Taurine in dog food5/22/2023 ![]() Once commercial cat diets were noted as being deficient of taurine, it was put on the list of “essential amino acids” for cats, and modern day cat foods now must ensure they provide adequate amounts. This deficiency caused blindness, heart troubles, and other maladies. Early on in the pet food industry, taurine deficiency was noted in cats, due to the use of many plant-based proteins, and high carbohydrates. Cats and TaurineĬats are not able to synthesize taurine within their bodies, so adequate amounts of taurine must be provided in their diets. Large and giant breed dogs such as Newfoundlands, and American Cocker Spaniels appear to be particularly susceptible. Although the cause of taurine deficiency was not readily apparent in these dogs, or any dogs, there may be a link genetically or metabolically. These dogs were eating a variety of dog foods, some of which were homemade, but which were sufficient in protein (and amino acid profiles), and had passed AAFCO feeding trials. ![]() A number of years ago taurine deficiency was noted in some dogs that had DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy). Dogs and Taurineĭogs synthesize taurine from the sulfur amino acids cysteine and methionine, so taurine is not required to be added to the diet for healthy dogs. It is found in high amounts in meat and fish proteins. It is found in the central nervous system, skeletal muscle, and heart it is very concentrated in the brain and high in the heart tissues. Taurine also aids the movement of potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium in and out of cells and thus helps generate nerve impulses. ![]() Since the amino acids methionine and cysteine are needed to. It also has functions in the gallbladder, eyes, and blood vessels and appears to have some antioxidant and detoxifying activity. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Animal Science and Technology found that beet pulp, a common ingredient in dog foods, decreased taurine levels in dogs by increasing the amounts of bile acids that were excreted in the feces and by decreasing overall protein digestibility. Taurine functions in the brain and heart to help stabilize cell membranes. You may see it referred to as a non-essential amino acid in dogs as it can be synthesised in the body if the right nutrients are available in the diet, namely. It isn’t part of the muscle protein yet plays an important role in metabolism, especially in the brain. Salmon, tuna, sardines, rainbow trout, sea bream, and other cold-water are the best fish picks for taurine sources. Taurine is a lesser known amino acid that until recently, has remained under the radar. Fish are one of the best taurine sources for dogs because they tend to be higher in taurine than other meats and they are lean meats that are packed with nutrients and omega fatty acids. Animals can manufacture many of them in their liver, but some must be obtained in the diet-these are called ‘essential.’ In humans and dogs, taurine is not ‘essential’, since it can be synthesized within the body. There are 22 amino acids, the basic building blocks of protein.
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