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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.
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.
Kittens that eat a diet deficient in taurine can develop several serious health conditions.
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.
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.
Case L, et al. Canine and Feline Nutrition. 3rd ed. Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby Elsevier, 2011.
Ethoxyquin is a synthetic antioxidant (artificially manufactured from other elements) that is approved for various uses. It is approved and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for use as a preservative in animal feeds. Pet food manufacturers have been using ethoxyquin to prevent rancidity and maintain the nutritional quality of their products for more than 35 years.
Ethoxyquin remains stable at the high temperatures required to process pet foods during extrusion. It is important in protecting fats and oils from degrading, losing available calories, and becoming rancid.
Despite the fact that all studies conducted to date prove that ethoxyquin is safe for use in all animal foods when used at approved levels, rumors continue to circulate to the contrary.
Individuals who seek to discredit the use of ethoxyquin will often cite certain studies that showed toxic effects in animals fed ethoxyquin. What these individuals fail to point out is that the animals in these studies were given excessive amounts of ethoxyquin—20 to more than 50 times the maximum limit—before negative effects were exhibited.
