What is Taurine?

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that supports:

•  Heart muscle function

•  Retinal & vision health

•  Nervous system regulation

•  Immune function

•  Fat digestion (bile salt formation)

•  Reproductive health in cats

Unlike most amino acids, taurine is not used to build proteins — it works more like a metabolic regulator.

 Taurine Benefits for Dogs

Dogs can produce taurine from methionine & cysteine — but some breeds and conditions require supplementation.

Benefits:

• Supports cardiac muscle strength

• Helps prevent or support recovery from Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

• Supports retinal health

• Helps with bile flow & fat digestion

• May support seizure control in some cases

• Supports immune & anti-inflammatory pathways

Dogs at Higher Risk of Low Taurine:

• Large breeds (Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Dobermans)

• Dogs on grain-free/legume heavy diets

• Dogs with chronic GI disease

• Dogs with liver compromise

• Dogs eating very low animal protein diets

 Taurine Benefits for Cats

Cats cannot make taurine in sufficient amounts — it is ESSENTIAL in their diet.

Benefits:

• Prevents Dilated Cardiomyopathy

• Prevents Feline Central Retinal Degeneration (blindness)

• Supports healthy pregnancy & fetal development

• Supports immune health

• Supports normal neurological function

Taurine deficiency in cats can become serious within months.

 Taurine Dose Chart

 Dogs (General Maintenance & Support)

*Therapeutic dosing typically used for confirmed deficiency or DCM support under veterinary supervision.

 Cats

Most quality raw diets already contain taurine — but supplementation is common in homemade or cooked diets (heat destroys taurine).

 Precautions

• Taurine is generally very safe

• Water soluble — excess is excreted in urine

• Rare side effects: mild loose stool if high dose

• Always confirm DCM cases with echocardiogram before assuming taurine deficiency

• If using with cardiac medications (pimobendan, ACE inhibitors), coordinate dosing with your vet

• When feeding raw: ensure sufficient heart muscle meat is included (natural taurine source)

 Natural Taurine Sources

• Beef heart

• Chicken heart

• Turkey heart

• Dark poultry meat

• Sardines

Cooking significantly reduces taurine content.