Cat Health

Cat Health Protein Fats and Oils Fiber Carbohydrates Vitamins Minerals Special Considerations

Dog Health

Dog Health Protein Fats and Oils Fiber Carbohydrates Vitamins Minerals Special Considerations

Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid that, until recently, has remained under the radar.

It is a lesser known amino acid, and is not part of our muscle protein yet is important in metabolism, especially in the brain. Humans can produce sulfur-containing taurine from cysteine with the help of pyridoxine (B6) and dogs synthesize taurine from the sulfur amino acids cysteine and methionine, therefore it is not recognized as needed in the diet.

Taurine functions in electrically active tissues such as the brain and heart to help stabilize cell membranes. It also has functions in the gallbladder, eyes, and blood vessels and appears to have some antioxidant and detoxifying activity. Taurine aids the movement of potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium in and out of cells and thus helps generate nerve impulses. Zinc seems to support this effect of Taurine. Taurine is found in the central nervous system, skeletal muscle, and heart; it is very concentrated in the brain and high in the heart tissues. It is found in high amounts in meats and fish proteins.
Early on in the pet food industry, a deficiency was noted in cats, due to the use of many plant based proteins, and high carbohydrates. This deficiency caused blindness, heart troubles, and other maladies. Once diets were noted as being deficient, taurine was put on the list of “essential amino acid” for cats.

However a number of years ago, taurine deficiency was also noted in some dogs that had DCM (Cardiomyopathy). These dogs were eating a variety of dog foods, some homemade. These diets were sufficient in protein (and amino acid profiles), and had passed AAFCO feeding trials.Although the cause of Taurine deficiency is not readily apparent in these dogs, or any dogs, there may be a link genetically or metabolically, particularly in large breed dogs.

In order to ensure adequate Taurine levels in Petcurean Dog Food, we use a high meat inclusion. These levels are then met naturally, without the need to supplement in the diet. However Petcurean adds as a margin of safety.

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