ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/taurine-supplement
US brand names:Taurine Veterinary
Taurine (Supplement) is dosed at 100 mg/kg PO q12h x 8 wk in dwarf hamsters, per 83. Jepson L. Exotic Animal Medicine: A Quick Reference Guide, WB Saunders, New York, NY; 2009. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.795 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Essential amino acid in cats; conditionally essential in dogs. Critical for cardiac function (myocardial contractility), retinal health, bile acid conjugation, and reproduction.
Deficiency causes dilated cardiomyopathy in cats and some dog breeds. Very safe even at high doses. Essential supplementation in home-prepared and grain-free diets.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Dwarf Hamster drugsAll Guinea Pig drugsAll Pet Rat drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 5 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 125–250 mg/cat total | q12h | Strong | Kittleson MD, Côté E. The Feline Cardiomyopathies: 3. Cardiomyopathies other than HCM. J Feline Med Surg. 2021;23(11):1053-1067. doi:10.1177/1098612x211021819 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1234 (2026-08-01). |
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 25–50 mg/kg | q8-12h | Moderate | FDA Investigation into Grain-Free DCM; ACVIM Consensus |
Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.
View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.