Since we have seen dogs with this suspected nutritionally mediated dilated cardiomyopathy with normal taurine levels, we are unsure if taurine is the only factor involved in this disorder.  With a high-quality protein that is adequately absorbed into the body through the gut, taurine deficiency should not develop; therefore, use of a high-quality diet (that terminology can be used too often) that has been tested for nutritional adequacy is recommended.  Too much protein in the diet can lead to kidney issues so we have to be careful with adding too much protein to the diet.