Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers fed commercial diets
A possible link between Grain Free dog foods, also known as 'Boutique and Exotic' or the acronym BEG and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is currently under investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This was first shown 30 years ago, it’s no proven that cats and dogs fed diets low in taurine have a high prevalence of DCM. Studies now show that supplementation with taurine and L-carnitine results in improvement or even reversing clinical signs in DCM.
About this NEW study..
In a recent study from the University of California, Davis, golden retrievers were evaluated for taurine deficiencies and treated with taurine and L-carnitine supplements in addition to a prescribed diet change to investigate a potential role of supplementation in improving and managing DCM.
Source: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0209112
Abstract
Introduction
Golden retrievers are over-represented in cases of taurine-deficient dilated cardiomyopathy and recently a surge in cases has prompted further investigation.
Objective
To describe the clinical, dietary, and echocardiographic features in golden retrievers diagnosed with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy, and to determine specific dietary associations. A second aim was to determine the whole blood taurine concentrations in a representative sample of healthy golden retrievers.
Animals
Twenty-four client-owned golden retrievers with documented taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy and 52 healthy client-owned golden retrievers.
Methods
In this multicenter prospective observational study, baseline and follow-up echocardiographic data, complete diet and medical histories, and whole blood, plasma, or serum taurine concentrations were obtained. Baseline and follow-up echocardiographic data were compared. Associations were evaluated between specific diets and taurine deficiency or congestive heart failure. The prevalence of low whole blood taurine concentrations in the healthy golden retrievers was calculated.
Results
Twenty-three of 24 dogs diagnosed with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy were fed diets that were either grain-free, legume-rich, or a combination of these factors. None of these diets were feeding trial tested using Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) procedures. Twenty-three of 24 dogs had significant improvement in their echocardiographic parameters and normalization of taurine concentrations following diet change and taurine supplementation. Nine of 11 dogs diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) had resolution of their congestion at follow-up with five no longer requiring diuretic therapy and four tolerating diuretic dose reduction by >50%.
Conclusions
Certain diets and diet characteristics were associated with the development of taurine deficiency. Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers is likely multifactorial, including a combination of dietary, metabolic, and genetic factors.
What this means for you
We don't know exact taurine amounts in many dog foods, and some dogs clearly require additional taurine, the prevalence of nutrition-associated DCM may be much higher than previously estimated.
IF you are feeding one of the 'Grain Free, Legume' based diets
- If you have a breed at risk of DCM, and you are feeding a 'grain free' diet, then consider taurine supplementation.
- Ask your vet to check your dog's taurine levels.
Breeds at higher risk:
- Afghan Hound
- American Cocker Spaniel
- Boxer
- Dalmatian
- Doberman Pinscher
- English Bulldog
- English Cocker Spaniel
- Great Dane
- Irish Wolfhound
- Newfoundland
- Saint Bernard
- Scottish Deerhound
Taurine supplement amounts:
Currently recommended dose of taurine for dogs:
500 mg of taurine PO TID for dogs weighing ~ 25-30 pounds
1000 mg of taurine PO TID for dogs weighing ~50-60 pounds.
Taurine is very cheap and no side effects are known at this time. In takes approximately 3 - 4 months for echocardiographic improved to occur with taurine supplementation in dogs with DCM.
