For breeds that are at higher risk for developing taurine-associated DCM, a food with added taurine is recommended. Dog foods are less likely to be supplemented with taurine since it is not considered essential for dogs. Because taurine is considered an essential nutrient for cats, many complete and balanced cat foods are supplemented with taurine to ensure adequate levels. Taurine is naturally found in animal-based ingredients, but is also available as a supplement that can be added to dog and cat diets.
Taurine deficiency in dogs appears to be related to both environmental and genetic effects, and may be related to abnomal taurine metabolism in some dogs.
2 Breeds in which taurine-deficient DCM has been reported include the American cocker spaniel, Dalmatian, boxer, Newfoundland, Portugese water dog, English setter, Alaskan malamute, golden retriever and Scottish terrier. 2ĭCM is the most common acquired heart disease in large breed dogs. Inadequate cellular taurine concentrations result in the heart being unable to contract properly. 6 Low taurine status is associated with some cases of DCM. The underlying cause of DCM is unknown, but proposed factors include genetics, viral infection, immune-mediated disorders, arrhythmias, toxins and nutritional deficiencies. 5 Dilated Cardiomyopathyĭilated cardiomyopathy is caused by dilation of the left ventricle of the heart that results in the heart being unable to perform optimally. Taurine deficiency in dogs is associated with dilated cardiomyopathy, retinal lesions and impaired reproduction. 6 Although most dogs are able to synthesize adequate amounts of taurine, low taurine status has been found in some dogs of particular breeds. 6 Dietary supplementation with methionine has been shown to improve taurine status in dogs with low taurine levels. In dogs, taurine is generally not recognized as an essential nutrient because they are able to synthesize adequate amounts from other dietary amino acids, namely methionine and cysteine. 4 Taurine deficiency in cats also results in retinal degeneration, blindness, impaired immune response, deafness and reproductive complications. Without adequate dietary taurine, cats will eventually develop taurine deficiency, and a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) will subsequently develop in a large proportion of deficient cats. 3 Adequate dietary taurine must be provided to cats because of their limited ability to make taurine. Taurine is recognized as an essential dietary nutrient in cats. 2 Many factors affect the levels of taurine found in the body, including dietary intake, body synthesis and individual requirements. Taurine plays important roles in maintaining fluid balance and the ability of the heart to contract. 1 Tissues with the highest taurine concentration are the heart, muscles, central nervous system, and retina as well as platelets in the blood. 1 Many cells are able to make taurine, but the liver is the primary production site.
#Taurine dosage for dogs free#
Taurine is a unique amino acid because it is only found in animal tissues and unlike other amino acids, it is found free in the body and is not incorporated into proteins.
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