Taurine in Pet Food

Grade A0 pts deductedNutrients

What It Is

"An amino sulfonic acid essential for cats; not currently required to be listed in AAFCO dog food profiles."

Health Impact

Cats cannot synthesize taurine and must get it from food — deficiency causes blindness and heart failure. Dogs can synthesize it, but some dogs (especially large breeds) may not synthesize enough on diets heavy in legume proteins. This is the heart of the FDA's grain-free/DCM investigation. If your large-breed dog eats grain-free, talk to your vet about taurine levels.

Why This Grade

No known safety, allergen, sourcing, or regulatory concerns. Full marks — 0 pts deducted.

Sources & Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Taurine safe for dogs and cats?

Rated A (0 pts) by PetPro-tectors™. Cats cannot synthesize taurine and must get it from food — deficiency causes blindness and heart failure. Dogs can synthesize it, but some dogs (especially large breeds) may not synthesize enough on diets heavy in legume proteins. This is the heart of the FDA's grain-free/DCM investigation. If your large-breed dog eats grain-free, talk to your vet about taurine levels.

What is Taurine in pet food?

An amino sulfonic acid essential for cats; not currently required to be listed in AAFCO dog food profiles.

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Sources: FDA, AAFCO Official Publication, National Toxicology Program,
WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines, Journal of Animal Science.

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