Taurine for Dogs
Taurine is an amino acid that plays a role in nerve and heart function. In True Calm it works alongside passionflower to support the nervous system while your dog navigates stressful moments.
True Calm
Paired with passionflower in True Calm to support the nervous system.
What taurine does in the body
Taurine is an amino acid found naturally throughout the body, with well-studied roles in the nervous system, the heart and the eyes. Unlike most amino acids it isn't primarily used to build protein — it does its work free-floating in tissue, which is part of why it turns up in such different places.
For a calming supplement, the nervous-system role is the relevant one. Taurine supports healthy nerve function, which makes it a sensible companion to the calming botanicals rather than a calming agent in its own right.
Why it's paired with passionflower
True Calm pairs taurine with passionflower deliberately. Passionflower is the botanical doing the visible calming work; taurine supports the nervous system that botanical is acting on. It's the same logic that runs through the rest of the formula — support from several directions at measured levels, rather than a single ingredient pushed hard.
Taurine is included as a declared additive at a specific level rather than as a vague inclusion, so the amount your dog gets is consistent from one pouch to the next.
How much to give, and how
Give taurine as part of a complete formula rather than dosing it raw. In True Calm it's pre-measured into a palatable sprinkle-on powder, so all you need to do is follow the serving for your dog's weight band.
- Small, up to 10kg — 1 scoop (0.85g) a day.
- Medium, 10–25kg — 2 scoops (1.7g) a day.
- Large, 25–40kg — 3 scoops (2.55g) a day.
- Very large, over 40kg — 4 scoops (3.4g) a day.
- For a known stressor, give 30–60 minutes ahead — this can be in addition to the daily serving.
What is taurine?
Taurine is an amino acid found naturally throughout the body, with important roles in the nervous system, heart and eyes. It's a common, well-studied ingredient in pet nutrition.
Is taurine safe for dogs?
Taurine is considered very safe for dogs and is often added to support heart and nervous-system health. As always, check with your vet first if your dog has an existing health condition or is on medication.
What does taurine do for dogs?
In True Calm, taurine supports healthy nervous-system function as part of a blend aimed at calm, balanced behaviour. More broadly it's associated with cardiovascular and general wellbeing.
How much taurine should I give my dog?
Give it as part of a measured formula rather than dosing raw taurine. In True Calm the serving scales with weight — 1 scoop up to 10kg, 2 scoops for 10–25kg, 3 scoops for 25–40kg and 4 scoops over 40kg, where one level scoop is about 0.85g. If your dog is already on a supplement or medication, check with your vet first.
Do dogs make their own taurine?
Dogs can produce some taurine themselves, which is why it isn't classed as an essential amino acid for them in the way it is for cats. That doesn't make dietary taurine irrelevant — it's a routine inclusion in canine nutrition. If you have specific concerns about your dog's taurine status or diet, that's a conversation for your vet rather than something a supplement should answer.
Can taurine be given every day?
Yes. Taurine is well tolerated and True Calm is formulated for consistent daily use. For ongoing anxious behaviour, daily use is what produces results — allow around 2–3 weeks before judging the effect.
Frankie & Paws supplements are complementary feeds for dogs, not medicines, and aren't intended to diagnose, treat or cure any condition. If your dog is a young puppy, pregnant, nursing, unwell, or taking medication, speak to your vet before introducing a new supplement.
Explore other ingredients
A calming botanical used in True Calm to support relaxed behaviour without sedation.
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L-TyrosineAn amino acid in True Calm that supports dopamine production and focus under stress.
Lemon BalmA traditional calming herb in True Calm, used as a 4:1 extract to support relaxed behaviour.
Brewer's YeastA natural source of B vitamins and antioxidants in True Calm, supporting stress, skin and coat.
Bacillus ProbioticsSpore-forming probiotics in Biome Balance delivering 525M+ CFU to support gut balance.
Pumpkin FibreNatural dietary fibre in Biome Balance that supports healthy digestion and stool quality.
Beta-GlucansPrebiotic fibres in Biome Balance that support digestive and immune health.
Grass-Fed Beef CollagenA single-ingredient grass-fed beef bone broth supporting joints, skin, coat and gut.