As a pet parent, you’re willing to do just about anything to ensure that your furry friend gets a healthy, nutritious meal every day. However, as veterinarians and researchers find out more about the best diets for our dogs, many dog owners find it more difficult to know what exactly their pooch needs. Also, for some dogs, taurine deficiencies are a risk. These two factors have probably led you to search for the best dog foods with taurine.
When searching for dog foods with taurine, there are several things to keep in mind. You’ll want to look at the type of meat, the taurine content, and the inclusion of any ingredients that might block taurine absorption. Ready to find out about our top 14 picks for the best fog foods with taurine? Read on with us today!
14 Best Taurine-Rich Dog Foods
Our top 14 picks for dog foods with taurine are from well-respected and trusted brands. You’ll find dog foods containing taurine-rich ingredients, taurine supplements, and other helpful additions to keep your pooch in top form!
| Product Name | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Farmina N&D Lamb & Blueberry | Contains herring and brewer’s yeast, 1000mg taurine. Low-grain. Contains pea fiber. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| NOW FRESH Grain Free Dry Dog Food Recipe for Adult Dogs | Contains turkey, egg, and flaxseed. 0.1% minimum taurine content. Grain-free. Contains pea fiber and flour. No negative reviews. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Taste of the Wild High Prairie | Contains bison and venison. Contains taurine supplement. 0.12% minimum taurine content. Grain-free. Contains pea protein. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| American Journey Active Life Formula | Contains salmon and egg, and taurine supplements. 0.08% minimum taurine content. Not grain-free. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast | Contains salmon and taurine supplements. 0.10% minimum taurine content. Grain-free. Contains peas. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free | Contains turkey and chicken. It contains a taurine supplement and flaxseed. 0.20% minimum taurine content. Grain-free. Contains peas. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Merrick Classic Healthy Grains | Contains chicken. It contains a taurine supplement and flaxseed. Taurine content unspecified. Not grain-free. No peas. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat | Contains salmon. It contains taurine and flaxseed. 0.12% minimum taurine content. Grain-free. Contains peas and lentils. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain | Contains beef, venison, and lamb. It contains taurine and flaxseed. Taurine content unspecified. Contains peas. Grain-free. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Nature’s Logic Canine Duck & Salmon | Contains salmon and chicken meals. 0.13% minimum taurine content. Grain-free but contains millet. No peas. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
1. Farmina N&D Lamb & Blueberry Low-Grain Medium and Maxi Breed Puppy Food
Every bowl of Farmina N&D Low-Grain food is packed with high-quality protein, organic ingredients, and essential vitamins and minerals. Moreover, it is made with fresh boneless lamb, hydrolyzed fish proteins, herring, dehydrated whole eggs, and more, this delicious selection of ingredients is sure to deliver a healthy dose of taurine to your pooch’s stomach. This diet is also super tasty, containing sweet orange, apple, and turmeric extract to get your pup’s tail wagging.
Furthermore, there are very few negative reviews for this product. Those that do exist either discuss loose stools in their dog or a lack of interest from their dog. The kibble pieces are also a little larger than some other dog foods on the market. We also note that this diet contains pea fiber.
Pros
- Contains 1000mg of taurine
- Herring is rich in taurine
- The egg is rich in taurine
- Brewer’s yeast is high in taurine
Cons
- May give your dog diarrhea
- Larger kibble size
- Contains pea fiber
2. NOW FRESH Grain Free Dry Dog Food Recipe for Adult Dogs
Now Fresh Grain Free Dog Food is made with de-boned turkey, whole-dried egg, and flaxseed. These three ingredients offer plenty of taurines. You’ll also find taurine listed in the guaranteed analysis at a 0.1% minimum in this food. Moreover, this tasty kibble contains broccoli and apples for antioxidants. Probiotics aid your pooch’s digestive system, and an array of vitamins keep their overall health in top form.
Additionally, here are very few negative reviews for Now Fresh. Also, no recalls have been made, and most reviews sit at 4 or 5 stars. We note that this diet is grain-free, though, which may contribute to heart issues in dogs. However, we note the inclusion of pea fiber and pea flour in this product.
Pros
- Contains taurine supplement
- 0.1% minumum taurine content
- Made with turkey and flaxseed
- No negative reviews
Cons
- Grain-free diet
- It contains pea fiber and flour
3. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Recipe with Roasted Bison and Roasted Venison Adult Dry Dog Food
This grain-free recipe is made with real roasted meat, including bison and venison. Like most meats, bison and venison are packed with taurine. When looking at the ingredients list, you will also find “taurine” listed (0.12% min). Moreover, vitamin E and A supplements, probiotics, and juicy fruits like blueberries and tomatoes are included. All of these wholesome ingredients also come together to form a meal rich in taurine, protein, and antioxidants.
