adp_description_block182
The Importance of Taurine in Kitten Foods

Taurine is an important component found in all IAMS™ kitten foods. This essential amino acid is critical for normal heart muscle function, vision and reproduction in kittens. It is also needed to form the bile salts that aid in digestion. Unlike other amino acids, taurine is found as a free amino acid in body tissues, such as the heart and eyes, and is not incorporated into proteins.

Most mammals manufacture taurine from other amino acids. However, kittens cannot manufacture a sufficient amount and therefore must acquire enough additional taurine through diet to meet their needs. In pet food, taurine is naturally found in animal-based protein ingredients and also can be added separately.

Why Does IAMS Add Taurine to Kitten Diets?

IAMS kitten foods are formulated with high-quality animal-based proteins as their primary ingredient. In addition, they are supplemented with extra taurine.

IAMS dry kitten foods, such as IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Mother and Kitten includes taurine as an ingredient to supplement the primary source of this amino acid, which is animal-based protein from sources such as chicken, egg, lamb and fish. However, these sources can vary in their taurine content, and adding more taurine is a sound approach to ensure optimal taurine levels.

Effects of Taurine Deficiency

Kittens that eat a diet deficient in taurine can develop several serious health conditions.

Blindness

Taurine is essential to the proper development and function of cells in the retina of the eye. If insufficient taurine is present, the retinal cells don’t function properly and may die, eventually causing impaired vision and even blindness. This process is referred to as feline central retinal degeneration.

Heart Disease

Taurine is also necessary for normal function of the heart muscle cells. Taurine deficiency leads to a weakening of the heart muscle, which, in turn, can lead to heart failure. This condition is known as dilated cardiomyopathy and can be fatal.

To help protect your kitten’s health, both now and when she is fully grown, make sure to feed a diet with sufficient taurine. Learn more about the nutritional needs of kittens.

Reference

Case L, et al. Canine and Feline Nutrition. 3rd ed. Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby Elsevier, 2011.

adp_related_article_block63 129 YOUR --spice-- MAY ALSO LIKE …

adp_related_article_block63
Caring for a New Kitten: The First 6 Months

adp_related_article_block63
Kitten Basics: How to Keep Your Kitten in Good Health

adp_related_article_block63
The Cat Personality Awards: The Unique Temperaments of Popular Cat Breeds

adp_description_block103
5 Shocking* Secrets about Single-serving Cat Food

Share
*Actually very obvious things no one thinks about

Okay, we admit it: We’re kind of obsessed with cat food. And while we’ve done tons of research to create the world’s best single-serving menu items, all it really took was observing the obvious. Here are five basic facts about cat food you didn’t know you already knew.

1. Cats don't like leftovers any more than people do

We presented a neighbor’s 12-year-old tabby with both a Perfect Portions™ fresh salmon meal and yesterday’s salmon leftovers from a can. Guess what happened? She sniffed us out and chose fresh. Is it because her sense of smell is more powerful than a human’s? Or was it completely obvious that the leftovers had mixed with the scent of the blue cheese and pea soup sitting next to the can in the fridge?

2. A picky eater might be your fault

How would you like to have tuna salad for lunch? And then for dinner? And then for breakfast? Don’t assume your cat doesn’t mind just because her taste buds are different — feeling superior is a cat’s job. Your job is to give them variety, which is hard when you have leftovers coming out of your ears. Try a multipack of Perfect Portions™ for the ultimate in no-leftovers variety.

Why your cat judges you

3. Leftovers smell bad

A focus group of four people at a recent dinner party revealed that opened cat food smells less than good. It’s especially embarrassing if you're the host and the smell keeps wafting over your mashed potatoes.

What cat food smells like when it's left over in your fridge

4. Cans. Very messy.

Canned food has been around for more than 100 years, so it seemed high time for a design update. When we reimagined canned cat food, we decided to get rid of the can altogether in favor of Perfect Portions™, with no-mess, no hassle containers. The results have been, uh, uncanny. Everyone agrees we should can the can. For good.

5. Cats like to (over)eat, just like us.

With food this good, lunchtime for cats can be just as tempting as Thanksgiving dinner for humans. Cats can have problems maintaining a healthy diet — and sticking to healthy portions — just like we do. It’s why we’ve taken the guesswork out of meals with Perfect Portions™. Each pack contains just enough (and not too much) every time. So don’t be fooled by cat food cans with 1½ servings. Unless you plan on training your cat to use the treadmill.

Cats after mealtime on regular canned food

adp_related_article_block330 4 YOUR --spice-- MAY ALSO LIKE …

adp_related_article_block330
The Many Perks of Being a Cat Person

Read More

adp_related_article_block330
Why Your Cat Needs Fiber in Their Diet

Read More

adp_related_article_block330
Is Your Cat a Picky Eater? Try These Cat Feeding Tips!

Read More