Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows? | West Loop Veterinary Care (2024)

Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?

Dogs and human food don’t mix well. While your pup might beg for a taste of your snacks, it’s important to know that many human foods can be harmful to them. Marshmallows, despite their innocent appearance, contain ingredients that can be dangerous for dogs. Let’s dive into the details!

What’s So Bad About Marshmallows for Dogs?

The main issue lies in the sweeteners used to make marshmallows enticing to our taste buds. Xylitol, a common ingredient in marshmallows, is highly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can be life-threatening.

But that’s not all. Marshmallows are loaded with sugar and various chemicals that can lead to pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas. Regular consumption of sugary human foods can also increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other organ-related health problems in dogs.

In fact, marshmallows are one of the worst human foods for dogs because they combine several toxic substances into a small, innocent-looking package. While smaller dogs are more susceptible to falling ill from eating marshmallows, any dog, regardless of size, can face health issues from indulging in this sugary treat.

What Should You Do if Your Dog Eats Marshmallows?

If your dog has ingested marshmallows and you’re unsure about what to do, your first step is to call your veterinarian immediately. Pancreatitis and toxicity are serious and require immediate attention to save your dog’s life. Depending on your proximity to the vet clinic, they may advise you to bring your pet in for prompt examination and treatment.

However, if you’re far from the vet, they may guide you through inducing vomiting safely to buy your pet some time before getting professional help. Be aware of the risk of marshmallow expansion in the stomach, which can cause bloat or choking if the marshmallow expands in the throat. In such cases, it’s crucial to rush your dog to the vet without attempting to induce vomiting yourself. Let the experts handle the situation to prevent unintentional harm to your furry friend.

Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows? | West Loop Veterinary Care (1)

Are There Any Safe Marshmallows for Dogs?

While there are marshmallows available that don’t contain artificial sweeteners and may be less toxic, it doesn’t mean they are safe treats for dogs. Marshmallows, regardless of their sweetener content, are loaded with sugar, which should never be given to your pet. Even if your dog consumes marshmallows without artificial sweeteners, you should still be cautious as the high sugar levels can lead to an upset stomach, pancreatitis, and vomiting.

If your dog vomits multiple times after consuming marshmallows, it’s important to seek veterinary care promptly to prevent dehydration and ensure proper care for their digestive tract.

Dogs Should Steer Clear of Marshmallows and Sweets

Whether your dog has a sweet tooth or a fondness for human food, it’s essential to resist the temptation of giving them marshmallows or other sugary treats. These indulgences can lead to serious health issues such as pancreatitis, upset stomachs, obesity, and diabetes in dogs. Remember, xylitol is toxic to dogs, so any food containing this artificial sweetener is potentially deadly.

To reward your pup, opt for treats specifically made for dogs and consult with your veterinarian for their food and treat recommendations. If your dog has consumed marshmallows and you’re in Chicago, IL, reach out to West Loop Veterinary Care. Our veterinarians will ensure your dog receives the necessary treatment to return to their normal, healthy, and happy self!

Call us today at 312-421-2275 or book an appointment online.

Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows? | West Loop Veterinary Care (2024)

FAQs

Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows? | West Loop Veterinary Care? ›

Marshmallows, regardless of their sweetener content, are loaded with sugar, which should never be given to your pet. Even if your dog consumes marshmallows without artificial sweeteners, you should still be cautious as the high sugar levels can lead to an upset stomach, pancreatitis, and vomiting.

Can a dog eat marshmallows safely? ›

Marshmallows offer no nutritional value to dogs and are very high in sugar, which can lead to diabetes and other health problems. Marshmallows can also be a choking hazard for dogs. It's best to avoid feeding your dog marshmallows altogether and simply choose a healthier treat instead.

What to do if your dog eats a bag of marshmallows? ›

Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog consumes multiple marshmallows. Your vet will most likely choose to induce vomiting if the dog ate the marshmallows within the last couple of hours to prevent prolonged gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, and GI obstruction.

Can dogs eat marshmallow fluff? ›

Yes, dogs can technically eat fluff because it doesn't contain anything that is toxic to dogs. This marshmallow spread just contains corn syrup, sugar, dried egg white, and flavourings - it isn't healthy for your dog to eat, but isn't poisonous either.

Are marshmallows digestible? ›

The Science Behind Marshmallows' Digestibility

Marshmallows are essentially a sugar and gelatin mixture that has been whipped into a fluffy, spongy texture. The high sugar content of marshmallows provides a quick source of energy for the body, while the gelatin has unique properties that make them easy to digest.

What animal loves marshmallows? ›

We saw several alligators and raccoons (who love marshmallows!) and the beauty of the swamp surprised me.

Which marshmallows have xylitol? ›

Regular marshmallows do not contain harmful ingredients, but sugar free and “diet” marshmallows might. These types of marshmallows typically contain Xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, and even just a small amount of this substance can be fatal to dogs as well.

Can a dog eat peeps? ›

Technically, dogs can eat peeps as there is nothing toxic in them. However, they are far from healthy and can cause stomach upsets if consumed in large quantities, so they should not be fed to your dog," the guide writes.

Can dogs eat cheerios? ›

They won't harm your dog, but they don't provide much benefit either. Cheerios are made from mostly whole-grain oats, which provide no essential component of your pet's diet. As a result, mass-produced Cheerio treats function only as filler—they're just empty calories when dogs need a high-energy diet.

What food dogs hate? ›

At the top of the list? Citrus. Most dogs can't stand the taste and smell of oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. Here's why — plus, how to use their dislike of citrus to your advantage.

What foods cause kidney failure in dogs? ›

Grapes & Raisins

Any cookies, cakes or other treats containing grapes or raisins should be kept well away from dogs. Grapes and raisins may cause severe liver damage or even kidney failure in dogs.

What foods must dogs never eat? ›

Toxic food for dogs
  • Onions, garlic and chives. The onion family, whether dry, raw or cooked, is particularly toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage. ...
  • Chocolate. ...
  • Macadamia nuts. ...
  • Corn on the cob. ...
  • Avocado. ...
  • Artificial sweetener (xylitol) ...
  • Alcohol. ...
  • Cooked bones.
May 25, 2023

Can dogs eat Rice Krispie treats with marshmallows? ›

Dogs can have problems eating sugar and sugar products, so it is important to check with the vet if your dog eats a package of Rice Krispie Treats. Rice Krispie treats are a very popular and delicious snack made with sweetened, melted marshmallows and cereal.

Can dogs eat graham crackers and marshmallows? ›

Even the sugar sources in marshmallows can harm dogs. Your pet's metabolism isn't capable of processing such an intense hit of sugar in a healthy way. This brings us to the graham crackers in human s'mores. They're also not recommended for dogs.

Can dogs eat peanut butter? ›

Whether speaking to new or seasoned pet parents, veterinarians are often asked 'can dogs eat peanut butter? ' The good news is that regular peanut butter is safe to give your dog as a treat. Just make sure to avoid peanut butter with Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in lower or sugar-free products.

Why do dogs bury marshmallows? ›

If your dog has something that they think is particularly precious, like an especially delicious or long lasting treat, something they have no intentions of sharing, they may instinctively think that burying it is the best way to keep it safe, so that they can enjoy it later.

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