Dog Community

What is taurine??

willowchow

Posted : 6/12/2006 10:17:07 AM

Does anyone know what it is for and if Willow gets some is that going to be harmful at all?

forpaws

Posted : 6/12/2006 10:29:44 AM

10. What are the benefits of taurine for dogs?Taurine is a sulfur amino acid and is generally not considered essential as the dog can synthesise this amino acid from other amino acids in the body. However, case studies on various heart disorders such as dilated cardiomyopathy shows that the canine patients suffer from a taurine deficiency. Taurine may play a role in fighting cardiovascular disorders through its simultaneous action on the muscle's ability to contract, on the integrity of the heart's cells, and on the heartbeat. According to: [linkhttp://www.royalcanin.co.uk/default.aspx?page=327#10]http://www.royalcanin.co.uk/default.aspx?page=327#10[/link] [linkhttp://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/CCAH/Update06-2/6-2_Taurine.html]http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/CCAH/Update06-2/6-2_Taurine.html[/link] And according to this article, well you read it and know what I mean.

papillon806

Posted : 6/12/2006 10:30:34 AM

Taurine is an essential amino acid that is added to most cat foods because they cannot synthesize it from other AA's like dogs can (dogs can turn Cystine and Methionine into Taurine). It is in no way harmful to dogs if added in excess...it will just be synthesized by the body and "wasted."

sakura

Posted : 6/12/2006 10:33:19 AM

From Natura's website -

Taurine is the 11th essential amino acid required by cats.

Insufficient levels of taurine can lead to blindness and cardiac problems in cats. Meat is naturally high in taurine, so Natura foods contain high levels of this important nutrient. Natural taurine is also added to our cat foods to ensure cats get enough of this essential amino acid.

Cats vs Dogs: While dogs can synthesize taurine in their systems, cats cannot and must have additional amounts added to their diet for proper health.

Recent university research has suggested, however, that like cats, some breeds of dogs may benefit from Taurine in the diet. While California Natural has always contained ample Taurine from natural sources such as lamb meal, we have decided to supplement Taurine to ensure that all puppies receive full nutritional benefit from our products.
(reference - [linkhttp://www.naturapet.com/display.php?d=ingredient-facts&pxsl=//ingredient%5B@id='55'%5D]http://www.naturapet.com/display.php?d=ingredient-facts&pxsl=//ingredient%5B@id='55'%5D[/link])

Looks like it's ok.

willowchow

Posted : 6/12/2006 4:50:03 PM

Thanks, I feel better about it now.

cavowner

Posted : 6/12/2006 5:17:54 PM

Latest research has shown that many dog breeds cannot make enough Taurine and it needs to be supplied in the diet. Many dog food manufacturers are now adding Taurine.
Raw beef heart contains plenty [

]

olinda

Posted : 6/12/2006 6:36:48 PM

Hi,

Taurine is an aminoethanesulfonic acid, is an acidic chemical substance found in mammals especially sea animals. Is an amine w/sulfonic acid, but is not an amino acid in the biological sense. The major synthesis occurs in the liver. Some of the conditions that taurine is useful for in humans are cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolmia, epilepsy and other seizure disorders, macular degeneration, Alzeheimer's disease, hepatic disorders, alcoholism and cystic fibrosis. In excess it can produce hypertesion.

I know someone whose dog suffers from epilepsy and since she started giving it to her she has been seizure free. I hope this helps!

ron2

Posted : 6/13/2006 6:06:49 AM

Some breeds, such as Dobermans (if I remember correctly) cannot synthesize enough taurine. Some dog food companies are adding it to the formula to help care for such breeds.

mudpuppy

Posted : 6/13/2006 8:48:06 AM

taurine became famous after untold numbers of cats died young from heart disease caused by malnutrition, because they were fed only commercial cat food-- food that had passed all standards and tests and was considered to be complete and balanced for cats. An important lesson that everyone seems to have forgotten. Six month feeding trials and blood tests don't tell you much about the impact of nutrition on long-term health.
Beef heart is an excellent source of taurine. Cut into chunks and lightly cooked it makes an excellent nutritious dog treat most dogs go nuts for.

John Marsman

Posted : 6/13/2006 9:38:45 AM

Wonderful answers.

John

brookcove

Posted : 6/13/2006 10:35:50 AM

Beef heart is a great source of taurine! Mine get fresh raw heart of some kind once a week, plus their kibble usually includes it as a seperate supplement. It is also available in other species heart meat, but only chicken heart is widely available and it offers the lowest levels (because chickens are typically only a few weeks old when slaughtered). Pork and lamb are pretty good, but again, unless the "lamb" is actually an older cull ewe, the young age of slaughter generally means there's less available per pound of meat.

My kitties get fresh heart also every few days, just in case. Beef only, my one cat is allergic to chicken and I'm not sure about lamb.

willowchow

Posted : 6/13/2006 8:44:18 PM

Well, thanks everyone. I'm feeling pretty comfortable if she gets some now and again. It seems like it actually might be quite beneficial to her.

ron2

Posted : 6/14/2006 6:12:09 AM

because they were fed only commercial cat food-- food that had passed all standards and tests and was considered to be complete and balanced for cats. An important lesson that everyone seems to have forgotten. Six month feeding trials and blood tests don't tell you much about the impact of nutrition on long-term health

Good point and I actually agree with you this time.