Taurine is an essential amino acid that is needed in felines for their diet. Taurine is an animal-based protein, and it is found in wet and dry diets alike. These include beef hearts, liver, kidneys, shrimp, and even salmon. There are multiple amino acids that the feline body needs to function normally, but Taurine may arguably be the most important. Taurine cannot be produced by the body naturally and, therefore, needs to be supplied in the diet that is fed to our babies daily. In fact, cats have limited ability to manufacture taurine naturally, which is why it is essential to be supplemented in their diet.
If your cat does not have the amount of Taurine their body needs, there are side-effects that can arise from what is known as Taurine Deficiency. These can include symptoms such as dental decay; a process where the tooth’s protective barrier starts to break down. Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a form of heart disease where the heart becomes enlarged, and cardiac contractility weakens, which can result in future health issues. As well as eye deterioration that can lead to irreversible blindness and retinal damage. These problems can be avoided if proper supplementation and veterinary care are provided.
Now, let’s talk about the benefits of Taurine in your feline friends’ diet:
- Development and function of the Retinas
- Function and maintenance of the heart wall muscle
- Maintenance of blood sugar levels
- Helping the Immune System develop
- Development of the fetus’ during pregnancy
- Regulating blood flow that is supplied to the nerves
This essential part of the feline diet is not stored in large quantities in the body and is readily utilized. The feline body will only use the amount of taurine they require for daily need. Fortunately, most commercial diets are already properly supplemented to the required level, which stresses the importance of properly supplementing homemade or non-commercial diets if they are being used.
Help our feline friends be as healthy as they can be! Ensure we are helping them to keep feeling great by providing this essential dietary component if their diet is not already providing it.
Hopefully, this will help with the understanding of WHY Taurine is so important for our feline friends.
Sources
https://www.playfulkitty.net/2014/11/04/taurine-cats-diet/
*Got Information about Taurine and why it is Essential to a Feline Diet
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/taurine-in-cats
*Got Information about Taurine and its benefits.
Written by Clayton Park Veterinary Hospital
