Maltodextrin
Last updated: February 11, 2026
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
Maltodextrin Highly processed starch derived from corn, rice, or potato. Used as filler and binder in soft chews and supplements.
What It Is
Highly processed starch derived from corn, rice, or potato. Used as filler and binder in soft chews and supplements.
Compare to Similar Ingredients
- vs. tapioca starch: Both are refined starches used as cheap fillers. Maltodextrin is more processed and has a higher glycemic index, while tapioca starch is less refined but still lacks nutrition.
- vs. corn starch: Maltodextrin is highly processed starch broken down into shorter chains, while cornstarch is less processed. Both are empty carbs with zero nutritional value used as cheap fillers.
- vs. dried sweet potatoes: Sweet potato is a whole food carbohydrate with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Maltodextrin is a refined, processed starch with zero nutrition. Sweet potato is vastly superior.
Why It's Used in Dog Products
Manufacturers include maltodextrin in dog food, treats, and supplements for several reasons:
- Cheap filler to add bulk
- Binds ingredients in soft chews
- Improves palatability and texture
Quality Considerations
When evaluating maltodextrin in dog products, it's important to understand functional purpose, safety testing, and nutritional contribution. This ingredient's quality and appropriateness can vary significantly based on sourcing, processing, and the specific formula it's used in.
Refined carbohydrate with zero nutritional value. Spikes blood sugar. Pure filler.
Potential Concerns
While maltodextrin can be appropriate in dog nutrition, pet owners should be aware of necessity, potential sensitivities, and whether it serves dogs or just appeals to humans. Individual dogs may respond differently to the same ingredient based on their health status, age, and sensitivities.
We never use maltodextrin. It's a refined carb with no nutritional benefit, used to bulk up products cheaply. Whole food alternatives exist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is maltodextrin safe for dogs?
Maltodextrin should be used with caution or avoided. Refined carbohydrate with zero nutritional value. Spikes blood sugar. Pure filler.
What does maltodextrin do in dog products?
Highly processed starch derived from corn, rice, or potato. Used as filler and binder in soft chews and supplements. Dog food manufacturers include this ingredient to provide cheap filler to add bulk and provide binds ingredients in soft chews.
Why is maltodextrin added to dog food?
Cheap filler to add bulk While some additives serve important functional purposes (preservation, texture, stability), others are primarily for human appeal. We never use maltodextrin. It's a refined carb with no nutritional benefit, used to bulk up products cheaply. Whole food alternatives exist.
Are there natural alternatives to maltodextrin?
Many modern dog foods use natural alternatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), rosemary extract, or citric acid instead of synthetic additives. Check ingredient labels for "preserved with..." statements to see which preservatives are used.
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