Content
- Nutritional composition of cassava or cassava
- Is cassava dog food?
- Can a dog eat boiled manioc? And raw?
- Can a dog eat manioc flour?
Cassava, cassava and cassava are some of the popular names in Brazil to designate the plant species Manihotescultured. This food is very popular in traditional Brazilian cuisine, representing one of the main sources of carbohydrates in our diet, along with rice, corn and potatoes. Traditionally, cassava used to be consumed cooked in salted water or fried, with protein sources or as a snack. However, thanks to its versatility, it began to be used in the preparation of more complex recipes and even gourmets, experiencing a 'revaluation' of that product.
Fortunately, more and more tutors are encouraged to offer a more natural diet to their puppies, opting for the preparation of homemade recipes to replace or complement the industrialized feed. As cassava is a tasty food that is so present in our food culture, it is common for many people to wonder if a dog can eat manioc or if there are risks of introducing this food into the dog's diet.
Here in the Animal Expert, we always share what a dog can eat in addition to pet food and what a dog cannot eat to help you provide more varied, balanced and healthy nutrition for your best friend. Check this article if cassava is a good food for dogs and, if so, what precautions you should keep in mind before incorporating it into your favorite furry diet. We started?
Nutritional composition of cassava or cassava
To find out if a dog can eat manioc, It is very important to know the nutritional composition of this food. If we know the nutrients that manioc offers, it is much easier to understand whether or not it is a good food for dogs, as well as helping to be more aware of our own nutrition.
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) database[1], 100 grams of raw cassava have the following nutritional composition:
- Total Energy/Calories: 160 kcal;
- Proteins: 1.36g;
- Total fats: 0.28g;
- Carbohydrates: 38.1g;
- Fibers: 1.8g;
- Sugars: 1.70g;
- Water: 60g;
- Calcium: 16mg;
- Iron: 0.27mg;
- Phosphorus: 27mg;
- Magnesium: 21mg;
- Potassium: 271mg;
- Sodium: 14mg;
- Zinc: 0.34mg;
- Vitamin A: 1mg;
- Vitamin B6: 0.09mg;
- Vitamin C: 20.6mg;
- Vitamin E: 0.19mg;
- Vitamin K: 1.9µg;
- Folate: 27µg.
As we can see in its nutritional composition, cassava is an energetic/caloric food, rich in carbohydrates and fiber, which also offers a moderate amount of vegetable protein. This allows the moderate consumption of cassava or its derivatives to generate satiety, helps to improve digestion and, at the same time, is a good source of energy for the metabolism.
Cassava also offers important levels of minerals, like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. And while it can't be singled out as a 'super vitamin' food, it offers an excellent content of folate and vitamin C, which is one of the best natural antioxidants. These nutrients are great allies for the health and aesthetics of the skin and hair, they help to strengthen the immune system, preventing a wide range of diseases and health problems.
Therefore, the cassava has been losing that old stigma of being a 'food that makes you fat' and it gains more value every day as part of a balanced diet. An important 'advantage' of cassava and its derivatives, such as cassava flour and tapioca, is that Gluten-free. Therefore, it is an appropriate food for those suffering from gluten intolerance or celiac disease, representing an excellent 'substitute' for traditional flours and cereals (such as wheat and oats).
Is cassava dog food?
If you ask yourself if your dog can eat cassava, the answer is: yes, but always taking the necessary precautions to ensure consumption that is beneficial to his health. Cassava is not among the prohibited foods for dogs, but it is also it cannot be consumed in any way or in any quantity.
First, you need to consider that dogs need to consume a healthy dose of protein daily. Premium rations, for example, usually include at least 25% of protein in their composition to meet the nutritional needs of dogs. And while dogs have become omnivores and are able to digest some foods that their wolf ancestors cannot, meat remains the most suitable source of protein.
So it's not a good idea to offer only plant-based proteins to your dog and cassava, although it's very nutritious, should never be the basis of a dog's nutrition..
Also, carbohydrates can be incorporated into your best friend's diet, but always in a moderate way. An excess in the consumption of carbohydrates can cause digestive problems in dogs, such as gas accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea and vomiting. Since it is also a high-calorie food, excessively consumed cassava can favor the development of canine obesity.
So, before you decide to incorporate cassava into your dog's diet, consult a veterinarian to find out the recommended amount and frequency of consumption according to the size, age, weight and health status of your faithful companion. In addition, the veterinarian will be able to help you choose the type of food that completely meets the nutritional needs and best suits your puppy's body.
Can a dog eat boiled manioc? And raw?
Another fundamental precaution is to choose the best way to offer cassava to your dog, he can eat cassava cooked in unsalted water, but never consume raw cassava. In addition to being difficult to digest and can cause serious digestive problems, raw cassava contains a chemical called cyanogenic glycoside that is potentially toxic to both humans and dogs.
So always remember to cook the manioc well before to offer it to your dog. If you want, you can make a puree with the well-cooked manioc and prepare a delicious gourmet recipe for your dog, such as a homemade 'escondidinho' with ground beef or chicken, for example. But remember not to include salt or seasoning that could harm your dog.
Can a dog eat manioc flour?
It's also good to know that the dog can eat manioc flour, whenever it is previously cooked or included in a homemade recipe that will go to the oven, such as biscuits, snacks or cakes for dogs. In fact, manioc flour is an excellent substitute for wheat and oat flour, as it does not contain gluten and is easier for dogs to digest.
Last (and not least), it is worth remembering that dogs can't eat fried manioc, since all fried, sweet or salty foods harm the dog's health and can cause serious digestive problems.
If you want to know more about natural dog food, check out our YouTube channel video: