Does ACANA dog food have taurine added

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated January 25, 2025

Contributions sourced from

Does Acana Food Have Taurine

Of the 27% protein in the ACANA Singles foods, more than 85% comes directly from the meat and organ inclusions, which are rich in taurine.

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The fact of the matter is that many good quality pet foods today are indeed grain free and IF there was an increase in reporting of DCM which it seems there was then it is logical that the names of popular pet foods like ACANA would come up more often. Its certainly one of the most popular choices in our brick and mortar store.

Here is a link to the FDA press release on June 27th regarding the DCM issue

There is an account of cardio myopathy in this case Hills Science Diet (which includes grains) on the FDA website

I would also suggest that the dog owners that spend money on a premium food are likely the same group of dog owners that spend money at the vets for their pet. It is not a broad spectrum study that looks at the dog population as a whole. Hopefully that will come in time. As pet owners we will have to wait.

However, it isnt our opinion that a small proportion of legumes in pet foods will lead to this condition at a premature age. Rather more that dogs are living longer lives, and that they are able to live longer lives because of better foods like Acana, and supplements like Recovery Glucosamine, to extend the life of their joint health.

FAQ

Does Acana add taurine?

Acana, manufactured by Champion Petfoods, is one of the brands that added taurine.

What food has the highest level of taurine?

1. Fish. Fish are one of the best taurine sources for dogs because they tend to be higher in taurine than other meats and they are lean meats that are packed with nutrients and omega fatty acids. Salmon, tuna, sardines, rainbow trout, sea bream, and other cold-water are the best fish picks for taurine sources.

Does Orijen contain taurine?

Taurine level in foods

The highest amounts of taurine can be found in shellfish, especially scallops, mussels, and clams. High amounts of taurine can also be found in the dark meat of turkey and chicken, and turkey bologna.

How Much Taurine Should be in Dog Food?

Taurine in dog food has become a hot-topic in the pet industry over the last few years. Though taurine requirements are well established in cats, its a little more complicated for dogs. Read on to find out everything you need to know about how much taurine should be in dog food, including which breeds may be at increased risk of developing taurine deficiency

Taurine in Dog Food What is It?

Proteins are found inside every cell of the body and play a huge role in its structure and function. Amino acids, like taurine, are the building blocks of proteins. Essential amino acids cant be made by the body and need to come from the diet. Non-essential amino acids can be made by the body.

In dogs, taurine is considered one of the non-essential amino acids, so, according to the nutritional standards set out by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), there is no established requirement for the amount of taurine in dog food.

There are, however, minimum levels of the essential amino acids methionine and cystine that must be present in all complete and balanced dog foods. Dogs require both of these amino acids to be able to produce taurine.

Though this seems to be adequate for most dogs, there is still debate and ongoing research as to the importance of taurine in dog food. Studies have suggested that certain large-breed dogs may have more difficulty producing or metabolizing taurine, but there isnt enough evidence to make clear recommendations at present.

Why is taurine important for dogs?

Taurine is found in high levels within the heart, the retina of the eye, and the brain. If taurine levels are too low (taurine deficiency), these organs and body systems can develop disease.

Taurine-related Heart Disease

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart condition where the muscle walls become too thin and the chambers of the heart become too large. If these changes cant be reversed, DCM will sadly lead to heart failure and death as the heart has to work harder and harder to pump blood around the body. Taurine is an essential amino acid in cats and deficiency in their diet causes DCM.

But what about dogs? In 2018, a series of cases of DCM in dogs was linked to boutique grain-free diets, many of which contained exotic ingredients (such as venison, kangaroo, or buffalo) and legumes (such as lentils or peas).

Many of these dogs improved when their diet was changed, which suggests a possible nutritional cause. Given the association in cats, a taurine deficiency was suspected, however, most of the dogs tested had normal taurine levels.

This doesnt necessarily rule out problems with taurine metabolism or other interactions within the body but unfortunately, there are still no conclusions as to why these dogs developed DCM. An FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) investigation is still ongoing.

Taurine-related Eye Disease

Taurine deficiency in cats is also associated with an eye condition known as Feline Central Retinal Degeneration (FCRD). This disease causes the cone cells of the retina to deteriorate, leading to vision loss and blindness if left untreated.

Though this disease is considered specific to cats, there have been reports of dogs diagnosed with taurine deficiency that have also developed retinal degeneration.

What causes a deficiency in taurine?

Most dogs can make enough taurine to stay happy and healthy when fed a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO nutritional standards. Dog foods that meet these criteria must contain adequate levels of methionine and cystine (the precursors that the body uses to make taurine).

Diets low in taurine

Home-cooked diets or any diet that doesnt meet these standards put your dog at risk of developing nutritional deficiencies, including taurine deficiency. If you choose to prepare your own pet food, its important to use a recipe created especially for your dog by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to avoid these issues.

