Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?

Marshmallows are a delicious treat and they can be difficult to resist in certain settings. Though they don’t contain much nutritional value, they’re a low-impact food that doesn’t tip the scale, since we only eat them every once and a while. But, what about your canine friend? Can dogs eat marshmallows?

Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?

The answer is no. Not all marshmallows are toxic to dogs, but they aren’t recommended in any amount. Marshmallows are made from sugar, gelatin, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and coated with confectioners’ sugar or cornstarch. They contain very little, if any, nutritional value.

Beware of Xylitol

Not all marshmallows contain the artificial sugar known as xylitol, but this ingredient is reason enough to avoid feeding your dog marshmallows. It is considered to be very toxic to dogs and can be harmful even in small quantities.

Xylitol can cause extremely low blood sugar, which leads to seizures and even death if not treated properly. In addition, it is known to be toxic to a dog’s liver, even days after ingestion.

High Sugar Content

Marshmallows contain a very high amount of sugar and are especially harmful to dogs with diabetes or obesity. Even if you have a healthy dog, sugary treats often contribute to obesity, which often leads to diabetes due to insulin resistance.

Gastrointestinal Upset

Eating too many marshmallows can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Your dog will likely show signs of vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. If your dog exhibits these symptoms for more than 48 hours, he could also be at risk for pancreatitis.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Marshmallows

Call your veterinarian immediately. They will most likely choose to induce vomiting if your dog ingested the marshmallows within the last couple of hours. This is done to prevent pancreatitis, prolonged gastrointestinal upset, and GI obstruction.

Feeding you dog foods that are high in sugar is never a good idea. While they don’t seem dangerous, that can change over time.