Taurine For Cats. Taurine is one of the most important essential amino acids for the proper functioning of a cat's heart muscle, vision, digestive and reproductive system. Because of this, the association of american feed control officials (aafco) requires that any dry or wet food product labeled as meeting minimum nutrient requirements of the aafco should have a minimum of 0.1% taurine in dry.
Most growing cats require a maintenance level of 400 mg of taurine per kilogram of body weight daily, while mature animals require 500 mg per kilogram. Cats, however, cannot synthesize taurine from other food ingredients and must get it from their diet. Taurine is a type of amino acid, which are the building blocks of all proteins.
The recommended amount is 1/2 teaspoon daily which is equivalent to 500mg of this amino sulfonic acid.
The typical taurine deficient cat is fed dog food, with most of the protein derived from plant or cereal sources. Amino acids are fuels the body needs to function properly and are typically derived from protein that cats and other animals digest and break down. Because of this, the association of american feed control officials (aafco) requires that any dry or wet food product labeled as meeting minimum nutrient requirements of the aafco should have a minimum of 0.1% taurine in dry. Taurine is an essential amino acid that cats literally need to stay alive.