As previously mentioned, boutique grain-free diets with exotic ingredients have also been associated with cases of DCM in dogs but the underlying reason for this is still unknown. Its not clear that taurine was the cause of these problems.

Breeds prone to taurine deficiency

Heres where it gets even more complicated. Certain large-breed dogs seem to be more likely to develop taurine deficiency or diseases associated with it (DCM), even if their diet contains appropriate levels of methionine and cystine. Breeds associated with taurine deficiency or DCM include:

Reasons as to why these breeds are more likely to develop taurine deficiency or DCM are still unknown. Possible causes include genetic factors, metabolic differences between breeds, and increased loss of taurine through the urine, but further research is required to understand exactly why these dogs are more likely to be affected.

Is your dog at risk?

Dogs that suffer from diseases that affect amino acid absorption or metabolism such as cystinuria (formation of cystine crystals or stones in the urine), may also be at risk of developing taurine deficiency.

Any of the breeds listed above or dogs that are fed a vegetarian or vegan diet, home-cooked diet, grain-free diet, or a boutique diet containing exotic ingredients, may also be at increased risk of developing a taurine deficiency or DCM.

If youre concerned your dog may be at risk, its best to speak to a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist who will discuss the risks with you. Its important to keep in mind that taurine deficiency and DCM are relatively uncommon and, in most cases, your vet will simply recommend feeding an appropriate diet and monitoring their health closely. Diagnostic testing may be recommended if your veterinarian is concerned or there is a known family history.

How to diagnose a taurine deficiency?

The most common way to diagnose a taurine deficiency is to have your veterinarian run a blood test. A whole blood test for taurine levels is most common, however, your vet may also want to perform more comprehensive blood and urine testing too.

If a taurine deficiency is diagnosed or your veterinarian is concerned, they may also perform tests looking for heart disease or retinal degeneration. This may include chest x-rays, an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), and a thorough eye exam.

Do dogs need taurine supplements?

The best way to reduce the risk of taurine deficiency for most dogs is to make sure that 90% of their daily calorie intake comes from a complete and balanced dog food (leaving some room for treats!).

These diets will have an AAFCO adequacy statement on the label, but ask your veterinarian if youre unsure. Dog food that is formulated to meet the AAFCO standards contains the right levels of methionine and cystine, the essential amino acids your dog needs to make taurine.

The current recommendation from veterinary nutritionists is that taurine supplements should only be given to dogs diagnosed with taurine deficiency or DCM, and only as prescribed by a veterinarian.

Conclusion

For most dogs, a complete and balanced dog food will provide everything they need to produce enough taurine. However, certain large-breed dogs may be prone to developing taurine deficiency and associated diseases such as DCM for reasons we are yet to fully understand.

Speaking to your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist about topics such as taurine in dog food is the best way to alleviate your concerns and manage the risks for your dog.

Highest Protein, PacificaDry Dog Food

Composition

Raw whole herring (14%), raw whole mackerel (11%), raw flounder (9%), herring meal (7%), mackerel meal (7%), blue whiting meal (7%), whole green peas, whole red lentils, whole chickpeas, whole green lentils, fish oil (6%), raw whole hake (4.5%), raw whole rockfish (4.5%), whole pinto beans, whole yellow peas, pea starch, sunflower oil, lentil fibre, dried kelp, freeze-dried cod and liver, fresh whole pumpkin, fresh whole butternut squash, fresh whole carrots, fresh whole apples, fresh whole pears, fresh whole zucchini, dried chicory root, fresh kale, fresh spinach, fresh turnip greens, fresh beet greens, whole cranberries, whole blueberries, whole saskatoon berries, turmeric, milk thistle, burdock root, lavender, marshmallow root, rosehips.

ADDITIVES (per kg): Technological additives: Tocopherol extract from vegetable oils: 308 mg, citric acid: 40 mg. Sensory additives: Rosemary extract: 105 mg. Nutritional additives: Zinc proteinate: 150 mg, Copper proteinate: 11 mg, Vitamin B1: 75 mg, Vitamin B2: 15 mg, Vitamin B3: 150 mg, Vitamin B5: 45 mg, Vitamin B6: 26.25 mg, Vitamin B9: 5.25 mg, Vitamin B12: 0.15 mg, Vitamin E: 500 IU. Zootechnical additives: Enterococcus faecium DSM 10663/ NCIMB 10415 1x10^9 CFU.

ACANA Pacifica is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by FEDIAF for All Life Stages, including growth of all large size dogs. Store in a cool, dry place. Not fit for human consumption. | Metabolizable Energy is 3850 kcal/kg (462 kcal per 250ml/120g cup), with 36% from protein, 24% from carbohydrates, and 40% from fat.