Processes such as nitrogenous waste elimination and hemoglobin synthesis will be disrupted in deficient adult animals.ĬOMMON SOURCES: All dietary proteins of animal or plant origin are composed of a series of chemically bound interlinked amino acids. Without essential amino acids, the growth of kittens and puppies will be slow, and health may be compromised. ROLE IN THE BODY: Amino acids are required by the body to ensure healthy physiological function. Proteins include a total of 20 different amino acids, only 11 (cats) or 10 (dogs) of which are essential that means they cannot be produced by the body so must be provided in the diet. TAURINE is part of the Amino Acids family:ĪMINO ACIDS are building blocks of protein and include (alphabetical order):Īmino acids are the building blocks of proteins and their derivatives. With DCM, both the upper and lower chambers of the heart become enlarged, with one side being more severely affected than the other. What is DCM?ĭILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY (DCM) is a disease of the heart muscle that is characterized by an enlarged heart that does not function properly. Please share this post with anyone you know who has shared concerns about Taurine Deficiency and DCM. Taurine is found naturally in animal-based proteins but is not found in plant-based protein sources. Another theory is that providing diets that have low levels of animal proteins does not ensure adequate taurine intake. One theory is that one or more of the suspect ingredients (peas, lentils, legumes, potatoes) inhibits Taurine reabsorption into the body. There are many raw diets, fresh-cooked/frozen diets, canned diets, and even a few dry/kibble diets that are grain-free and they do not contain potatoes, peas, lentils or other seeds of legumes.Ī.) K-9 Kraving is 76% fresh muscle meat and organ meat, key providers of Taurine.ī.) Although we do utilize 2% of Sweet Potato in our diet, it is not white potato, nor a main ingredient.Īlthough the FDA is reporting a link between diet and taurine deficiency, researchers are continuing to try and find the exact cause. Only those that list potatoes or multiple legumes such as peas, lentils, other ‘pulses’ (seeds of legumes), and their protein, starch, and fiber derivatives early in the ingredient list. It’s important to note that NOT ALL grain-free diets are the concern. Richard Patton, PhD – Animal Nutrition offers, “Taurine abounds in raw fresh meat, muscle tissue, and organ meat”. Unlike cats, dogs and humans can make taurine in their bodies if they have a good diet.ĭr. Veterinarians and canine nutritionists have never worried too much about taurine in the past. Some of these dogs had low whole blood levels of the amino acid taurine and taurine deficiency is known to potentially lead to DCM. So, here’s what the FDA warning from the above article stated, “We are concerned about reports of canine heart disease, known as Dilated Cardiomyopathy, in dogs that ate certain pet foods containing as their MAIN INGREDIENTS,” said the FDA’s Dr. “FDA Investigating Potential Connection Between Diet and Cases of Canine Heart Disease” Over the past several months, since the FDA posted a preliminary warning regarding a link between Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and “grain-free” diets – we have received a number of emails from K-9 Kraving feeders/grain-free feeders looking to better understand the warning and risks.
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