Why isn’t my dog getting enough taurine?

Even though taurine supplementation isn’t an issue for most dogs, it could be for yours. The following article discusses the reasons why.

You might have been seeing a lot of information online about taurine and dog health. This may have caused you to investigate possible supplements and products that can boost your dog’s taurine levels. However, while taurine is a highly important amino acid that aids in the healthy functioning of the brain, heart, muscles, and eyes, your dog may not need taurine support.

Most dogs can synthesize taurine in their bodies from other nutrients. Giving dogs taurine supplements when they produce their own won’t hurt them, but it’s not necessary. Unfortunately, certain popular dog breeds have a nutritional genetic defect that renders them unable to manufacture taurine, and this can be a significant medical problem in the long term. Dog breeds that have this condition include:

• American cocker spaniel
• Retriever (golden and Labrador)
• English setter
• Boxer
• Newfoundland
• Saint Bernard

Taurine deficiency doesn’t cause outward symptoms, but it can lead to illnesses that do present signs. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is among the most serious long-term consequences of taurine deficiency, and its symptoms include:

• Fainting
• Coughing
• Heavy drooling
• Lethargy
• Weight gain
• Excessive panting

Do not hesitate to contact your vet if your dog is exhibiting the above symptoms – they are indicators of DCM, a life-threatening illness if left unaddressed. Fortunately, if the cause of this condition is taurine deficiency, it can be managed effectively through dietary taurine supplementation. Zignature dog food taurine quantities are quite high due to the natural concentrations of taurine in the farm-raised meats, but your vet may offer additional guidance based upon your dog’s particular wellness concerns. Do not change your diet without consulting your vet. It is also important to remember that your pet’s unexpected health problems can arise at any age, so be prepared and help protect your back pocket against potentially huge bills with a pet insurance policy like Bivvy.  If you are wondering how pet insurance works, click here to get answers to your frequently asked questions.