![]() ![]() ![]() Here’s where it gets even more complicated. It’s not clear that taurine was the cause of these problems. If you choose to prepare your own pet food, it’s important to use a recipe created especially for your dog by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to avoid these issues.Īs previously mentioned, boutique grain-free diets with exotic ingredients have also been associated with cases of DCM in dogs but the underlying reason for this is still unknown. Home-cooked diets or any diet that doesn’t meet these standards put your dog at risk of developing nutritional deficiencies, including taurine deficiency. Dog foods that meet these criteria must contain adequate levels of methionine and cystine (the precursors that the body uses to make taurine). Most dogs can make enough taurine to stay happy and healthy when fed a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO nutritional standards. Though this disease is considered specific to cats, there have been reports of dogs diagnosed with taurine deficiency that have also developed retinal degeneration. This disease causes the cone cells of the retina to deteriorate, leading to vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Taurine deficiency in cats is also associated with an eye condition known as Feline Central Retinal Degeneration (FCRD). Food and Drug Administration) investigation is still ongoing. This doesn’t necessarily rule out problems with taurine metabolism or other interactions within the body but unfortunately, there are still no conclusions as to why these dogs developed DCM. Given the association in cats, a taurine deficiency was suspected, however, most of the dogs tested had normal taurine levels. Many of these dogs improved when their diet was changed, which suggests a possible nutritional cause. Taurine is an essential amino acid in cats and deficiency in their diet causes DCM.īut what about dogs? In 2018, a series of cases of DCM in dogs was linked to boutique grain-free diets, many of which contained exotic ingredients (such as venison, kangaroo, or buffalo) and legumes (such as lentils or peas). If these changes can’t be reversed, DCM will sadly lead to heart failure and death as the heart has to work harder and harder to pump blood around the body. Taurine-related Heart Diseaseĭilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart condition where the muscle walls become too thin and the chambers of the heart become too large. ![]() If taurine levels are too low (taurine deficiency), these organs and body systems can develop disease. Taurine is found in high levels within the heart, the retina of the eye, and the brain. Studies have suggested that certain large-breed dogs may have more difficulty producing or metabolizing taurine, but there isn’t enough evidence to make clear recommendations at present. Though this seems to be adequate for most dogs, there is still debate and ongoing research as to the importance of taurine in dog food. Dogs require both of these amino acids to be able to produce taurine. There are, however, minimum levels of the essential amino acids methionine and cystine that must be present in all complete and balanced dog foods. In dogs, taurine is considered one of the non-essential amino acids, so, according to the nutritional standards set out by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), there is no established requirement for the amount of taurine in dog food. Non-essential amino acids can be made by the body. Essential amino acids can’t be made by the body and need to come from the diet. Amino acids, like taurine, are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins are found inside every cell of the body and play a huge role in its structure and function. Read on to find out everything you need to know about taurine and dogs, including which breeds may be at increased risk of developing taurine deficiency… What is taurine? Though taurine requirements are well established in cats, it’s a little more complicated for dogs. Taurine has become a hot-topic in pet food over the last few years. ![]()
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