Why is Taurine Critical for our Cats?

If you are a cat parent, you are most likely familiar with the word taurine.  You may know that it is an ingredient that pet food manufactures add into cat foods, you may even know that without it your cat can become very ill experiencing symptoms such as blindness and heart disease.  Lets take a look at what taurine is and why your cat needs this nutrient so badly.

• Taurine is an amino acid which is found in proteins such as animal meats, eggs, and organ meats. 
• For cats, taurine is considered one of the handful of essential amino acids because unlike other amino acids, they can not manufacture it within their bodies digestive processes.  
• Dogs and humans alike CAN manufacture taurine in our bodies by the combination of two other amino acids cysteine and methionine. 
• Without enough taurine cats can experience a range of symptoms like: Retinal degeneration, Irreversible blindness if retinal degeneration is not addressed, Weakening of the muscles of the heart leading dilated cardiomyopathy, Death if cardiomyopathy is not addressed, Digestive issues, Fetal abnormalities, Small litter sizes, Low birth weights.

This is one of the many reasons it is not safe to feed cats dog food, because since dogs can manufacture their own supply of taurine, many pet food companies do not add it the dog food formulas.   The best way to ensure your cat is getting enough healthy taurine in their diet is to feed a FRESH diet high in protein like a fresh-cooked, or frozen raw diet.  

Click HERE for some great fresh food brand recommendations for cats and dogs

OR

Click HERE for our free downloadable easy home-made pet food recipe guide!

~PetCoachApril

April Arguin A.S., C.P.N., M.P.H.