Taurine is critical to your dog’s wellness – so why wouldn’t they need taurine supplements? The following article discusses taurine and its role in your dog’s health and energy levels.
If you’re a dog owner who doesn’t know how important taurine is to your dog’s health, don’t worry – you’re not a neglectful pet parent. Most dog owners don’t give a lot of thought to the amount of taurine their dogs need, simply because most dogs don’t need to be given taurine. However, some dog breeds may need supplementation. Here’s why.
Taurine supports muscle, heart, eye, and brain function. Most healthy dogs synthesize taurine in their own bodies from other nutrients, but certain breeds cannot. This is due to a flaw in their genetic makeup, and this nutritional deficit can cause troubling health problems in the long-term if left unaddressed. Breeds that are susceptible to taurine deficiency include:
- Retriever (Labrador and golden)
- American cocker spaniel
- English setter
- Boxer
- Newfoundland
- Saint Bernard
If your dog is one of the breeds listed above, you should consult your vet about potential taurine deficiency before it leads to additional medical complications. Taurine deficiency doesn’t have symptoms, so by the time your dog begins exhibiting signs that something is wrong, they will already have developed a health problem. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common – and the most serious – complication. Its symptoms are:
- Low energy
- Weight gain
- Coughing
- Fainting
- Heavy drooling
Because the above signs are indicators of not only DCM, but also a host of other serious concerns, you should take your dog to the vet when you first notice these symptoms. If it is determined that your dog is experiencing a taurine deficiency, your vet may recommend giving her dietary support. Zignature dog food taurine content is naturally high due to the wild-caught meats in the formulas’ ingredients. Talk to your vet about any changes to your dog’s diet because your vet may have a more appropriate nutritional program designed for your dog’s specific needs.
To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.
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