Are Marshmallows Okay For Dogs To Eat?

Who doesn’t love the cloud-like texture of marshmallows or the oooey-gooey meltiness of a roasted marshmallow? We certainly do. But should we share this with our companions?

Nope. Not at all. They contain way too much sugar for our precious pooches and should be kept away from them. Here’s why:

Dangers of Marshmallows

While you may be fine eating marshmallows, feeding your dog marshmallows regularly can wreak havoc on their health.

For starters, they have no nutritional value and their base ingredients are sugar, water, and gelatin. Dogs are more sensitive to sugar than us, and feeding them too much can cause periodontal disease, diabetes, and obesity!

And sure, there are fat-free and sugar-free options, but these contain a sweeter called xylitol that is toxic to dogs. It is so toxic that small amounts can lead to liver failure, seizure, hypoglycemia, or worse, death.

If your dog has eaten any form of xylitol, he/she may exhibit symptoms such as trembling/shaking, lethargy, jaundice, or indigestion, among others.

My Dog Already Ate It

If your dog has already eaten marshmallows, check the ingredients for xylitol. If it contains this ingredient, contact your vet immediately.

Treatment options may include inducing vomiting depending on how many were eaten and how long ago. If you cannot reach your vet, contact the Pet Poison Hotline (855) 764 7661.

In the meantime, keep a close eye on your dog until help arrives, and keep him/her hydrated. And remember, be more careful when cooking or baking to prevent these types of preventable instances.