Cassava

Why this ingredient is used

Cassava (tapioca, manioc) is a tropical starch used in grain-free pet food as a carbohydrate source and binding agent. It is naturally gluten-free and cheap to produce in tropical climates. The main drawback is that it is almost pure starch with very little protein, fibre, or micronutrients. It has a high glycemic index (similar to white rice) and contributes essentially empty calories. Brands using cassava instead of sweet potato or lentils are making a cost choice. PetFoodRate scores cassava as a C-grade ingredient: safe but nutritionally unremarkable.