| Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently | | | | just wrote and say something to the effect of "why |
| become the topic of conversation when referring to | | | | are you telling me this? I'm sure if this Taurine is so |
| the nutritional composition that makes up the human | | | | important, my dog food manufacturer will add it to |
| and animal physical structure. Once thought of as an | | | | my dog's food." Well I'm sorry to have to tell you |
| unimportant A.A. recent studies prove that this amino | | | | this, but in actual fact, most dog food manufacturers |
| acid has metabolic properties that are very beneficial | | | | are out to make a buck, not to make sure that your |
| to various components of the mammal skeletal | | | | dog is getting the best optimal diet. That is why |
| system. (heart, kidneys, blood) | | | | doing research and knowing as much as you can |
| Taurine - "A colorless crystalline substance, | | | | about what you are feeding your dog is so important. |
| C2H7NO3S, formed by the hydrolysis of taurocholic | | | | Dogs will usually eat anything that you give them, |
| acid and found in the fluids of the muscles and lungs | | | | that is why in my case, I will always ensure that I |
| of many animals." (dictionary.com) | | | | familiarize myself with every component that makes |
| Taurine's main purpose is to act as a catalyst | | | | up my dog's food, to ensure that he is getting a |
| facilitating the flow of vital elements to and from | | | | stable diet enriched with all the required components |
| cells. Elements such as Sodium, (Na) Potassium, (k) | | | | to allow him to function at the top of his game. |
| and Calcium (ca) depend on Taurine in order for them | | | | Whether you realize it or not, research takes time |
| to move from one cell to another. | | | | and money. In some cases to compete with |
| Taurine has been a present element in cat food due | | | | competition, dog food manufacturers taking the time |
| to its vital properties and just recently pet food | | | | and using the resources that are necessary to |
| manufacturers have been implementing Taurine into | | | | properly study a potential additive, is just not an |
| dog foods also realizing that this A.A. can be very | | | | option. In today's world where manufacturers are |
| beneficial to dogs as well as cats. Taurine is most | | | | vying for your attention time is of the essence and |
| abundantly found in the retina and cases of blindness | | | | this can sometimes be a hindrance when it comes to |
| have been linked to Taurine deficiency in kittens, | | | | properly researching and analyzing potential additions |
| however in most cases, the same studies showed a | | | | to the given product. Sometime when its cold and |
| reversal of the blindness when Taurine supplements | | | | rainy and you cant face the outside world, you might |
| were administered. Taurine is also very beneficial for | | | | find it beneficial to "google" a known shady dog food |
| the heart, and cases of dilated cardiomyopathy | | | | manufacturer and compare their dog food with what |
| (A disease or disorder of the heart muscle, especially | | | | you feed your dog. Then "google" a known high |
| of unknown or obscure cause.) have been linked to | | | | quality manufacturer and do the same comparison. I |
| low Taurine levels in kittens. | | | | am certain that you will find this simple exercise quite |
| I know the average dog owner may look at what I | | | | fascinating, I did. |