![]() It is not incorporated into proteins but rather is found primarily as a free amino acid in body tissues and circulating in the blood. The nutrient taurine is a unique type of amino acid, called a beta-amino sulfonic acid. What is Taurine? Why Do Dogs Need Taurine? Often, owners of middle-aged or senior dogs think that their dogs’ symptoms are “just old age,” but a quick diagnosis and treatment can restore an affected dog’s quality of life to nearly normal – and extend the dog’s life far past an untreated dog’s prognosis.ĭCM treatment usually involves medications that help the dog’s heart to contract, slow his rapid pulse, help control the accumulation of fluid in his lungs, and dilate his blood vessels – all actions that will improve the heart’s performance. That’s why it’s important to make an appointment to see your veterinarian right away if your dog displays any of these signs, or more than one of these signs. – Difficulty breathing, rapid or excessive breathing, or seeming shortness of breathīy the time these DCM signs appear, the disease may already be fairly advanced. As this condition progresses, it causes congestive heart failure. The heart becomes enlarged and flabby, and fluid begins to accumulate in the dog’s lungs. Let us avoid this type of reaction and instead look at the evidence: What do we currently know about the role of diet and taurine in the development of DCM in dogs – and how is it that “grain-free” foods have been recently targeted as a possible dietary cause? Signs of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in DogsĭCM is a disease of the heart, which causes the heart muscles themselves to weaken, which, in turn, reduces the ability of the heart to pump blood through the dog’s body as it should. These ingredients are found commonly in foods that are formulated and promoted as “grain-free.”Īs these things go, there followed a lot of hype and a fair bit of hysteria in response. Foods containing high levels of peas, lentils, other legume seeds, and/or potatoes were identified by the FDA as potential risk factors. It is speculated that these cases are related to the consumption of foods that negatively affect taurine status, leading to taurine-deficiency DCM. The reported cases occurred in breeds that are not considered to be genetically predisposed to this disorder.įurther, a significant number of the dogs were found to have reduced levels of circulating taurine in their blood and have responded positively to taurine supplementation. 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. 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). Possible Risk Factors for Taurine-Deficiency DCM:įactors that increase taurine-degrading microbes in the intestine ![]() – Plant-based protein sources (peas, lentils, legumes) (speculated) – High dietary fiber (i.e., rice bran, beet pulp, cellulose) – Heat-damaged or poor-quality protein sources – Low-protein diet (limited taurine precursors) Dietary Risk Factors for Reduced Taurine Status:
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