Dogs can MAKE taurine from key amino acids present in most pet foods. Most dog foods are not supplemented with taurine for this reason. If sulfur containing amino acids (methionine and cysteine) are not available in the dog food, a dog can become taurine deficient over time.
What causes low taurine levels in dogs?
Causes Of Taurine Deficiency In Dogs Lamb and rice, low protein, or high fiber diets are not good for these dogs. Additionally, cystinuria, a genetic disease, can interfere with the absorption of amino acids. It also causes kidney and bladder stones.
How do you prevent taurine deficiency in dogs?
In some dogs, lifetime taurine supplementation may be required to prevent recurrent taurine deficiency. For other dogs, a diet change may be needed in addition to taurine supplementation, and if symptoms resolve, supplementation may be discontinued.
What causes taurine deficiency?
What causes taurine deficiency? Though the body can produce taurine naturally, the process can slow down due to conditions such as: Deficiency of certain vitamins and amino acids, such as vitamin A, zinc, cysteine, or methionine.
What blocks taurine absorption?
Protease inhibitors can prevent the absorption of proteins and amino acids and may be responsible for the sudden epidemic of taurine deficiencies in dogs which can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy heart disease (DCM).
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