The main downside to this diet is its grain-free recipe. Also, as per current research, grain-free diets may be linked to heart disease in dogs. For dogs managing heart disease, including taurine in this diet may not be enough to counteract the downsides. Additionally, some pet parents report diarrhea and excessive gas in their pups on this diet. Lastly, we also note the inclusion of pea protein in the ingredients.
Pros
- It contains taurine in its ingredients
- 0.12% minimum taurine content
- Made with venison and bison, good sources of taurine
Cons
- Diarrhea and gas
- Grain-free
- Contains pea protein
- Some crumbly batches
4. American Journey Active Life Formula Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food
American Journey Active Life Formula offers your furry friend a well-rounded and balanced diet. With real, de-boned salmon as its first ingredient, this diet is sure to be rich in taurine. You will also find “taurine” (0.08% min) listed in the ingredients, but the source of the supplement is not described. Along with this, you’ll also find dried egg products and Menhaden fish meal, which is also high in taurine.
However, the main complaints about this diet are a lack of palatability and increased gas and diarrhea in dogs. Some dogs, especially those with pickier tastes, will refuse to eat this kibble. Others will gladly eat up a full meal. Lastly, the final downside is the price hikes that have taken place for this product.
Pros
- Contains taurine additives
- 0.08% minimum taurine content
- The first ingredient is salmon, rich in taurine
Cons
- Some customers report price hikes
- More gas and diarrhea for dogs
- Not to every dog’s tastes
5. Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food
Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast is perfect for pups with sensitive stomachs. Although the recipe contains limited ingredients, the manufacturer notes that this formula is enriched with taurine (0.10% min). Furthermore, the recipe features superfoods like pumpkin and blueberries. It’s also made in the USA.
Whether this recipe is grain-free might be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on your standpoint. This diet is also free from other protein sources like chicken. Many dogs suffer from specific protein allergies, such as chicken allergies, so this may be a good option for dogs with sensitivities!
Pros
- Contains taurine supplement
- Contains real salmon
- 0.10% minimum taurine content
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Contains peas
- Grain-free
6. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Original Turkey & Chicken
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Food is a premium blend of high-quality protein, antioxidants, probiotics, and vitamins. You’ll find taurine (0.20% min) in the ingredients for this product. Although the source of taurine is not described, you can rest assured that your pooch will get the supplement they need. Also, you’ll find ground flaxseed. This is important to note because studies suggest that flaxseed has similar effects to taurine in protecting cardiovascular health!
Furthermore, some customers report issues with damaged bags, diarrhea in their dogs, and a lack of flavor. Occasionally, bags of food may arrive open or split. As well as this, some reviews describe dogs contracting vomiting and diarrhea on this food. Other dogs simply refuse to eat it. Lastly, there is also the fact that this diet is grain-free, which is a point of contention for many pet parents.
Pros
- Contains taurine supplement
- 0.20% minimum taurine content
- Contains flaxseed
- It offers antioxidants and probiotics
Cons
- It May cause diarrhea and vomiting
- Occasional split or broken bags
- Grain-free diet
- Contains peas
7. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food contains taurine, flaxseed, and high-quality chicken. You’ll also find plenty of probiotics, vitamins, and superfoods to keep your pup healthy and happy. You’ll also find healthy omega-3 fatty acids in this diet to support your dog’s heart and coat health.
But, one of the main complaints about this diet is the kibble size. For some dogs, the kibble pieces may be too small to enjoy. Some dogs have also developed diarrhea and vomiting when eating this food. And lastly, some customers report expired batches being delivered from Amazon.
Pros
- Contains taurine supplement
- Contains flaxseed
- Offers carrots and apples for antioxidants
Cons
- Taurine content not specified
- May cause diarrhea and vomiting
- Smaller kibble size
- Occasional expired batches
8. Diamond Skin & Coat Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food
Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat contains taurine (0.12% min), flaxseed, and salmon for a premium source of heart health for your pooch. These three ingredients also come alongside probiotics, prebiotics, yeast, vitamins, and many more beneficial ingredients. For pups with protein sensitivities, this diet may be just right for them – its main source of protein is salmon and fish meal, so you won’t find any chicken in a single bowl!
But, one of the main complaints about this diet is hair loss and itching. Even with all of its omega-3s and fish recipes, some dogs seem to develop worsening skin issues on this food. There are also some reports of contaminations. More specifically, these include mold, plastic, and insects when ordering through Amazon.
