Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
Taurine is technically considered a nonessential nutrient in most dogs. However, some pooches are predisposed to having deficiencies of this amino acid, which could lead to the development of serious illnesses such as canine cardiac problems.
Find out the importance of taurine for dogs, the dangers of taurine insufficiency, and natural food that could help reverse this health issue.
What Is Taurine for Dogs?
Taurine is one of the 22 amino acids vital for the smooth process of various bodily functions in mammals, including dogs.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins for us as well as canines. They are found in high concentrations in the brain, heart, retina, and muscles.
Each of them has important contributions to keeping Fido’s body in good condition. Taurine for dogs, in particular, is essential for:
- Seamless transportation of nutrients in the cells
- Normal reproductive health
- Healthy development of the neural, ocular, and skeletal systems
- Good cardiac function and stable blood circulation
Despite the usefulness of taurine for dogs, it is considered a nonessential amino acid. The reason behind this is the ability of canines to naturally produce taurine from two amino acids: cysteine and methionine.
Thus, in general, most pooches do not require taurine supplementation if they are fed nutritionally complete and balanced dog food.
When to Give Dogs Taurine Supplementation?
Supplementation may be advised by the veterinarian if your dog has developed taurine deficiency.
This condition is linked to a life-threatening heart disease known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This occurs when the cardiac muscles become thinner, which increases the pressure of blood flow to the heart, causing it to abnormally enlarge.
Taurine deficiency in dogs is often seen in large and giant breeds than their smaller counterparts due to their low taurine production. The most commonly affected are:
- American Cocker Spaniels
- Doberman Pinschers
- English Setters
- Golden Retrievers
- Great Danes
- Irish Wolfhounds
- Newfoundlands
- Portuguese Water Dogs
- Saint Bernards
DCM is not the only illness potentially resulting from taurine deficiencies in dogs. Other health issues that may crop up are retinal damage and urinary problems.
What Are the Symptoms of Taurine Deficiency in Dogs?
Inadequacy of taurine in dogs may impair their eyesight, bladder, and heart function. Some of the notable clinical signs of this condition include:
- Lethargy
- Inappetance
- Painful urination
- Bloody urine
- Abdominal pain
- Poor vision
- Blindness
- Collapse
The manifestation of these symptoms should call for an immediate visit to the veterinarian. They will conduct a number of tests to check the levels of taurine in your dog.
We also recommend dog breeds prone to taurine deficiency get their taurine levels checked regularly even if they do not exhibit any symptoms of deficiency.
This also applies to dogs fed with nonconventional diets as they are at increased risk of nutritional deficiencies.
How Do Vets Test for Taurine Deficiency in Dogs?
The veterinarian will run through your dog’s health and medical history, including his current symptoms and the diet he is on.
This is followed by a physical examination and then a series of lab tests like:
- Biochemical profile (chemistry panel)
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Urinalysis
- Echocardiography if DCM is suspected
Taking blood tests is essential as it helps identify the baseline of your dog’s taurine levels.
The normal range is between 200 and 350 nanomoles per milliliter (nmol/mL). Dogs with blood-taurine levels below 150 nmol/mL have taurine deficiency.
Why Should You Consider Using Supplements on Taurine-Deficient Dogs?
Since taurine for dogs is considered a nonessential amino acid, there are no strict regulations on the amount of taurine that pooches should take.
Additionally, the nutrient profile of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) does not require supplementation of taurine in dog food.
It is believed that the sulfur-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine in dog food formulations are enough to sustain the natural taurine production of canines.
For this reason, feeding a taurine-deficient pooch regular pet food will do little to improve his condition. Using taurine supplements for dogs is the most viable method to bring his taurine levels back to normal.
5 Natural Sources of Taurine for Dogs
Increase your dog’s taurine intake by adding these natural sources of taurine for dogs in his meals:
1. Shellfish as a Natural Source of Taurine for Dogs
Shellfish has one of the highest concentrations of taurine. Raw scallops contain over 800 milligrams per 100 grams.
