Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid found naturally in meat, fish, and dairy products. Unlike most amino acids it is not incorporated into proteins but functions as a free amino acid in tissues, especially the heart, retina, and brain. It is essential for cats, who cannot synthesize sufficient taurine from other amino acids and must obtain it from diet.
Taurine deficiency in cats causes dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and central retinal degeneration, leading to heart failure and blindness. AAFCO requires taurine in all complete cat foods. Dogs can synthesize taurine from methionine and cysteine but some breeds and grain-free diets have been associated with taurine-responsive DCM, prompting the FDA to investigate a potential link.
Commercial pet foods meeting AAFCO standards for cats include adequate taurine. Dogs on grain-free or legume-heavy diets may benefit from taurine supplementation under veterinary guidance.
