![]() ![]() Lectins are naturally occurring plant proteins found in legumes that can block the uptake of methionine and cysteine in dogs. However, there’s one more factor in amino acid imbalance when it comes to grain-free dog food: lectins. Reduced access to methionine and cysteine may result in taurine deficiency, a major contributing factor to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) - keep reading for more on DCM.Ĭon: Some grain-free pet food companies have started adding taurine to their diets to cover any deficiencies that might occur with legumes. You may have noticed in the table above that methionine and cysteine levels in legumes are significantly lower than in meat. It still meets the protein standards but may be lacking in the correct amino acid ratios.Ĭon: If a grain-free diet is lacking in amino acids methionine and cysteine it may leave a dog unable to produce enough taurine to maintain a healthy heart. Grain free pet foods have been recorded as having the highest glyphosate levels of any pet food on the market.Ĭon: Since legumes and meat both contain protein, pet food companies may use legume protein and reduce the meat protein content. ![]() ![]() If you’re dealing with an itchy dog with yeast problems, you may be chasing your own tail.Ĭon: Unless legumes are certified organic, they are heavily sprayed with the herbicide glyphosate (AKA RoundUp) which has over 200 peer-reviewed studies listing multiple serious health risks including cancer. NOTE: This article is not meant to replace the advice of your vet or pet professional.Con: If you’re using a grain-free diet to try and reduce starch by cutting out the grains, we have some bad news: highly processed legumes can contain just as much or more starch as highly processed grains. Organ meats are also a good source of taurine. Dark poultry meat is higher in taurine than light meat. Raw (frozen) and freeze-dried sources are readily available forms of meats. Dogs Naturally Magazine reports that the average fish contains 36 mg of taurine per ounce (if fed raw). Raw whole fish is a great treat to feed your pet! Alternatively, you could feed a freeze-dried fish snack as many types of fish are available in treat form such as fish skin rolls, freeze dried fish treats (whole or parts), dehydrated whole fish, fish flakes, etc. Some of these ingredients can be difficult to find in products, however there are various freeze- dried and dehydrated treats as well as canned foods containing shellfish. ShellfishĬlams, scallops, krill, shrimp, oysters, squid Amounts are approximate due to natural variations in food. Taurine amounts listed in mg per 100g below are extracted from this study: (unless otherwise noted). Ingredients used in a canned or cooked product will have more taurine loss than a freeze dried or raw product. If you are looking for an extra source of taurine to add to your pet’s diet, here is a list of products that you can add as food toppers or treats. Taurine naturally occurs in meat and many companies add extra taurine to their canned or kibbled foods as up to 50% can be lost during the cooking process. For dogs, taurine is needed for eyes, reproduction, bile acid (for fat digestion) and for healthy heart. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs and cats is associated with inadequate taurine levels. For cats, taurine is necessary for brain, nerves, eyes, heart, digestion, immune function and fetal development. Dogs however, can synthesize taurine from two other amino acids, methionine and cysteine (which are found in meat). ![]() For cats, it is an essential amino acid because their bodies cannot synthesize it, so it must be acquired from the diet. Taurine is an amino acid that both dogs and cats require for health. ![]()
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