Taurine, chemically known as 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, accounts for up to 0.1% of the total body weight in humans. It is a significant component of bile and is found in various tissues, including the large intestine. A vital component for feline health, taurine is an amino sulfonic acid widely distributed in animal tissues
Unlike humans and some other animals, cats cannot synthesize taurine on their own, making it essential to provide it through their diet. This amino acid plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, and its deficiency can lead to severe health issues in cats.
But where does taurine deficiency in cats come from? What does taurine do for cats? How much taurine do cats need? In this blog, we’ll review all the burning questions revolving around taurine for cats.
Is taurine good for cats or is taurine bad for cats?
Yes, taurine is great for cats, but despite its presence in many animal tissues, cats cannot produce taurine internally, making it a crucial dietary requirement. That’s why pet owners need to ensure their cats are getting an adequate amount in their diets.
Symptoms of taurine deficiency in cats
Without sufficient taurine intake, cats may experience a range of health problems:
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Taurine deficiency can lead to the enlargement of the heart, affecting its ability to pump blood effectively and Crossroads Animal Hospital says this condition can result in congestive heart failure.
Blindness
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, taurine deficiency in cats can cause the retinal cells of the eyes to eventually degenerate, ultimately impairing vision. This condition is referred to as feline taurine retinopathy (or feline central retinal degeneration). If left untreated, retinal degeneration will lead to permanent blindness. One of the taurine benefits for cats is that it will help maintain good eyesight!
Tooth decay
Taurine plays a role in maintaining dental health, and its deficiency can increase the likelihood of tooth decay and oral issues.
Reproductive issues
Cats with insufficient taurine may face reproductive difficulties, including infertility. VCA Animal Hospitals also says that one of the taurine benefits for cats is helping the maintenance of normal pregnancy and fetal development.
Developmental concerns
Kittens born to mothers with taurine deficiencies may experience growth problems and be more susceptible to bone fractures.
Gastrointestinal problems
Taurine aids in the production of bile salts necessary for fat digestion. A lack of taurine can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea. You can try giving a taurine supplement for cats to help these symptoms!
Hair loss
Taurine deficiency may affect the quality of a cat’s coat, leading to hair loss or poor coat condition.
Immune system disorders
Cats lacking taurine may have compromised immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infections and illnesses.
Diabetes
Taurine helps regulate blood sugar levels, and its deficiency may contribute to the development of diabetes in cats.
Lethargy
Cats with taurine deficiency may appear lethargic and lack energy.
Where does taurine come from for cats?
Taurine for cats can be found in several foods that your cat might love. According to WebMD, the following are some of the most common taurine sources for cats.
Scallops
These shellfish stand out as one of the most rich taurine sources for cats available. Whether enjoyed cooked or raw, a 100-gram serving of scallops can deliver an impressive 827 milligrams of taurine. Additionally, clams boast around 520 milligrams, while mussels offer up to 655 milligrams per equivalent portion, making them excellent choices for taurine for cats supplementation.
Tuna
Whether it’s sourced fresh or from a can, tuna is a fantastic taurine for cats source. Opting for darker meat varieties is advisable, as they tend to be richer in amino acids compared to their white meat counterparts. For instance, yellowfin tuna can pack up to 964 milligrams of taurine per 100 grams, with other marine fish also offering high taurine levels. Cod provides about 120 milligrams per serving, while salmon offers 94 milligrams per serving.
Freshwater fish
Fish like tilapia boast significant taurine for cats content. Dark muscle tilapia filets, weighing 150 grams, can contain approximately 972 milligrams of taurine, while white meat offers less than 120 milligrams. Similarly, carp’s dark meat packs around 868 milligrams, and catfish offers nearly 700 milligrams per equivalent serving.
Octopus and squid
Both of these tentacled creatures are great options that are healthy and rich in taurine for cats. A 3-ounce portion of octopus contains approximately 335 milligrams, while squid offers potent levels as well, with around 219 milligrams per serving.
Turkey
Notable for its high taurine for cats content among animal meats, turkey provides up to 306 milligrams per 100 grams. However, it’s essential to choose dark turkey meat for optimal taurine benefits, as light meat offers a mere 30 milligrams per equivalent portion.
Chicken
Similar to turkey, chicken offers around 170 milligrams of taurine for cats per 100 grams, with dark meat such as chicken thighs being preferable over lighter options like chicken breast, which provides only 18 milligrams per equivalent portion.
Beef
Beef offers a modest yet noteworthy taurine for cats contribution. Consuming two to three servings of beef per week can add about 40 milligrams of taurine to one’s diet, alongside a wealth of other nutrients and amino acids. Despite concerns regarding excessive red meat intake and its association with chronic diseases, moderate consumption of beef can be safely incorporated into a balanced diet.
Taurine and raw cat food
Ensuring your cat’s diet includes adequate taurine is essential for maintaining their overall health and well-being. Taurine is naturally present in various animal-based foods, making it relatively easy to incorporate into their diet. As one of Canada’s top raw pet food suppliers, we recommend trying a Bold by Nature raw diet, which prioritizes the inclusion of taurine-rich ingredients such as fresh meat, bone, and organ meats.
It isn’t just the taurine content that makes a Bold by Nature raw food diet so great. The other benefits of a raw food diet for cats include:
High-quality ingredients
Bold by Nature cat raw food diets are formulated with premium-quality ingredients, including fresh meat sourced from trusted suppliers. This ensures that your cat receives the essential nutrients they need, including taurine, for optimal health. They’re especially great for cats with cats with hyperthyroidism and kidney disease.
Natural taurine content
By using fresh meat and organ meats in their formulas, Bold by Nature naturally incorporates taurine into their products. This helps to maintain the taurine levels necessary for your cat’s overall well-being.
No fillers or artificial additives
Bold by Nature raw diets are free from fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives commonly found in commercial cat foods. This ensures that your cat’s diet is clean and wholesome, reducing the risk of potential health issues associated with low-quality ingredients.
Supports digestive health
The natural, biologically appropriate ingredients in Bold by Nature raw diets support digestive health, ensuring that your cat can efficiently absorb essential nutrients like taurine from their food. Due to its clean ingredients, a raw food diet is also great cat weight management food.
Promotes healthy coat and skin
A diet rich in taurine helps promote a healthy coat and skin in cats. Bold by Nature raw diets provide the necessary nutrients to support your cat’s skin and coat health, resulting in a shiny, lustrous coat.
How to add taurine to a pet’s diet
If you’re looking to add an extra boost to your pet’s meal, try Bold by Nature+ Taurine with Diatomaceous Earth supplement, which is a taurine powder for cats. It may help to support the function of the cardiovascular, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems.
This taurine supplement for cats comes with a handy scooper that will help you dish out the perfect dose hassle-free, every time. Follow the guide below for the right measurements!
5 pounds or less = 1/2 scoop
5 to 10 pounds = 1 scoop
10 to 20 pounds = 2 scoops
Where can I buy Bold by Nature products?
Decided you want to get your cat on a diet with more taurine? You can buy raw food diet for dogs online or at a local retailer that carries Bold by Nature products.
If you have any other questions, like what the benefits of fish oil for cats are or what to know about worms in cats, feel free to contact us and we’ll see how we can help!
Now you know some of the taurine for cats benefits!
Taurine is a vital nutrient for cats, playing a crucial role in various physiological functions. As cats cannot synthesize taurine internally, it’s essential to ensure they receive an adequate amount through their diet to prevent deficiencies and associated health problems. By incorporating taurine-rich foods into your cat’s meals and considering options like Bold by Nature raw diets, you can support their overall health and well-being for a happy and thriving feline companion.
