12/9/2023 0 Comments Taurine deficiency in cats causesPrimary DCM in predisposed breeds that is unrelated to diet.While this form of the disease was first identified in dogs of breeds not predisposed to DCM that are eating BEG diets, it appears to also occur in dogs of typical DCM breeds that are eating a BEG diet. Diet-associated DCM with normal taurine levels.I am listing them in the approximate frequency that we are currently seeing them in our hospital: However, because home-cooked diets are not tested for safety and nutritional adequacy like good quality commercial diets, deficiencies could still develop.Ĭurrently, it appears that there may be three separate groups of dogs with DCM (although this may change as we learn more). If your dog requires a home-prepared diet for a medical condition or you feel strongly about feeding one, I strongly recommend you consult with a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist ® ( ). So, forego the raw or home-cooked diets and stick with a commercial pet food made by a well-established manufacturer that contains common ingredients, including grains. And raw and home-cooked diets increase your dog’s risk for many other health problems. However, we have diagnosed DCM in dogs eating these diets too. Out of concern, some owners are switching from BEG diets to a raw or home-cooked diet. Raw diets and homemade diets are not safe alternatives.And given the lack of quality control for dietary supplements, you can introduce new risks to your dog if you give a supplement without evidence that she needs it. Giving taurine is unlikely to prevent DCM unless your dog has taurine deficiency. This suggests that there’s something else playing a role in most cases – either a deficiency of a different nutrient or even a toxicity that may be associated with BEG diets. Yet some of these dogs with DCM and normal taurine levels improve when their diets are changed. In our hospital, we currently measure taurine in all dogs with DCM, but more than 90% of our patients with DCM in which taurine has been measured have normal levels (and the majority are eating BEG diets). Some owners continue to feed a BEG diet but supplement taurine thinking that this will reduce their risk for heart disease.
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