Skip to Main Content

We use cookies to offer you a better experience, analyze site traffic and assist with our marketing efforts. By using this website you accept the use of cookies, outlined in our Privacy Policy.

Save $8 on large bag purchases of Skin + Coat Care and Sensitivities kibble for dogs. Grab your savings at your local pet store! (Participating stores only)

May 31, 2021

Here Is Why Tapioca in Dog Food Is Important

  • Nutrition
  • Ingredients
  • Dog Food
  • Dog
Samoyed with tongue out in kitchen with bag of GO! SOLUTIONS SENSITIVITIES Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Small Bites Salmon Recipe for dogs

If you’ve heard of tapioca, then maybe you’ve associated it with human foods such as dessert. Today however, it’s been recently proven to be a great addition to grain-free specialty dog foods. Here’s everything you need to know about why tapioca in dog food is a great addition.

What Is Tapioca?

Tapioca is a highly digestible carbohydrate, an excellent source of energy. Tapioca contains no added sugars and no protein.

Why Is Tapioca in Dog Food Important?

Protein in foods is the component most commonly responsible for adverse food reactions. Therefore, if your dog suffers from a sensitive stomach or allergies, switching your dog to a limited ingredient diet like Go! Solutions Sensitivities Limited Ingredient recipes may be an option. Because tapioca doesn't contain protein it is not a common ingredient linked to food intolerances/allergies.

Go! Solutions Sensitivities recipes for dogs

Recommended Solution

Limited ingredient recipes for your canine friend

Our Go! Solutions Sensitivities recipes are specially formulated by experts to help dogs suffering from food sensitivities.

Tapioca is a great substitute for your dog to still get their energy needs met.

Benefits of Tapioca in Dog Food

In addition to being highly digestible, tapioca is important in kibble and wet recipes for a variety of reasons. The shape, texture and density of kibble is dependent on the carbohydrate (starch) content of the food. In wet recipes, tapioca is often used to provide a specific texture. This is very important, as mouthfeel and the structure of the kibble and wet food helps to determine palatability, particularly for small breed dogs.

Since tapioca only supplies starch in a recipe, it allows more flexibility to create recipes with different nutrient profiles. This is important for animals requiring less protein in the diet, or a specific nutrient level. As well, tapioca contains a small amount of resistant starch. This type of starch has benefits similar to fibre, which can be beneficial when supporting digestive health.

In conclusion, tapioca in dog food can be beneficial for dogs that are experiencing allergies and sensitivities.


Author

Michele Dixon

Michele Dixon

Health and Nutrition Specialist

Michele studied animal nutrition through Colorado State University and the Companion Animal Sciences Institute. Involved in animals and nutrition for over 25 years, Michele had the pleasure of receiving a High in Trial with her first Borzoi Yascha at an early age.