So supplementing taurine in your dog's diet can help to prevent and treat these issues.Ī deficiency in taurine could also lead to dilated cardiomyopathy. Taurine regulates the blood flow throughout your dog’s body, which helps to strengthen the heart’s walls. Many heart conditions weaken the walls of the heart and arteries which can lead to various diseases. By supplementing taurine in your dog's diet, it can help to regulate cell electrolytes that allow the brain to send signals throughout the body without disruption.Īs well as building proteins, taurine is also linked to the improvement of heart health and heart conditions. Taurine also prevents cells from causing brain inflammation in older dogs. The amino acid helps reproduce healthier brain neurons, and saves cells from damage related to ageing. Taurine is necessary for the development of your dog's healthy brain cells. And if these essential functions are lacking nutrients, the effects can be both short- and long-term. It strengthens the reproductive organs, contributes to heart health, aids with brain cell development. Because it helps to keep their bodily functions working correctly and avoid dangerous health conditions, taurine deficiency can cause lasting issues for your dog. Signs and symptoms of DCM are: pale gums, lethargy, cough, weakness, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing or exercise intolerance.Īlways consult with your vet to discuss the right solutions for your dog.While dogs are able to produce taurine on their own, it’s crucial to monitor their dog’s taurine levels. Low taurine levels and DCM can be reversed if caught early enough. If the taurine level is below normal, an echocardiogram is recommended. Information on sending sample to UC Davis 250 nmol/L is a minimum normal Taurine level for a Golden Retriever. A whole blood sample is taken and sent to UC Davis. You can have your own Golden Retriever tested by your vet. Here are some helpful links for your education and awareness: Tuffs University and University of California Davis have ongoing studies on the taurine deficiency, The FDA has recently gotten involved. “Toppers” such as eggs, chicken livers, unsalted sardines and oysters may be added to the dog’s diet to help supplement. Taurine supplements are available from a veterinarian. Raw and home prepared diets aren’t sufficient enough in taurine. The-Savvy-Dog-Owner-s-Guide-to-Nutrition-on-the-InternetĪlso Whole Dog Journal has information about Taurine Deficiency and DCM and selecting the right food for your dog. Here are two educational documents which replace the recommendation we have for Dog Food Advisor due to more current / updated information concerning this recent issue. The key is to read the ingredients and Taurine should be listed. Royal Canin Golden Retriever (used by Dr. Josh Stern, head of the study at UC Davis indicates the following dog foods satisfy the criteria: UC Davis lead veterinarian researcher, Dr. Josh Stern, Cardiologist, leading the UC Davis research The veterinary cardiologists and nutritionists are unanimous in their assessment that the best way to get your dog out of danger in this situation and to protect your dog from future problems is to buy your dog food from a “company this is committed to resolving this problem” and is involved in the scientific research.ĭr. Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers fed commercial diets.ĭiet-Associated Heart Disease in Golden Retrievers JAVMA Diet associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs Peas, beans, pea starch, legumes, potatoes and sweet potatoes have replaced the grains as the carbohydrate in most dog foods. It is felt that the grain free foods may play a major part in taurine deficiency. We have compiled information from several sources for your education and awareness and for your discussion with your veterinarian. In the past this wasn’t a problem for goldens. If left untreated congestive heart failure and possibly death can occur. Recent studies have shown that many golden retrievers are being diagnosed with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
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