Taurine Levels In Dog Food

Well known foods that are good for heart conditions include those low in salt and containing protein provided that the liver or kidneys are not damaged as well as taurine.

Taurine levels in dog food.

Taurine in dog food. Taurine supplements for dogs. The length of time that your dog will need taurine supplementation will depend on the severity of the deficiency and your dog s ability to maintain levels of taurine as it is ingested. What dog foods are associated with dcm and taurine deficiencies.

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. In mid july 2018 the u s. One of the most interesting and alarming things some veterinarians have noticed is that some cases of dcm appear to be correlated with certain types of dog food. Taurine supplementation is the treatment of choice for dogs suffering from taurine deficiency.

Therefore it is found in much smaller levels in commercial dog food. Is this warning justified and based on science. At ollie we work hard to make sure all of our recipes contain adequate levels of taurine for your pup. In july 2018 the fda released a warning about grain free dog foods and their possible connection to the development of a serious heart disease in dogs.

Let s take a look at the facts. Taurine is an amino acid found only in animal based proteins. The foundation of any healthy diet for dogs is in fact protein because it is a rich source of amino acids. While it is an essential amino acid for cats that must be provided in their food as pure taurine dogs are able to generate this amino acid from other amino acids.

Generally speaking the average level of taurine in dog food is about 0 13 dry food matter. Food and drug administration fda released an alert to veterinarians and pet owners regarding reports of increased incidence of a heart disease called canine dilated cardiomyopathy dcm. This disorder is characterized by weakening of the heart muscle which leads to a decreased ability of the heart to pump and if untreated to cardiac failure. Giving the correct food to a dog with heart problems greatly reduces its discomfort.

In order for dog food to contain enough taurine it needs to contain meat. When you think about the ideal diet for dogs you probably picture a recipe rich in animal ingredients like meat poultry and fish. It is abundant in the brain the eye especially the retina muscle tissue. Our 2020 guide read more.

If your dog s diet isn t enough to meet his needs for taurine you can supplement with up to 1 000mg per day for every 40 pounds of your dog s body weight. As you may remember from school amino acids are the building 7 best dog foods with taurine and carnitine. Taurine can usually be found in high quality dog food but you can look for other foods rich in taurine to strengthen your dog s heart.