![]() ![]() The symptoms of taurine deficiency in cats are well recorded. This is because despite all this it seems that cats are not the only ones suffering from taurine deficiency. So why is taurine important for dog owners? Taurine Deficiencyĭogs can produce taurine. This is then sent to the intestines where it is absorbed along with the dietary taurine. These amino acids go to the pancreas where they take part in a metabolic process using two key enzymes, cysteine dioxygenase and cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase, to produce taurine. *Organ meats had higher amounts of taurine than muscle tissue.ĭogs can also produce taurine by metabolizing other amino acids: cysteine and methionine. Taurine is found abundantly in ingredients of animal origin such as meat, fish, dairy and is barely found or completely absent in other food sources. Unlike cats, dogs can not only acquire taurine directly from their diet, but can also produce it from other sulfur-containing amino acids ( methionine and cysteine). It is also found in the brain, where it takes part in many different physiological pathways, and the eyes, where it helps protect the retina.įinally, it is also necessary for normal, healthy muscle function, including the heart muscle. ![]() It acts as an antioxidant throughout the body and may help combat inflammation. Taurine has a few special roles that can’t be filled by other amino acids.įor example, it forms part of bile, a fluid that helps your dog’s gastrointestinal tract to digest fats and oils, as well as the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. However, cases of taurine deficiency have lately been confirmed in dogs. Dogs are able to produce taurine while cats are not. Taurine was thought to be one such difference. Therefore animals that need taurine as an essential amino acid cannot live on a vegan diet and would have problems surviving on a plant-based diet without developing serious health issues. However, what is essential for the cat is different from what is essential for the dog.Įssential amino acids are taken up by the animal from its diet. Your dog or cat’s body is not capable to produce essential amino acids, hence their name. Proteins in turn are the basic building components of structures and tools around the body.Īmino acids are divided into essential and non-essential amino acids. What Is Taurine?Īmino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Sit down, buckle up, and get ready for a science lesson. To get to the bottom of this, we need to review some physiology and biochemistry. Certain food preparation processes are also to blame. Certain boutique types of dog food diet can contribute to this. Some breeds are more susceptible to this than others. I’ve diagnosed many cases of taurine deficiency in dogs. My name is Corey and I’m a practicing Veterinarian. ![]() ![]() Beware of false information and advice on the web written by non-experts. Taurine levels and taurine defficiency is a complex issue. Avoid certain boutqiue diets or gain-free diets to help prevent taurine deficiency. Science cannot yet quantify the exact amount of taurine that should be in a dog food. ![]()
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