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What is taurine?

Taurine is a type of amino acid, which are the building blocks of all proteins. Taurine is exclusively found in animal-based proteins. It is critical for normal vision, digestion, heart muscle function, to maintain normal pregnancy and fetal development, and to maintain a healthy immune system. 

Why recommend administration of taurine to my pet?

Processing can affect taurine levels in the diet, while increased dietary fiber can decrease its absorption. Cat foods that contain high-quality animal-based protein will supply adequate levels of taurine for a normal, healthy cat. Dog food does not contain enough taurine to meet the normal requirements for a cat.

Supplemental taurine may be added to certain cat foods, especially diets that are formulated for specific needs such as growth and development or heart disease. Supplementation is relatively safe, with no reports of problems associated with excessive dietary taurine in the cat.

Taurine was first recognized as a necessary component of the cat's diet in the late 1980's. Since then, all diets that are formulated for cats are supplemented with enough taurine to meet the normal cat's needs. Supplemental taurine is used as a treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy in cats.

You can find some of our wet food that contains taurine here. 

Source: vaccanada.com

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