Potato Starch

Carbohydrate
Avoid
None nutritional value

Last updated: February 11, 2026

Table of Contents

Quick Summary

Potato Starch Extracted starch from potatoes. Pure carbohydrate with no fiber or micronutrients.

Category
Carbohydrate
Common In
Dry food, treats, grain-free formulas
Also Known As
tapioca starch, modified potato starch
Watts Rating
Avoid ✗

What It Is

Extracted starch from potatoes. Pure carbohydrate with no fiber or micronutrients.

Compare to Similar Ingredients

Why It's Used in Dog Products

Manufacturers include potato starch in dog food, treats, and supplements for several reasons:

Quality Considerations

When evaluating potato starch in dog products, it's important to understand digestibility, glycemic index, fiber content, and grain-free alternatives. This ingredient's quality and appropriateness can vary significantly based on sourcing, processing, and the specific formula it's used in.

Quality Note

Pure refined starch. Spikes blood sugar. Zero nutritional value beyond calories.

Potential Concerns

While potato starch can be appropriate in dog nutrition, pet owners should be aware of grain sensitivities, blood sugar impact, and nutritional density versus simple fillers. Individual dogs may respond differently to the same ingredient based on their health status, age, and sensitivities.

Watts' Take

We avoid refined starches. They're used to bulk up grain-free formulas cheaply but provide no nutritional benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is potato starch safe for dogs?

Potato Starch should be used with caution or avoided. Pure refined starch. Spikes blood sugar. Zero nutritional value beyond calories.

What does potato starch do in dog products?

Extracted starch from potatoes. Pure carbohydrate with no fiber or micronutrients. Dog food manufacturers include this ingredient to provide grain-free binder and provide creates desired kibble texture.

Is potato starch grain-free?

Yes, potato starch is a grain-free carbohydrate source. It's commonly used in grain-free formulas as an alternative to traditional grains.

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