Cassava

1,392 foods contain this ingredient

Starch

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About Cassava

Cassava is a starchy tropical root vegetable, also called yuca or manioc, processed into flour or starch for pet food and treats.

Used primarily as a carbohydrate/starch and binder in dog and cat foods and treats, cassava provides digestible energy and a gluten‑free alternative to cereal grains. It is low in protein and micronutrients but supplies calories and some fiber; raw cassava contains cyanogenic compounds that must be thoroughly processed to prevent cyanide toxicity, and its high glycemic index may be a consideration for overweight or diabetic pets.

Related ingredients

Tapioca Cassava Flour Cassava Root Cassava Root Flour Cassava Starch Tapioca Flour Tapioca Starch

Derived from: root of Manihot esculenta
Primary role: starch source and grain-free binder

Why it's used

Manufacturers use cassava flour or starch as a binding agent that helps hold kibble and treat pieces together while contributing digestible carbohydrate energy. It is a common base for grain-free formulas because it is naturally gluten-free.

Common concerns

Cyanogenic compounds requiring processing The Merck Veterinary Manual lists Manihot esculenta (cassava) among cyanogenic glycoside-containing plants of veterinary importance, since raw roots contain linamarin, which releases hydrogen cyanide if the plant tissue is not properly processed.
Goitrogenic (thyroid-related) effect of residual cyanogens Nutrition research on cassava-based diets in animals describes how incompletely detoxified cassava leaves residual thiocyanate in the body, which can competitively inhibit iodine uptake by the thyroid gland if the diet is not adequately processed or iodine intake is low.

4 sources cited