Marshmallows are a very delicious treat that many of us love to eat. We like to share our treats with our puppies. But can dogs eat marshmallows? The answer is ‘no’, dogs cannot eat marshmallows.
Marshmallows are usually made with sugar, gelatin, corn syrup, modified cornstarch which is very dangerous for a dog’s health. They contain high amounts of sugar and calories, which can cause your dog health problems such as diabetes, weight problems, etc. You may have many questions now. I assure you if you read this article, you will definitely get the full idea about why marshmallows are bad for your dog.
Table of Contents
- Why Are Marshmallows Bad for Dogs?
- Diabetes:
- Obesity:
- What Should You Do If Your Dog Ate Marshmallows?
- Do Marshmallows Have any Nutritional Value?
- How Do You Know if Your Dog Has Eaten a Lot of Marshmallows:
- Can Dogs Eat Lucky Charms Marshmallows:
- Can Dogs Eat Chocolate-cover Marshmallows:
- Beneficial Sweet Snacks for Dogs:
- FAQs:
- Can dogs eat homemade/commercial marshmallows?
- What types of marshmallows are safe for dogs?
- Can Dogs Eat Sugar-Free Marshmallows?
- When Are Marshmallows Bad For Dogs?
- What happens if a dog eats marshmallows?
- Can marshmallows kill dogs?
- Is there xylitol in marshmallows?
- How many marshmallows can a dog have?
- How To Prepare Marshmallows For Dogs?
Why Are Marshmallows Bad for Dogs?
Marshmallows usually contain a lot of sugar(60%), water, and starch. They have other ingredients like gelatin, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. All of the ingredients sound delicious! They are very fun to eat but you have to remember that marshmallows are junk food and they carry very few nutrients.
According to veterinarians, too many sweet foods are very harmful to the health of dogs. Because of eating marshmallows, dogs suffer from gastrointestinal upset like lack of appetite, stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, pancreatitis. Since marshmallows are high in calories and sugar, the following problems are more observed as a result of eating these:
Diabetes:
Diabetes is caused due to insulin resistance in the body and excess sugar causes this disease. Marshmallows are one of these foods that have a lot of sweetness. They contain 60% sugar and this amount is not only harmful to dogs but also humans. So, feeding these foods can make your dog suffer from diabetes. Some following problems can occur due to diabetes:
- Frequent urination
- Infections
- Blindness
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Early death
Obesity:
As marshmallows contain high calories, they can cause obesity in your dog. Obesity is a big problem for many dogs. It can shorten their lifespan and lead to a difficult life.
These are the complications that occur due to obesity:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Coronary illness
- Arthritis
- Hypertension
- A few types of cancer
- Urinary bladder stones.
- Immune dysfunction
- Lung disorders
What about sugar-free or fat-free marshmallows, you ask?
Because these types of marshmallows contain an ingredient called xylitol, these types of marshmallows are extremely dangerous for dogs.
Xylitol is an artificial sugar that is very harmful and poisonous to a dog’s health. Even, a small amount of xylitol can also cause a lot of problems. Eating it regularly can lead to death.
Your dog may face the following problems for eating marshmallows with xylitol:
- Liver failure
- Seizures
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Jaundice or trembling
- Indigestion
- Tremors
- Early death
For these reasons, dogs should not eat marshmallows. Feeding them one or two is not a problem but it is better not to give them any at all.
If you find out that your dog has eaten marshmallows that contain xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Ate Marshmallows?
What should you do if your puppy ate marshmallows? You can follow these tips:
- If you find that your dog has eaten just one marshmallow containing Xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately. The smallest amount of Xylitol can cause serious harm. Therefore, contact your vet as soon as possible. They will watch your dog closely and will administer necessary treatment
- Marshmallows that do not contain xylitol are okay if your puppy eats one or two. But it is not ok if he eats the whole bag. Never keep the whole bag of marshmallows where your dog may have access to them. If you notice any of these symptoms in him, take him to your vet for treatment immediately:
- If you cannot contact your vet for any reason, or he is unavailable, then call the Pet Poison Helpline[(855) 764-7661] without delay. They can provide some solutions depending on your dog’s condition and symptoms.
As a dog owner, you have many responsibilies for the good-health of
your puppy. Research which foods are good for your dog and which foods are harmful. There are many foods that are nutritious and very healthy for dogs. Try to feed your dog nutritious foods. We all want a healthy and happy dog.
Do Marshmallows Have any Nutritional Value?
While marshmallows are very tasty, they have no nutrients. Marshmallows contain 60% sugar and only 2% protein. 2/3 cup of marshmallow contains 100% calories, 97% of which comes from sugar and starch, and the remaining 3% from protein. We can see how unhelathy these are for dogs and the human body.
How Do You Know if Your Dog Has Eaten a Lot of Marshmallows:
If your dog eats a lot of marshmallows, the symptoms will gradually show. As soon as you see the signs, take him to your vet. But eating marshmallows with xylitol is a big concern. These will cause certain symptoms in your dog such as vomiting, lethargy, tremors, seizures, low blood sugar, right away. Contact your vet as soon as possible.