Pros
- Contains taurine supplement
- 0.12% minimum taurine content
- Contains flaxseed
- Made with real salmon
Cons
- Grain-free food
- Occasional skin and coat issues
- Occasional contamination issues
- Contains peas and lentils
9. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe contains taurine supplements, real beef, venison, lamb, and flaxseed. These five ingredients make your furry friend a healthy dose of taurine. You’ll also find plenty of other healthy ingredients in this diet. These also include canola oil for omega-3s, prebiotics for digestive health, and many vegetables for vitamins.
Furthermore, some reviews describe dogs developing diarrhea and gas on this food. Others also report hard pieces of kibble that are difficult for dogs to eat. Also, other dogs simply dislike the flavor and prefer others in the Blue Buffalo range. Lastly, this food also contains peas.
Pros
- It contains beef, venison, and lamb
- Contains flaxseed
- It also offers canola oil and prebiotics
Cons
- Some dogs develop diarrhea and gas on this food
- Occasional hard pieces of kibble
- Grain-free
- Contains peas
10. Nature’s Logic Canine Duck & Salmon Meal Feast
Nature’s Logic Dog Food may not contain taurine supplements, but it does contain duck meal, chicken meal, and salmon meal. Also, this food contains 0.13% minimum taurine. This combination of proteins offers plenty of taurine to your dog’s digestive system. And it’s also pea and legume-free, enhancing the effects of the taurine! You’ll also find pumpkin seeds, antioxidant-rich blueberries and carrots, and probiotics to support your pup’s digestive health.
However, one of the main issues with this diet is the small kibble sizes. For some dogs, the kibble may be too small to enjoy. Other dogs dislike the flavor and smell.
Pros
- 0.13% minimum taurine content
- It contains duck, chicken, and salmon
- Legume and pea-free
- It also contains antioxidants and probiotics
Cons
- Smaller kibble size
- Strong smell
- No taurine supplements
11. Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food, Anchovy & Sardine and Salmon Meal Recipe
Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food features taurine supplements, anchovies, and sardines to give your pup that taurine boost they need. And most importantly, it contains a minimum of 0.09% taurine. As well as this, this diet contains probiotics, antioxidants, and plenty of vitamins to keep your best friend in top form. Many dogs also love the flavor and are in high spirits about this food. This food is also made in the USA, which may be a positive thing for pet parents.
Besides gas and diarrhea, the other main issue with this food is when customers receive torn bags from Amazon. Others report a strong smell.
Pros
- It contains a minimum of 0.09% taurine
- Plenty of prebiotics, antioxidants, and vitamins
- Made in the USA
- Pea-free
Cons
- Occasional gas and diarrhea issues
- Damaged bags from Amazon
12. Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Trout & Salmon Meal Dry Dog Food
Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula contains a minimum of 0.2% taurine and tasty salmon and trout. This delicious diet also features plenty of minerals, salmon oil for omega-3s, and vitamins to support your dog’s overall health. Moreover, many pups love the flavor and can’t get enough of this wholesome kibble.
Also, the leading issue with this diet is gas and diarrhea in dogs who eat it. And in some cases, bags may arrive damaged or without a vacuum seal when ordering online. For best results, be sure to monitor your dog when switching to a new diet!
Pros
- Contains 0.2% minimum taurine
- Features wholesome salmon and trout
- Tasty flavor
Cons
- Contains peas
- Grain-free
13. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe with Real Lamb
Instinct Limited Ingredient Dog Food may not contain taurine supplements, but it does feature lamb as its first ingredient. With lamb meal, freeze-dried lamb heart, and freeze-dried lamb liver, this food is sure to offer plenty of taurine to your furry friend’s stomach. As well as lamb, you’ll find vitamin supplements, pumpkin seeds, and coconut oil to support your dog’s heart and digestive health. Furthermore, this diet is made with limited ingredients, so it may be a good option for dogs with sensitivities!
Some dogs seem to suffer from diarrhea, bloody stools, and vomiting on this food. While not every dog will experience this, monitoring your dog closely when switching them to any new diet is important. Some customers also report moldy or expired batches arriving from Amazon. Lastly, there are no taurine additives, and the taurine content is not specified.
Pros
- It contains lamb meal, liver, kidney, and heart
- It also contains pumpkin seeds for digestive health
- Limited ingredients for dogs with sensitivities
Cons
- No taurine additives
- May cause vomiting and diarrhea
- Grain-free recipe
- Occasional moldy or expired batches from Amazon
14. Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
Give your pooch a delicious meal with Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient dry food! This food is made with just six ingredients plus added vitamins, minerals, and, most importantly, taurine. Free from artificial flavors and preservatives, this food is wholesome and sure to get your pup’s tail wagging. It’s also made with lamb meal for an extra source of taurine and protein.
