![]() Myers says that any commercially prepared dog food with an AAFCO label on it saying it is 'nutritionally complete' will provide all the taurine and/or materials your dog's body needs to make its own taurine. You shouldn't need to whip up a side plate for your dog to ensure they're getting enough taurine. Myers explains that taurine can be found in large amounts in meat proteins (beef, poultry, fish, and pork) and eggs. If you want to make sure your dog is receiving enough of this amino acid to keep them strong and healthy, take a hard look at their food. "An acute toxicity may be seen at a dose of 5g/kg, meaning a 30-kg Labrador would need to ingest 150g of taurine to cause concern," she adds. If a pet owner feels their pet may benefit from taurine supplementation, they should consult with their veterinarian to determine the appropriate dose," he adds.Īlso, it's important to remember that taurine is considered non-toxic and has a very high safe upper limit, according to Brömme, and she says there are no known side effects of taurine in dogs or cats. "While there really isn't a known upper limit to supplementing taurine, too much can potentially make an animal feel sick. He also notes it is not recommended to supplement taurine in growing puppies and kittens. If they don't need it, their bodies will break down any extra and use it for something else. If you do decide to give your pet a taurine supplement, are you putting them at risk of overdose? Gary Richter, DVM, a veterinarian and founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition, says functionally, no. ![]() Potential Side Effects of Taurine in Dogs ![]() Any diet changes should always be signed off on by your vet first. However, if pet owners are feeding a non-traditional diet and they're worried about taurine levels, they can get their pet's taurine levels tested by a veterinarian. "Feeding your dog a balanced, high-quality, and evidence-based diet should negate the need for taurine supplementation," she says. Many pet parents may wonder if they should add a taurine suupplement to their dog's food, but generally speaking, it's not necessary, says Maria Brömme, DVM, a veterinary recruitment coordinator for Veterinarians International. "That means a dog does not have to consume a certain amount of the nutrient taurine he can make his own as long as he is eating the foods that contain the ingredients he needs to make it for himself," Myers adds. Others are labeled as non-essential since the body can manufacturer them for itself.įor dogs, taurine is considered to be a conditionally non-essential amino acid. Myers explains that some of these are essential since our diets are the only way to get those. All of the different proteins in the body-enzymes, hormones, connective tissues, and so on-are made up of 22 amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, both for humans and our pets. ![]() Do Dogs Need Taurine in Their Diet?įirst things first, what is taurine? Jo Myers, DVM, a veterinary expert for explains taurine is one type of amino acid. Read on to find out more about this amino acid and whether or not it's right for your pet. We checked with veterinarians to get a better understanding about taurine for dogs and whether it's a must-have in their supplement routine. Does your furball need taurine in his diet? And what is taurine exactly? Can pets have too much? And what are the best sources? If your most recent research on the latest and greatest developments in dog and cat health has introduced you to vitamins and supplements like taurine, you may wonder what all of the buzz about. And as a dog mom or a dad, you'd do anything to keep your furry one safe, happy, and healthy. It's no secret that pets are a part of our family. ![]() Dog with their tongue out looking at camera ![]()
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