What nutrient is essential for building muscles in animals?

Proteins are essential for building muscles in animals because they are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle tissue. When animals engage in physical activity or resistance training, their muscle fibers sustain minor injuries or stress, prompting the body to repair and strengthen those fibers. This repair process relies heavily on protein intake, as amino acids are needed to synthesize new muscle tissue.

Additionally, proteins serve numerous functions beyond muscle building; they are involved in the formation of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, all of which contribute to the overall health and functioning of the body. In contrast, while carbohydrates provide energy and support physical activity, vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in various metabolic processes and overall health, they do not serve the direct function of muscle synthesis in the way that proteins do.