Taurine Deficiency

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Saw this in Doodle Family on FB and wanted the experts opinion.

Grain-Free Feeders - PLEASE READ:

We all know how difficult it is to make decisions regarding diet for our pets. I am sharing this information not to add additional worry or concern but to educate. I came across this yesterday when it was shared by a vet dermatologist in another group. I have been trying to get additional information since then and joined the Facebook page linked to the taurine deficiency research being conducted by Dr. Joshua Stern (vet cardiologist) at UC Davis. Here is what I know so far:

* DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) is a serious medical condition that impacts the muscles of the heart and reduces its ability to pump blood.
* Symptoms include lethargy, weakness, weight loss, collapse, coughing, increased respiratory rate, abdominal distention, irregular heart rhythm.
* Some breeds seem to have a genetic predisposition including Cocker Spaniels and large breed dogs particularly Golden Retrievers, Labradors, St. Bernards and Newfoundlands.
* Current research (not yet published) has identified a link between grain-free dogs foods that include peas and legumes and taurine deficiency that can lead to DCM. On the Taurine Deficiency page, the most commonly reported foods from owners of dogs with DCM are: Nutrisource, Acana (particularly pork and butternut squash), 4Health, Zignature, Taste of the Wild, Earthborn Holistic.
* It is believed that the peas/legumes may inhibit some dogs ability to produce or absorb taurine.
* The current recommendation is that if a food heavy in peas and legumes is being fed, consider a whole blood taurine test before any dietary changes are made. If the blood results indicate taurine is low, echocardiography is recommended.

I know that many of us use these foods and some of us have limited options in what to feed our dogs. I just wanted to bring this information forward and encourage you to discuss with your vet/IMS to decide whether this could be a concern for your pup.

https://www.facebook.com/julie.carter.37266/posts/10215672525987711

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think what makes green beans different is that they are harvested when Immature and the primary component eaten is the pod. The immature beans are small compared to full grown beans like peas and peanuts. That is also likely why they have far less protein. So in a edible sense they are more like other vegebales, say zucchini, eaten primarily for the “container”rather than the seed. All legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, one of the reasons farmers like to grow them.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, F. This makes total sense.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Both of your explanations (Karen and F) make total sense. Thank you!

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

I lady posted this on Facebook (I know, <eye roll> Lol), but I believe it to be true. Possible a little bit of reassurance for those of us that feed Wellness?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Well, it may have been posted on FB, but it's from Wellness, and it is reassuring. 

I'm glad they mentioned the fact that similar research years ago attributed this condition to lamb and rice diets. I truly believe that when the smoke clears, this whole thing about legumes, etc. will be shown to be equally meaningless. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is an excellent article about this topic and one that I think everyone who has concerns should read.
https://thesciencedog.wordpress.com/2018/08/30/the-heart-of-the-mat...