We note that this diet contains sodium selenite, a controversial type of selenium. It also contains beet pulp, which is controversial for being high in fiber and may exist as a filler. More importantly, beet pulp is shown to reduce taurine status in dogs. However, reasonable amounts of beet pulp in dog foods are acceptable. According to Dog Food Advisor, this food contains below-average protein and below-average fat.
Pros
- Contains taurine supplement
- Limited ingredients for sensitive pups
Cons
- Taurine percentage not listed
- Below-average protein content
- Contains beet pulp
What Is Taurine?
Taurine is a type of amino acid. It’s found in the large intestine, where its functions include the conjugation of bile acids, osmoregulation, calcium signaling, and antioxidation. This compound is essential for cardiovascular function and the development of skeletal muscle and the central nervous system. This compound occurs in fish and meat, with raw diets containing the most taurine overall. For your dog, taurine is a conditionally non-essential amino acid. This means that your dog does not need to eat a specific amount of taurine, as they can make it themselves on a complete and balanced diet.
Is Taurine Good For Dogs?
The amino acid taurine is effective at treating taurine deficiencies and retinal degeneration. There is limited evidence to suggest that taurine is effective at treating heart disease, but some studies show that it may be useful as an adjunctive therapy. Also, there is no known upper limit for supplementing taurine. It is non-toxic and generally safe for dogs. However, sources suggest that too much taurine can make a dog feel sick.
How to Choose The Right Taurine-Rich Dog Food For Your Dog
There are several things to remember when searching for the best dog foods with taurine! These include being pea-free, the type of meat, and the inclusion of essential fats. So, let’s get into the do’s and don’ts when it comes to the best dog foods with taurine.
Avoid Taurine-Blockers
Research suggests that certain foods may interfere with taurine absorption in your dog. Notably, peas and legumes contain high concentrations of oligosaccharides. It’s theorized that these fermentable fibers increase fermentation in the gut. This can lead to the degradation of taurine and higher losses of bile acids. Some dog foods, both grain-free and grain-inclusive, contain high levels of these ingredients. Beet pulp is also shown to reduce taurine status in dogs, as are lamb and rice foods.
Type of Meat
As with any dog food, all meats should be named clearly. If dog food contains an undescribed “meat meal,” steer clear. We also recommend meats like fish, turkey, and lamb. These meats are rich in taurine – turkey, for example, offers 306mg per 100g. You’ll find that fish is particularly rich in taurine, too. Yellowfin tuna, for example, contains up to 964mg per 100g. Salmon offers around 94mg per serving.
Essential Fats
You’ll want to look for a diet rich in essential fatty acids where heart disease is involved. Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may benefit dogs with cardiac disease. This is because of their anti-inflammatory and anti-arrhythmic effects. They also positively affect heart rate, blood pressure, and immune function. However, more research must be done to find the optimal dose for dogs with heart disease.
Flaxseed Ingredients
Many dog foods that are rich in taurine also contain flaxseed or flaxseed oil. Several human medicine articles discuss flaxseed’s use for treating cardiovascular diseases. This is because flaxseed shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. As such, some articles state that flaxseed has similar effects to taurine.
Best Dog Foods With Taurine: FAQs
Have any more questions or concerns about the best dog foods with taurine? Feel free to check out our FAQ for more details! And, if in doubt about your dog’s health or taurine supplementation, always ask your vet for advice.
Many types of meat are rich in taurine. We note that turkey, fish, and lamb are among the best meats for taurine supplementation. For example, turkey provides up to 306mg per 100g of meat. Bluefin tuna can provide up to 964mg per 100g. Look for dog foods that are rich in these meats!
Unless your dog is suffering from a taurine deficiency, they have no special dietary requirements for taurine. Your dog will be able to make their own taurine as long as they eat a healthy, complete, and balanced diet.
Because taurine is highly concentrated in the retina and the brain, the first symptoms will arise due to complications with these parts of your dog’s body. Your vet may also suspect a taurine deficiency involving heart disease, retinal disease, or cystinuria. A specific type of DCM can arise secondary to a taurine deficiency in dogs. Luckily, this form of DCM has a good prognosis with taurine supplementation.
High-quality dog food that meets AAFCO standards should provide your puppy with enough L-carnitine. L-carnitine is an amino acid. Like taurine, L-carnitine is important for your puppy’s heart health. And, similar to taurine, this amino acid is found in chicken and fish. Be sure to feed your puppy a diet containing high-quality protein!
Ingredients like beet pulp are shown to reduce taurine status in dogs. There may also be a link between peas and legumes and decreased taurine status. For best results, steer clear of foods containing high amounts of these ingredients.
Before supplementing your pup with dog food with taurine, it’s always best to consult with your vet first. As always, do not attempt to treat your dog’s heart issues at home.