Can Dogs Eat Lucky Charms Marshmallows:
Maybe. Actually lucky charms are safe for puppies but they don’t any healthy or nutritious value. They are usually made with refrain grains containing a lot of calories and aren’t essential for dogs’ bodies. Lucky Charms also contain sugar and preservatives which increase your dog’s weight. However, feeding a small amount of Lucky Charms marshmallows will not be a problem, as it is not harmful to your dog. Veterinarians usually suggest not feeding these.
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate-cover Marshmallows:
No, dogs can not eat chocolate-covered marshmallows. Chocolate is very harmful to dogs. Chocolate contains a substance called methylxanthines which is very poisonous to a dog. It closes the metabolism of dogs. Dark chocolate is the most deadly because it contains high amounts of caffeine. A small amount has a detrimental effect like vomiting, diarrhea. So, always keep your dog away from chocolate-cover marshmallows and chocolate.
Beneficial Sweet Snacks for Dogs:
You may want to give your dog sweet treats or your dog may like sweets. There are many healthy sweet snacks you can feed your puppy and these are also very beneficial for his health. Below are the names of some of great healthy snacks for your dog:
Apples: Apples are one of the best sweet snacks for dogs. Apples contain a lot of fiber and vitamins (A & C). They also provide calcium that helps the formation of your dog’s bones and teeth. One apple a day is very beneficial for the health of your puppy. When cutting apples, be sure to remove the seeds and core.
Watermelon: Watermelon is a very tasty and healthy fruit. It contains 92% water which keeps your puppy hydrated in summer. It also carries potassium, magnesium, beta-carotene, vitamin A, C, and B6. Because of being a low-calorie fruit, watermelon helps to maintain your dog’s weight. Remove the seeds and rind when cutting them.
Mangoes: Mangoes are very nutritious snacks for canines. They are packed with vitamins(A, B6, C, E), antioxidants, dietary fiber, and potassium. Your dog will love these as a treat too.
Sweet potatoes: Another sweet snack for dogs is sweet potato. Sweet potato contains lots of vitamins, minerals, beta-carotene, and fiber. All of these things are very essential to your dog’s body. You can simply steam or boil the potatoes and serve. Never serve raw.
Strawberries: Strawberries are an extraordinary source of vitamin C, and fiber, which helps with resistance. Many dogs love to eat them. They contain more sugar, so it is better to feed in moderation.
Pro Tips: Are you looking for the best vegetables for your beloved dog? These dog-friendly vegetables will surely help you to keep your dog healthy fit.
FAQs:
Can dogs eat homemade/commercial marshmallows?
Marshmallows are usually two types, homemade and commercial marshmallows. Mostly, both types of marshmallows are the same and carry the same ingredients. Basically, commercial marshmallows contain xylitol, and we know that how deadly is xylitol for dogs. So, dogs should not eat commercial marshmallows.
On the other hand, dogs shouldn’t eat homemade marshmallows so that they can safe from some diseases like diabetes, obesity, sugar surge. It’s better not to give your dog any kind of marshmallows.
What types of marshmallows are safe for dogs?
Marshmallows of any type are not safe for dogs. The more your dog stays away from the marshmallows, the better for him. Some marshmallows are so toxic that they can kill your puppy.
Can Dogs Eat Sugar-Free Marshmallows?
Absolutely not. Never feed your dog sugar-free marshmallows. Sugar-free marshmallows contain an artificial sugar called xylitol which is too much toxic for canines. Even small amounts of it can kill your dog. Always make sure that your dog doesn’t eat sugar-free marshmallows. If he ever eats by mistake, take him to the veterinarian very quickly.
When Are Marshmallows Bad For Dogs?
We know that marshmallows are very harmful to our dogs if they are sugar-free because they contain xylitol. The marshmallows that contain sugar are harmful to dogs, but eating 1-2 pieces is not a problem. However, eating too much will cause various problems.
What happens if a dog eats marshmallows?
Marshmallows are not safe for dogs. If a dog eats marshmallows, he can face various problems such as stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, diabetes, obesity, etc. These make their survival miserable.
Can marshmallows kill dogs?
Sugar-free marshmallows have an ingredient called xylitol and this artificial sugar is very poisonous for dog’s health. Even a small amount of it can cause serious damage to your dog’s stomach. Hypoglycemia is the first sign of eating marshmallows with xylitol which can kill a dog in an hour.
Is there xylitol in marshmallows?
If the marshmallows are sugar-free, there have a high amount of xylitol. Xylitol is known as an artificial sugar that is very toxic. But if the marshmallows are not sugar-free, they do not contain xylitol. Then it is not so risky to feed your dog one or two pieces.
How many marshmallows can a dog have?
As we mentioned earlier, dogs can eat only xylitol-free marshmallows(1 or 2 pieces). Your dog’s daily caloric intake should be 10% of the treats you give him. So, a dog should not eat more than one or two marshmallows.
How To Prepare Marshmallows For Dogs?
You may occasionally want to feed your dog marshmallows. You want to feed your dog marshmallows without any negativity. For this, the marshmallow you make must be sugar-free and xylitol-free. Just use gelatin, honey, and water and make marshmallow peeps for your puppy. It’s safe for him but feed in moderation.
Recommended Article:
