Frequently asked questions
My dog seems perfectly healthy. Why would I add another supplement?
Because heart issues are silent until they're not.
Dogs hide discomfort, it's in their DNA. By the time you notice fatigue, coughing, or exercise intolerance, the heart has often been struggling for months. DCM can be completely asymptomatic in early stages.
Being a good dog parent means supporting before obvious decline, waiting usually ends in regret. Taurine is insurance that fills what modern diets might miss, especially for at-risk breeds, dogs on grain-free diets, or seniors.
Isn't taurine only for cats? I thought dogs make their own.
Dogs can synthesize taurine - but that doesn't mean they always make enough.
Certain factors create shortfalls:
- Breed predisposition (Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, large breeds)
- Diet composition (legume-heavy, grain-free, or boutique diets)
- Age (senior dogs may not produce or absorb efficiently)
Diet-associated DCM linked to taurine deficiency is a documented phenomenon. Even "complete and balanced" foods can vary in bioavailable taurine batch-to-batch.
How do I know what dose to give? I'm scared of overdosing.
Taurine is remarkably safe. It's water-soluble, so excess is simply excreted. There's no known toxic dose in dogs.
SpryPaws provides therapeutic-grade dosing aligned with veterinary cardiology protocols:
- Small/medium dogs (under 55 lbs): 500-1000mg twice daily
- Large/giant breeds (55+ lbs): 1000-2000mg twice daily
Each scoop is precisely measured - no guessing, no math. Underdosing is a much bigger risk than overdosing. Most "heart support" chews provide 50-100mg - that's a feel-good amount, not a functional dose.
My dog is picky. What if they refuse to eat it?
That's exactly why we chose unflavored powder over chews.
Our powder has no taste, no smell, no texture. It disappears into:
- Wet food or kibble (slightly moistened)
- A spoonful of yogurt or cottage cheese
- Low-sodium bone broth
- Peanut butter or pumpkin
Even the pickiest eaters won't notice it.
We also offer a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not satisfied, we'll work to refund you.
How do I know if it's working if I can't see any visible signs?
Some people see big visible signs SpryPaws is working, others get invisible success.
For objective data:
- Ask your vet about whole-blood taurine testing
- For at-risk dogs, echocardiograms can track cardiac function over time
For subjective indicators:
- Some dog parents report increased energy or stamina after 4-8 weeks
- But many notice nothing, because their dog stays healthy
The best outcome is nothing happening. Your dog's heart stays strong, they age gracefully, and you never face a DCM diagnosis.
Taurine is long-term cellular support, not a quick fix. You're maintaining function and reducing risk, even if you never see dramatic proof.