Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?

Marshmallows are the go-to snack when you're at home just being a couch potato. And marshmallows toasted over a campfire are irresistibly gooey and warm, their caramelized outer layer pairing perfectly with the soft, melty interior. This delightful treat, with its sweet, comforting flavor, brings a touch of magic to any gathering. But, can dogs eat marshmallows? In this article, we show you the risks of feeding your dogs marshmallows.

While marshmallows appeal to our human taste buds, it's not the case with dogs. Marshmallows are toxic for dogs as they're made with harmful ingredients. Xylitol, a key ingredient in marshmallows, is fatal to dogs even in the tiniest amount. 

Marshmallows also have a high sugar content that's unhealthy for dogs. Excess sugar can lead to health complications for your dog. It can lead to diabetes, obesity, and pancreatitis.

Are Marshmallows Bad for Dogs?

Dogs and marshmallows are like strange bedfellows, it's not a good combination. Whether your dog has a sweet tooth or not, don't feed them marshmallows. 

Although an occasional plain marshmallow won't hurt your dog, resist the urge to give them to your furry friend.

Marshmallows contain toxic ingredients for dogs. These ingredients include artificial sweeteners, gelatin, corn syrup, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. These ingredients will cause an upset stomach for your dog and other fatal results like seizures.

Also, marshmallows have no nutritional value to your dog, as they consist of sugar for 60%. All these calories and sugars won't do any good to your dog.

While dogs can get nutrients from other foods like grains and vegetables, their core diet should strictly be meat and animal products. Sugar and confectionery snacks will only result in extra calories and dental cavities. These are unhealthy and put your dog at a higher risk of health issues. Always read the labels and ingredients and avoid products with toxic ingredients. 

Artificial Sweeteners in Marshmallows 

Marshmallows use xylitol, an artificial sugar as one of its key ingredients. Xylitol is toxic to dogs, so dangerous that if your dog ingests even the smallest amount, the results can be fatal.

Ingestion of xylitol can result in seizures, extremely low blood sugar, and death if your dog doesn't get immediate medical attention. Also, in the long term, xylitol will affect your dog's liver.

The excess sugar and calories in marshmallows can worsen the health situation for obese and diabetic dogs.

Other Risks of Feeding Marshmallows to Dogs

Some varieties of marshmallows don't use xylitol. Although your dog may eat this type, give them in small quantities.

The other risks of feeding marshmallows to dogs are:

Stomach Problems

If your dog eats too many marshmallows, it will result in stomach problems. You'll notice signs like diarrhea, loss of appetite, and vomiting. If you see these signs, talk to your veterinarian.

Choking Hazard

Marshmallows can be a choking hazard to your dog and result in digestive blockage.

Health Complications

Marshmallows put your dog at risk of developing diabetes, obesity, and dental issues.

Steps to Take If Your Dog Eats Marshmallows 

If your dog eats the xylitol-free marshmallows and has stomach problems, your vet will advise you whether to bring your dog for further examination or not. 

In the majority of such cases, the vet will advise you to monitor your dog at home. This is because often, the symptoms go away after some time. 

However, you'll need to take your dog to the clinic if the symptoms become severe and persist over some time.

If your dog eats marshmallows containing xylitol, you must take them to the clinic immediately. If you're unable to take them immediately, your vet will guide you on how to induce vomiting. This is necessary to save your dog's life. Once you induce vomiting, you must take your dog to the clinic for professional observation.

Conclusion

The verdict is clear. Can dogs eat marshmallows? No. They are toxic for dogs and have no nutritional value to them.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can dogs have jello?

No, they can’t. Jello is unhealthy for dogs and affects their digestive system.

Can dogs have vanilla extract?

No, they can’t. Vanilla extract contains alcohol that's toxic to dogs.

Can dogs taste sugar?

Yes, they can. The natural sugar found in fruits is good for dogs. But, artificial sugars are harmful to dogs.