

He also notes it is not recommended to supplement taurine in growing puppies and kittens. If they don't need it, their bodies will break down any extra and use it for something else. If you do decide to give your pet a taurine supplement, are you putting them at risk of overdose? Gary Richter, DVM, a veterinarian and founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition, says functionally, no. Story continues Potential Side Effects of Taurine in Dogs Any diet changes should always be signed off on by your vet first. However, if pet owners are feeding a non-traditional diet and they're worried about taurine levels, they can get their pet's taurine levels tested by a veterinarian. "Feeding your dog a balanced, high-quality, and evidence-based diet should negate the need for taurine supplementation," she says. Many pet parents may wonder if they should add a taurine suupplement to their dog's food, but generally speaking, it's not necessary, says Maria Brömme, DVM, a veterinary recruitment coordinator for Veterinarians International. "That means a dog does not have to consume a certain amount of the nutrient taurine he can make his own as long as he is eating the foods that contain the ingredients he needs to make it for himself," Myers adds. Others are labeled as non-essential since the body can manufacturer them for itself.įor dogs, taurine is considered to be a conditionally non-essential amino acid.

Myers explains that some of these are essential since our diets are the only way to get those. All of the different proteins in the body-enzymes, hormones, connective tissues, and so on-are made up of 22 amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, both for humans and our pets. First things first, what is taurine? Jo Myers, DVM, a veterinary expert for explains taurine is one type of amino acid.
