Dr. Al Townshend
Taurine is an amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins in the body. Proteins are long chains of different amino acids that form different body parts (muscle, tendons and ligaments, brain, skin, etc.). In addition to being a component in protein production, it has several functions that go beyond making protein:
- It is used to breakdown fat.
- It plays a critical role in muscle function, especially in the heart.
- Taurine plays a role in maintaining eye health and immune support.
- It is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Taurine is considered one of eleven essential amino acids for cats because their bodies cannot make enough, so it must be in the cat’s diet. Dogs, on the other hand, can make taurine, so it is not considered essential for them.
What are the Best Sources for Taurine?
- Meat is a great provider of taurine. Both fresh meats and concentrated meat meals contain good levels of taurine.
- Fish is also a good source of taurine, especially oily fish like salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and menhaden. Shellfish like shrimp and crab are also good choices.
- Organ meats like hearts, kidneys, and livers are excellent taurine sources.
What are the Signs of a Deficiency?
Signs of a taurine deficiency are slow to develop. It can take several months for signs to develop.
- Vision becomes impaired. Feline Central Retinal Degeneration is the term commonly used by veterinarians.
- Heart muscles are weakened, causing the heart to enlarge and increasing the risk of Dilated Cardiomyopathy and congestive Heart Failure.
- Digestive issues can occur since taurine is a component of bile salts produced by the liver.
- Reproductive disorders are common with taurine deficiencies.
How is a Taurine Deficiency Treated?
Taurine supplementation can reverse many of the symptoms if caught early.
How to Prevent a Taurine Deficiency
- Taurine is not found in plant sources. High-fiber recipes can slow the absorption of taurine.
- Taurine-rich ingredients should be the first and predominant ingredients in the ingredient deck of a food.
- Providing a highly digestible diet high in animal protein and low in carbohydrates is the best way to prevent a taurine deficiency.
- Fresh meats, fish, concentrated meat meals, and organ meats are the best natural sources.
Today, taurine deficiencies are rare in cats because quality pet food manufacturers provide optimum taurine levels, and many guarantee the levels in their foods.