However, dogs can utilize foods high in cysteine and methionine to make taurine. From the seeds, cereals and grains examined, rice, corn, oatmeal, rye, wheat, barley, and sesame seed contained no taurine. Taurine was undetectable in fruits and vegetables. Taurine concentration in chicken leg was 6.6 micromoles/g and in chicken breast was 1.4 micromoles/g. Beef, pork and lamb meat contain taurine in concentrations ranging 3.5-4.0 micromoles/g. Lamb, beef, venison, rabbit, and chicken breast meat are much lower in taurine than dark meat from poultry.Ī published study listed the following concentrations: The highest concentration of taurine was found in clams and octopus (41.4 micromoles/g and 31.2 micromoles/g), followed by shrimp and fish (12.4 micromoles/g and 9.1 micromoles/g). It is completely absent in cereal grains. Taurine is found in fish, meat, and milk. Even when fed the same diet, large and giant breeds produce less taurine than small and toy breeds. These breeds have either a metabolic abnormality that impairs the taurine synthesis and utilization or they have naturally occurring higher taurine requirements. Those breeds include American Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, English Setters, Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, Portuguese Water Dogs, Great Danes, Boxers, Irish Wolfhounds, and Doberman Pinschers.īig dogs are at higher risk of developing taurine deficiency when compared to small dogs, they have a much slower taurine production rate. While taurine is known to be an 'essential' amino acid for cats, recent studies show it may be required in the diet for some dog breeds as well. Which Pets Are Most at Risk for Taurine Deficiency?

(Today's chemistry lesson!) More accurately, in the presence of vitamin B6, the methionine is transformed into cysteine and then the cysteine is needed for producing taurine. Most dogs make taurine from other amino acids called cysteine and methionine via the cysteine sulfinic pathway using vitamin B-6, zinc and manganese as cofactors. Taurine is considered nonessential for dogs, but it is essential for cats, meaning cats have 11 essential amino acids. The other 10 amino acids are “essential,” meaning they must be supplied by the diet. In dogs, 12 amino acids are “nonessential,” meaning the body can make them on its own. Taurine helps to generate and regulate nerve impulses and supports the maintenance of normal fluid balance it is also used by the body in visual pathways, as well as in the brain and nervous system, where it works together with glycine and GABA as a neurotransmitter. It functions in tissues by stabilizing cell membranes and aiding the transport of potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium in and out of cells. It is found in high quantities in the brain, retina, heart, and in platelets. There are 22 amino acids that are needed for proper functioning of the body.

Amino acids are the basic building blocks of protein.

Too much taurine effects