Taurine in Dog Food: The Amino Acid the FDA Investigation Made Famous
Why taurine matters despite not being 'essential'
For cats, taurine is essential, they can't synthesize it and must get it from food. For dogs, taurine is technically non-essential because they can make it from other amino acids. But the synthesis pathway requires adequate methionine and cysteine, and some breeds and some diets can produce taurine deficiency despite this synthetic capability.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs has been associated with low taurine levels in some cases. The 2018 FDA grain-free DCM investigation raised questions about whether certain dietary patterns, pulse-heavy grain-free recipes in particular, interfere with taurine synthesis or absorption enough to contribute to DCM risk. The investigation has not reached a definitive conclusion but taurine supplementation has become a common response, particularly for at-risk breeds.
Frequently asked
Do dogs need taurine supplementation?
Most healthy dogs synthesize adequate taurine from other amino acids in their diet. Some breeds (Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, American Cocker Spaniels) have higher risk of taurine-related DCM and benefit from supplementation. Dogs on grain-free diets also often get taurine added as a precaution.
Is my dog at risk of DCM from a grain-free diet?
The risk is unresolved but real enough to take seriously. Dogs on grain-free diets heavy in pulses (peas, lentils, chickpeas), particularly from boutique brands without feeding trial validation, are at elevated risk. The conservative move is to avoid this pattern unless you have a specific reason for grain-free feeding.
Can my dog be tested for taurine deficiency?
Yes, through a blood test your vet can order. This is worth doing for dogs of high-risk breeds eating grain-free diets, and for any dog showing early signs of heart disease (exercise intolerance, coughing, lethargy).
How much taurine should be in my dog's food?
There's no AAFCO minimum because dogs aren't considered taurine-essential. For at-risk breeds or grain-free recipes, vets typically look for 100 to 500 mg of added taurine per kilogram of dry food. The grain-free DCM guide has more detail.