Taurine
supplement · base score 1
What is it?
Taurine is a supplement added for a specific benefit. Graded good: a real, recognisable ingredient that adds nutritional value, so it lifts a product’s score.
At a glance
- Category
- supplement
- Grade
- good
- Base score
- 1 (from −1 to 1; higher is better)
- Found in
- 174 products
- Also listed as
- -
Common questions about taurine
Is Taurine good for dogs?
Yes, we grade it as a good ingredient: recognisable and nutritionally useful, so it lifts a product’s score. Bear in mind that no single ingredient decides quality; the whole recipe and its balance matter more.
How many UK dog foods contain taurine?
174 UK products list taurine as an ingredient in our database. The full list is shown below, sorted by rating.
How does Open Dog Food grade taurine?
We grade it good, our highest grade, reserved for recognisable ingredients that add real nutritional value. Every ingredient is converted to its dry-matter share and scored from our glossary before a recipe gets its 1-100 rating; the full method is on our methodology page.
Why is taurine added to dog food?
Taurine is an amino acid needed for normal heart muscle and eye function, and it is sometimes added to dog food, especially recipes that are grain-free or high in legumes. It is listed on labels as taurine.
Do all dogs need taurine supplements?
Most dogs can synthesise enough taurine from other amino acids, but some breeds and diets may benefit from added taurine. Speak to your vet before adding a supplement.
