Grape Seed Extract: A powerful antioxidant containing polyphenols.
  • Green Tea Leaf Extract: Rich in EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate), a well-known antioxidant.
  • Beet Root: A source of nitrates that can improve blood flow and oxygen delivery.
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): An antioxidant that assists in energy metabolism and can support blood sugar levels.

5. Pump Transport Complex

This blend is included to enhance the absorption and utilization of all the other ingredients, ensuring maximum effectiveness. It features patented ingredients known for their bioavailability-boosting properties.

  • L-Taurine: A cell-volumizing amino acid that helps draw water into muscle cells, promoting muscle fullness.
  • Cinnamon Bark Extract (Cinnulin PF®): A patented extract that supports healthy blood glucose and nutrient partitioning.
  • Ginger Root Extract: Aids in digestion and may help reduce inflammation.
  • Fenugreek Seed Extract: Contains compounds that may support insulin function and nutrient uptake.
  • Black Pepper Extract (BioPerine®): A patented ingredient that significantly enhances the bioavailability of nutrients.

Ingredient Comparison: Animal Pump vs. Animal Pump Pro

Animal Pump (standard formula) and Animal Pump Pro are distinct products designed for different workout needs. The following table highlights the key differences.

Feature Animal Pump (Original) Animal Pump Pro (Powder)
Format Pill Packs Powder
Stimulants Removable red capsule containing caffeine and other stimulants. Completely stimulant-free.
Creatine Matrix Creatine Monohydrate, Dicreatine Malate, Creatine Gluconate, Creatine Orotate, Creatine AKG. Primarily features Creapure® and MagnaPower® creatine forms.
Nitric Oxide Boosters Arginine-AKG, Citrulline Malate, Ornithine-AKG, L-Norvaline. L-Citrulline (higher dose), Nitrosigine®.
Transport Complex BioPerine®, Cinnulin PF®, Taurine. AstraGin™, BioPerine®, Taurine.
Primary Focus Comprehensive formula covering all aspects: pump, energy, antioxidants, creatine, and transport. Intense, stimulant-free pump and performance enhancement.

Conclusion: The Holistic Approach of Animal Pump

Animal Pump's formula is not just a simple blend of pre-workout ingredients, but a multi-faceted system organized into five targeted complexes. By combining foundational creatine for strength, nitric oxide boosters for vascularity, and a removable stimulant complex for flexible energy needs, the supplement provides a comprehensive pre-training solution. The inclusion of antioxidants helps protect the body from workout-induced stress, while the transport complex ensures all ingredients are absorbed efficiently for maximum effect. For dedicated athletes seeking a holistic approach to pre-workout supplementation, understanding what are Animal Pump's ingredients reveals the carefully engineered strategy behind its enduring popularity.

Learn more about Universal Nutrition's Animal line of products at the official Animal Pak website for further details on their supplement philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the standard Animal Pump formula contains a stimulant complex in a separate red capsule, which includes caffeine anhydrous, kola nut, and guarana. This capsule can be removed to create a stimulant-free pre-workout.

You take one pill pack of Animal Pump daily. On training days, consume one pack 30-45 minutes before your workout. On non-training days, take one pack in the morning, preferably on an empty stomach.

The nitric oxide (NO) complex, which includes Arginine-AKG and Citrulline Malate, is designed to increase nitric oxide production in the body. This helps to expand blood vessels, improving blood flow and creating a more pronounced muscle 'pump' during exercise.

The transport complex uses ingredients like BioPerine® and Cinnulin PF® to enhance the absorption and utilization of all the other active ingredients in the formula. This ensures your body can make the most of each component.

No, each daily pack of Animal Pump is formulated to provide a full daily dose of creatine, typically 3000mg or more. Taking additional creatine is generally not necessary.

Yes, Animal Pump Pro is a separate product that is a stimulant-free powder. For the standard pill-pack version, you can simply remove the identifiable red capsule containing the stimulants.

The primary ingredients for muscle pump are found in the Nitric Oxide Blast Complex, which includes Arginine-AKG, Citrulline Malate, and L-Norvaline. These compounds work to increase nitric oxide and blood flow to the muscles.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.