Low Sodium Dog Foods With Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid that many dogs are able to synthesize and, therefore, do not need added to their diet. However, some dog breeds, such as newfoundlands and cocker spaniels, may not be able to make taurine on their own and need supplements or food that contains the amino acid. Although added taurine is controversial, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration labels it a food, based on its nutritional contribution to heart health in dogs and cats, and regulates its addition to pet food. It is important to find out from a veterinarian whether your dog needs additional taurine. If the answer is yes, and your veterinarian recommends a low sodium food with taurine for your dog, there are some commercial and homemade options.

  1. Natura

    • Choose dog foods that contain few fillers and higher levels of meat and poultry that are naturally higher in taurine. Because taurine occurs naturally in fresh meat, canned dog food usually contains more taurine. Natura Pet Foods makes EVO Turkey and Chicken Formula, which contains taurine but is low in sodium. Natura foods are specialty foods available in small pet stores. It is not a prescription food.

    Hill's

    • Choose prescription-grade dog food that meets your pet's needs. Hill's Prescription Diet k/d and u/d are good low-sodium choices with added taurine that are available both canned and dry. Note that the taurine is added as both products are low in protein. Remember to check for possible allergens, because both contain higher levels of non-meat or poultry ingredients.

    Flint River Ranch

    • Select premium dog foods for quality ingredients that are more affordable than prescription foods. Flint River Ranch DryWater Ultra Fresh Dog Food and Duck and Oatmeal Dog Formula both contain poultry as their primary protein source, so although they do not contain added taurine, they naturally contain taurine from protein. Both are also low in sodium, making them a good and affordable choice.

    Homemade Dog Food

    • Make your own dog food if you want to know exactly what your pet is eating. Some dog owners find this option more satisfying, but before you decide to make it yourself, know your dog's nutritional needs. When you buy food that is complete, you know that it is formulated for your dog's health. But when you make dog food yourself, you can't guarantee it is nutritionally complete unless you know exactly what he needs. A good formula is 40 percent meat, 50 percent vegetables and 10 percent carbohydrate, according to Vetinfo.com. Control sodium and taurine levels so your homemade dog food is nutritionally correct for your pet.