Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?
Marshmallows are one of those foods that’s difficult to resist — and it’s almost impossible to have just one. But, can dogs eat marshmallows? The simple answer is no. While not all marshmallows are dangerous to dogs, they’re not good for your dog either.
Constructed from sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and vanilla extract, and sprinkled with cornstarch or confectioner’s sugar, marshmallows have very little, if any, nutritional value or health benefit.
Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows? Are dogs allowed to eat marshmallows? While such sweet treats can look harmless in appearance and are non-toxic for dogs to consume in the sense that they are not poisonous, it is best to keep your dog away from marshmallows. Some marshmallows have xylitol, among other such additives, which are toxic to dogs, so best to just keep this sweet snack out of reach. Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?
We spoke with experts regarding the danger of feeding your dog marshmallows and what other safe dog treats they would recommend.
Are Marshmallows Safe for Dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows? Although dogs can actually consume marshmallows, it is not usually advisable because there are many risks and hazards in feeding them that way. “Marshmallows contain no noteworthy nutritional value for dogs because they are exceptionally high in sugar and contain very little other nutrient material,” according to Danielle Adams, DVM, associate veterinarian at VCA Firehouse Animal Hospital. Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?
And if your dog does manage to get his paws on a marshmallow one time, or if you do give your dog one (xylitol-free) from time to time, it probably won’t kill your dog too badly, says Sara Ochoa, DVM, co-founder of How To Pets. But the dangers of dogs eating marshmallows far exceed the benefits.
If your dog does consume marshmallows, they can become obese, can be a choking risk, and suffer from xylitol poisoning,” explains Grant Little, DVM, and JustAnswer Veterinarian Expert. Dogs should not consume sugar on a regular basis because it cannot be metabolically digested in their digestive system and will result in obesity, stomach upset, and even allergy.
Just like in humans, excess sugar ingested by canines can also result in health problems, such as diabetes or pancreatitis, says Anna Kaufman, DVM, a vet at Bond Vet. Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?
Artificial Sweeteners in Marshmallows
Dr. Carly Fox, an attending physician at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, explains that if the marshmallow contains xylitol (an artificial sweetener), it’s poisonous to your dog and can be detrimental to them, even if in small amounts. “Xylitol can lead to dangerously low blood sugar, causing seizures and even death if the dog does not receive prompt intervention,” says Dr. Fox. “It has also been proven to poison the liver, even days later.”
Marshmallows are full of so much sugar and calories. So they’re particularly toxic to any dog with diabetes or obesity issues. Even for a healthy dog, consuming sweet food will lead to obesity, which is the reason that will trigger diabetes because of insulin resistance. Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?
Can they make your dog ill?
Yes, it is most likely to give your dog a stomachache if it eats too many marshmallows (one will likely be okay). One real risk, though, is that if the marshmallows have artificial sweeteners, e.g., Xylitol (found in sugar-free marshmallows, e.g.). That is extremely toxic to dogs and even lethal by causing a sugar drop which may result in liver failure. Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?
When to go to the vet
If the marshmallows your dog has consumed have Xylitol in them, get them to a vet immediately. If your dog has ingested a small amount of marshmallows and they seem to have a tummy strain, rubbishy diarrhoea, are sick or otherwise acting out of sorts, definitely get some advice from a vet. Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?
Are There Any Safe Marshmallows for Dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows? Although there are marshmallows that do not contain artificial sweeteners and may be less poisonous, they are by no means safe dog treats. Marshmallows, sweetener or not, are filled with sugar, which you should never use to treat your pet. Even if your pet eats marshmallows with no added artificial sweeteners, be careful because the high sugar content will induce stomach upset, pancreatitis, and vomiting.
If your dog vomits persistently after consuming marshmallows, it is important to obtain veterinarian care in good time in order to prevent dehydration and proper treatment for their stomach.
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How To Prevent Your Dog from Eating Marshmallows
Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows? Chances are you’re not sitting down with your dog over a mug of hot cocoa and marshmallows—so if your pup is eating this sweet treat, it’s probably happening in another way to become sick is if it is being left out around the house.
Make sure not to leave bags of marshmallows open or containers of whipped marshmallows out on kitchen counters where dogs have easy access to them. They are also best stored on high shelves or placed in chew-proof containers. If you do have children who enjoy this sweet confection, make sure to emphasize the need to avoid their pets.
Dogs Ought Not Avoid Marshmallows and Treats
Regardless of whether your pet is a human-food-hungry or sweet-toothed animal, it’s crucial to avoid rewarding them with marshmallows or human foods. These treats are the offenders of ghastly health problems like pancreatitis, stomach disorders, obesity, and even canine diabetes. Keep in mind that xylitol is toxic to dogs, so anything containing this man-made sweetener is potentially deadly.
When rewarding your dog, choose treats designed for canine health and check with your veterinarian for the best food and treat options. If your pup happens to eat marshmallows and you’re located in Chicago, IL, contact West Loop Veterinary Care. Our team will provide the proper care to help your dog recover and get back to feeling happy and healthy.
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