Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?
Pet parents love sharing life's joys with their furry best friend, including delicious treats. It can be hard to resist your pup's longing eyes and drool when you indulge in your favorite foods. Whether you are on a camping adventure with your dog making s'mores or roasting marshmallows at home, offering your pup this sweet treat may be tempting. However, sharing sweets with your pup, including marshmallows, can make them sick or cause life-threatening illnesses like pancreatitis. Understanding which foods are safe for dogs is critical to ensure your pup remains safe and does not accidentally ingest a potential toxin.
Can dogs eat marshmallows?
Marshmallows are a popular confection and seem like the perfect treat for people and pets. Plain marshmallows are a simple food that contains four ingredients: sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and air. While these ingredients are not toxic to dogs, they can cause various illnesses and problems for your pup. If your dog eats a plain mini marshmallow that dropped on the floor or if they accidentally steal one from the table, their risk of illness is low.
However, marshmallows should never be deliberately fed to dogs. The high sugar content can put them at risk for diabetes, weight gain, and gastrointestinal (GI) problems. In addition to plain marshmallows, avoid feeding your dog any marshmallow-containing treats, including:
- Marshmallow fluff
- Smores, chocolate is also toxic to dogs
- Rice cereal treats
- Baked goods with marshmallow flavoring
- Roasted marshmallows
Can dogs eat sugar-free marshmallows?
Many health-conscious people may opt for the sugar-free alternative of this popular food. While sugar-free treats are safe for people, never feed your dog any foods labeled "sugar-free" or containing sugar alternatives or artificial sweeteners. Xylitol, or birch sugar, is a common sugar replacer, and small amounts can be deadly for dogs who ingest it. Ingestion of one sugar-free marshmallow can be life-threatening for some dogs, especially smaller breeds. Xylitol can cause a drastic drop in your dog's blood sugar and, eventually, liver failure.
Immediately contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center if you observe or suspect your dog ingested a sugar-free marshmallow or other xylitol-containing food. In some cases, your veterinarian may advise you to induce your dog to vomit. Never attempt this unless advised by your vet. Most dogs will show toxicity signs within 30 minutes of ingestion, and severity will vary depending on a dog's weight, sensitivity, and the amount ingested. Xylitol poisoning signs may include:
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Incoordination
- Weakness or lethargy
- Difficulty standing
- Tremors
- Yellowing of skin or gums
- Collapse
- Seizures
- Coma
Why you should NOT feed your dog marshmallows
Plain marshmallows are not toxic to dogs but should never be part of your dog's selection of treats. Their high calorie and high sugar content is unhealthy and can lead to obesity and weight gain. More than 50% of U.S. dogs are considered overweight or obese, so it's not uncommon for your pup to have a little extra body fluff. Obesity can decrease your dog's life expectancy by more than two years and put them at risk for various health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer.
Other marshmallow-associated health risks to your dog include:
- Diabetes –– The high-calorie content and sugar can put your dog at risk for diabetes, which requires life-long insulin treatment and care. Additionally, dogs who have been diagnosed with diabetes previously should never be fed any marshmallows or sugary treats because these can exacerbate their illness.
- Dental disease –– Like people, sugar can lead to tooth decay and dental disease in your dog. Dogs with dental disease also have an increase for heart disease from excess mouth bacteria.
- Gastrointestinal upset –– Your dog's body is not equipped to process marshmallows' high sugar and calories, which can result in upset stomachs, including vomiting and diarrhea. These treats can also cause pancreatitis in dogs, a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.
- Choking or blockages –– These airy treats can be difficult for people to eat just one, and the same may be true for your pup. Ingesting can be a choking hazard for dogs, especially if many are ingested at one time. Additionally, dogs who ingest multiple marshmallows are at risk for stomach bloating or intestinal blockages that may require surgery.
- Allergic reactions — Although marshmallows are not a common food allergen, any food or treat, including marshmallows, can put your dog at risk for an allergic reaction. Signs may include hives, itchy skin, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or facial swelling.
Dog-safe "sweet" treat alternatives to marshmallows
It's essential to understand which foods are safe for your dog. When in doubt, check the ASPCA toxic food list and consult your veterinarian before offering your dog any new foods or treats. What is safe for one dog may not be ideal for other pups, depending on their health status. However, there are various dog-friendly treat options that most pets can safely enjoy in moderation. Ensure your dog's treats do not comprise more than 10% of their daily calories to avoid weight gain. Ideally, choose treats with added nutritional benefits to support their diet and overall health.
Some "sweet" treats and dog-safe snacks include:
- Native Pet Pumpkin Powder — Formulated specifically for dogs, this powder can be added to homemade dog biscuits or sprinkled over food. Plain pumpkins can support your dog's digestive health. They may be helpful in cases of mild diarrhea or constipation to support regular bowel movements.
- Dog-safe fruits –– Like all treats, fruit should not be a part of your dog's daily diet. Low-glycemic, dog-safe fruits like blueberries, blackberries, or seedless watermelon can help satisfy your dog's sweet tooth while providing antioxidants and added vitamins.
- Vegetables — Although not sweet, plain veggies can be healthy for pups and satisfy their desire for a crunchy treat. Plain, nutrient-rich vegetables like carrots, green beans, or broccoli can be fed individually or as an occasional food topper.
- Long-lasting chews –– Dog-safe chews, like Native Pet Yak Chews, can keep them occupied without the risk of adding excess calories to their diet.
Tips for safely managing your dog's diet
Proper nutrition is critical to support your dog's health through all life stages. The endless options can be challenging for owners to know how to choose the best nutrients for their four-legged best friend. Always consult your veterinarian when changing your dog's food or if you are a new dog owner and feeding them for the first time. Tips for safely managing your dog's diet include:
- Feed your dog an AAFCO-approved complete and balanced diet for their age, breed, activity level, and health status.
- Avoid feeding table scraps or rich, fatty foods; these can lead to painful GI problems and illness.
- Dog proof your human and dog treat jars to prevent counter-surfing pups from helping themselves with unsafe foods.
- Provide your pup with plenty of mental and physical exercise. Both are essential to supporting a healthy weight and digestive tract.
- Bring your dog for yearly or more frequent veterinary visits to ensure it is receiving optimal nutrition for its age, activity level, and health. In some cases, dogs may require prescription diets to support various health problems, like food allergies.
- Avoid sudden diet changes, and talk to your vet about transitioning your dog when changing foods. A probiotic, like Native Pet Probiotic Powder, may be recommended to balance your dog's gut flora while adjusting to a new diet.
Providing your dog with treats will strengthen the bond with your pup and is a great way to reward good doggy manners. However, too much of a good thing can be dangerous for your dog, and avoiding human food treats like marshmallows is essential. Fortunately, there are endless dog-safe and nutritious treat options. However, always consult your veterinarian first to ensure it's the best option for your dog.
For more information and tips on your dog's health, check out the Native Pet blog.
