If you’re asking yourself whether canines can or can’t eat marshmallows, good on you because marshmallows are nothing but sugar, and we should always be wary about giving sugar-filled food to our dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?
The short answer is yes, but its best only in small amounts and infrequently as long they don’t contain Xylitol as this is toxic to dogs.
Are Marshmallows Good for Dogs?
Simply stated just as they are not really good for people they aren’t good for dogs either.
Just because we greatly enjoy them (except for the feeling of guilt after we gulp down a whole bag of ’em), doesn’t necessarily mean that we should be sharing marshmallows with our dogs.
Are Marshmallows Bad For Dogs?
While a marshmallow or two won’t necessarily kill your pooch, it’s best that you stay away from giving them any marshmallows, as there are much better options out there that you could be sharing with your dog and feeding them for a treat.
Marshmallows are not toxic to canines per se, but they contain a ridiculously high amount of sugar which can only spell trouble for their digestive system if over-fed.
The problem I have with recommending or advising against feeding dogs certain people food (or human-manufactured food as in this case) is that people tend to take the recommendation and not apply the “everything in moderation” rule.
If you tell someone that a marshmallow piece won’t really kill their companion and their pup will be fine, they’ll abuse that rule and feed their dog marshmallows one too many times, and that’s exactly what I’m trying to steer people away from.
And, the next thing you know, the pet owner will tell you that they had no idea that the marshmallows contained so much sugar and so many calories while they were feeding Fido the whole bag!
So, it’s best that you don’t make a habit out of feeding your pooch marshmallows in the first place and only stick to the other, healthier options out there to make sure things don’t get out of hand.
But, if your dog ate a couple of marshmallows every now and then, don’t panic, they’ll be fine.
What Do I Do If My Dog Ate Marshmallows?
If you suspect that your pup ate one-too many marshmallows, keep an eye on them for adverse reactions such as vomiting and diarrhea.
If you notice that their condition is getting worse with the aforementioned effects (or others), then you have to get them checked by your veterinarian, or take them to the nearest emergency animal care center.
If your dog only ate a couple of marshmallows, then chances are you don’t have much to worry about and your dog will not be hurt by them.
Just make sure to not let it happen again without your supervision!
Marshmallows And Medication
Just the other day, someone online was advising another person to hide their pooch’s medication inside a marshmallow and give it to them to consume, arguing that this way the dog will take the medication without resisting much.
Since isn’t good for your dog and since marshmallows are processed & full of sugar this isn’t good for your dog. It may not be toxic unless it has Xylitol in it but this isn’t a great alternative to entice your dog to take medicine.
Why do it with a marshmallow when you can wrap up your dog’s medication with something much healthier and natural like peanut butter?
Peanut butter, on the other hand, is completely natural and available in sugar-free varieties.
Which would you logically prefer to have wrapped around Fido’s medications? I know which one I would prefer, and that’s peanut butter, hands down!
Check out this video to learn more ways to safely give your dog a pill!
What About The Occasional Marshmallow?
Again, one or two marshmallows once in a blue moon won’t do any harm to your canine.
It’s just that many people tend to get carried away and feed their pup way too many marshmallows once they hear this fact, so this is something we don’t want to happen.
A Note About Placement
Often times, and as happens with many foods and medicine, your pooch can easily get hold of a bag of marshmallows, rip its way into it and eat the whole thing in an instant if you haven’t hid it properly and made it hard for them to get to.
In this case, and given the large amounts of sugar present in marshmallows, your dog will start to get loose stool and vomit in an attempt from its system to get rid of the sugar surge that just made its way in.
If consumed in large quantities we recommend you contact your Vet immediately.
but what will 3 marshmellows do to dogs that are 1/2
i mean nearly 2
The most important thing is to be careful and watchful. Sugar Free Marshmallows are a big no no, but many folks have not had issues with moderate amounts of normal marshmallows. That said it doesn’t mean they are good for your dog either.
Be careful of sugar free peanut butter……some brands have zylitol in them which is very toxic to dogs.
Great Point – red flags should go up anytime you see something sugar free.
i found my self playing with my puppy thats like a few months old or some weeks? and then noticed he started vomiting two times then noticed a half bitten color pencil and marshmellow. the next day he was not good at all when my sister woke me up only to find my dog very sick on the sofa witch my brother saw him like that on the grass. until some hours of sleep he felt much better and to midnight he was like as healthy as he can ever be. I am curious since hes only a puppy and got sick so early.. still im making money to get him to be checked.
Sorry to hear that glad you are taking good care of him.
You are ignoring the very IMPORTANT FACT that marshmallows are hypo allergenic treats for dogs with severe allergies who can only eat their dietary kibble prescribed by a vet such as mine. Although I agree people may take it too far and it is not good, my dog is perfectly healthy and gets checked multiple times a year while still receiving the occasional marshmallow as a treat. I break one giant marshmallow down into 4 little pieces and give him one at a time throughout the day if he deserves some treats. You need to consider all types of dogs. This allergy affects almost half of dogs out there and for some like mine, not even special hypo treats made by companies stop the itching or rashes that can occur. While marshmallow has not affected his body in any way like all the other possibilities we tried.
Thank you. My dog is getting leary of pnut butter for his meds. Marshmallow for a short time should be fine. They recommended sugar free? Ugh. Dont give dogs sugar free anything! Its not even ok for us, why them then.
Who recommended sugar free? You are right stay away from sugar free
You’re right in moderation for most it won’t be an issue use reason and judgement and consult your vet with specifics.
Our dog turns his nose away from peanut butter, in fact we can only get medication in him via a marshmallow! He needs it twice a day, so it’s easier to pre-load the medication, (one and a half pills) that will not melt and taste bitter, as it would in a moist alternative, such as hotdogs or cheese.
We know that sugary snacks can lead to a dog not wanting to eat his food, BUT he eats top of the line dog food and has 2 milkbones daily.
If only he did not have a skin issue that makes him scratch!!!
Thanks for sharing
I gave my dog 5 marshmallows is that ok?
My dog just ate the entire bag of the big marshmallows. Is that bad?
I would check in with your Vet ASAP if your dog ate a whole bag.
The end makes it sound like they poop and vomit to avoid a sugar rush. Kinda cool! Imagine if kids did that instead of getting so hyperactive.
Well some owners have to deal with what I do! My dog hates peanut butter!!