Marshmallows are the iconic treats of campfires, cereal bars, and steaming mugs of cocoa. They’re made mostly of sugar and gelatin, practically melting in your mouth. We love indulging in this sweet treat, but are marshmallows safe for dogs?
Dr. Renee Schmid, DVM, veterinary toxicologist and director of veterinary medicine at Pet Poison Helpline, says most marshmallows aren’t toxic to dogs. In fact, there is even a surprising reason to allow a marshmallow treat. However, even with allowances, marshmallow moderation is key. If your dog is regularly sneaking marshmallows into their diet, they could be at risk for diabetes, weight gain, or dental problems.
Read on to learn about a vet-approved marshmallow treat, and what to do if your dog eats a chocolatey marshmallow treat.
What Makes Marshmallows Unhealthy for Dogs?
Store-bought marshmallows are typically made of sugar, corn syrup, water, and gelatin, while homemade versions might include egg whites and vanilla. Combined, these ingredients are not in any essential food group — for us or dogs.
Since marshmallows are mostly made of sugar, they don’t provide many essential vitamins or minerals for dogs. Gelatin may have some protein but not enough to qualify as a healthy treat. Due to the sugar content, too many marshmallows can also lead to weight gain and dental problems.
Important: Some marshmallows may also be made with xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. If your dog ate marshmallows, check the ingredients list to make sure they don’t contain any xylitol. If xylitol is listed, or if your dog ate a chocolate marshmallow candy, contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-213-6680) right away.
Why Do Dogs Like Marshmallows?
Does a teaspoon of sugar help the medicine go down? When it comes to dogs, this saying may also be true. Dogs, like humans, can taste sweetness and develop a sweet tooth.
This sweet appeal is why some veterinarians recommend using mini marshmallows to hide medication, making it easier to get your pup to take their pills. But tossing your pup a marshmallow should be a last resort to pill pockets and dog-treats. Talk to your vet to understand what healthier alternatives you can try first.
What If Your Dog Ate a Bag of Marshmallows?
Eating a bag of marshmallows is typically not a medical emergency. With marshmallow overconsumption, you may see stomach upset in dogs, including vomiting or diarrhea, says Dr. Schmid.
Sugar-free or low-calorie marshmallows can be deadly to dogs because they may contain xylitol—a sweetener that’s highly toxic to dogs. This goes for other types of candies, too.
If your dog has diabetes, contact your veterinarian immediately if they eat any kind of sugary treat. Sugar can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose leading to serious complications.
Dr. Schmid says most Pet Hotline calls about marshmallows involve dogs eating chocolate-covered ones or hot chocolate with marshmallows. These incidents often increase around the winter holidays and Easter. To keep your dog safe, put sweet treats away and out of your dog’s reach.
Healthy and Dog-Safe Treat Alternatives
Looking for more nutritious alternatives to satisfy your dog’s sweet tooth? Try dog-safe fruits and veggies like:
Stir up some doggy popsicles with fruit and yogurt, or layer up a yummy molded ice lick for your pup, and throw in lots of fruits and veggies. Pour berry puree into an ice cream maker to mix up some dog-friendly sorbet as a special treat. However, talk to your vet before tossing a marshmallow on top.
It’s always safest to check with your vet before giving your dog new food, or stick with treats made specifically for dogs, Dr. Schmid says. Remember, treats, including dog-safe human foods, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.
If you’re looking for a yummy way to sneak your pooch their medication, you can try pill pockets for dogs. They taste like a treat and have a hollowed-out center for hiding pills.