For the same portion, raw mussels offer 530 to 770 milligrams of taurine for dogs, while oysters have approximately 340 to 440 milligrams.
As taurine is a water-soluble amino acid, baking or frying shellfish prevents it from dissolving.
2. Fish as a Natural Source of Taurine for Dogs
The levels of taurine vary according to the type of fish. Around 960 milligrams can be found in 100 grams of yellowfin tuna.
For the same portion, plaice contains approximately 140 milligrams, while cod offers 108 milligrams of taurine for dogs.
Make sure to choose fish sourced from low-water pollution areas to reduce the risk of heavy metal contamination.
3. Turkey as a Natural Source of Taurine for Dogs
The taurine content of turkey depends on the meat’s darkness.
Dark turkey meat offers more taurine for dogs; a 100-gram serving provides between 160 to 430 milligrams. In comparison, its lighter counterparts only contain about 8 to 13 milligrams.
Keep in mind that dark meats tend to have slightly higher fat levels than light meats. So feed them to your dog with strict moderation.
4. Chicken as a Natural Source of Taurine for Dogs
Similar to turkey, the dark meat of chicken contains more taurine for dogs.
For every 100 grams, it offers 130 to 260 milligrams of the amino acid. On the other hand, light meat only has around 5 or 24 milligrams.
When feeding dark chicken meat to dogs, the same rule applies: offer it in moderation.
5. Seaweed as a Natural Source of Taurine For Dogs
Taurine is rarely found in plant-based food. One of the few excellent plant sources of this amino acid is seaweed.
For instance, nori boasts up to 1,300 milligrams of taurine per 100 grams. However, it is not ideal for dogs to consume a large amount of seaweed since this can lead to nutrient overdose and toxicity.
So we advise sprinkling small quantities of nori flakes on your dog’s food. Doing so increases his taurine intake by around 40 milligrams.
If possible, also consider feeding your dog foods that are rich in cysteine and methionine as they also promote better taurine production. Some of the dog-friendly options are eggs, cheese, soy, and oats.
Talk to the veterinarian or a veterinarian nutritionist before adding natural sources of taurine for dogs to your dog’s diet. Never skip this step, especially if your pooch has food allergies or sensitivities.
FAQs About Taurine for Dogs
1. When Is Taurine Bad for Dogs?
Theoretically, taurine is bad for dogs if taken in excessive doses. However, the bodies of canines have a very high upper limit for this amino acid. Up until now, there have been no reports of taurine causing side effects or toxicities in dogs.
2. What Does Taurine Do for Dogs?
Taurine provides support to several body functions in dogs such as strengthening the heart, maintaining good eyesight, and assisting in nutrient transportation.
A deficiency in this amino acid puts your dog at risk of developing serious health issues like loss of vision and heart disease.
3. What Foods Contain Taurine for Dogs?
Animal-based foods are the best sources of taurine for dogs such as:
- Shellfish
- Fish
- Chicken
- Turkey
Seaweed also houses high levels of taurine for dogs, but it must be served in small amounts. Due to its high nutrient content, excessive intake may lead to overdose and toxicity,
4. Does Taurine Calm Dogs?
There have been anecdotal claims of taurine helping dogs calm down. However, more research should be carried out to confirm whether it is true or not.
Summary
Healthy dogs naturally synthesize taurine, thus it is categorized as a nonessential amino acid.
However, some dog breeds cannot produce normal amounts of taurine, which increases their susceptibility to ailments like DCM.
If your dog has a taurine deficiency, supplement his meals with natural sources of taurine for dogs like shellfish, fish, chicken, turkey, and seaweed.
Just keep in mind to avoid making changes to his diet without the veterinarian’s approval.
Learn more ways to create a diet fit for your dog’s health by reading our articles in the Diet & Recipes.
