Glycine is potentially an essential amino acid in cheetah diets. Although cheetahs can synthesize it from other amino acids like serine and threonine, the current evidence suggests that this conversion is limited. Glycine is found in high concentration in connective tissues like skin, bone and cartilage. Many of these components are not included at sufficient levels in the diets of captive cheetahs. Glycine is not only an important component of connective tissue proteins, but also performs many metabolic functions in the body. It is an important neurotransmitter and is involved in the production of creatine, porphyrins and glutathione. It also participates in some detoxification pathways in the body.

20 grams of glycine powder can be added to every kilogram of meat that is fed.