Sweets & snacks
Can cats eat marshmallows?
Not toxic, but sugar and gelatine are of no use to cats and can upset the stomach.
Why Sugar; xylitol in some sugar-free versions; chocolate coatings
By Maya HartIf your cat ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
- If the marshmallows were sugar-free or chocolate-covered, call your vet straight away.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Signs of xylitol poisoning: weakness, wobbliness, collapse
- Choking on large marshmallows
How much, how often
None.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Check labels for xylitol (birch sugar)
- Keep campfire treats out of reach
- Watch for skewers
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
A plain marshmallow isn’t toxic, but it is pure sugar. Sugar-free marshmallows may contain xylitol, which is very dangerous to dogs.
How much: None on purpose.
Can dogs eat marshmallows?Cats In moderation
Not toxic, but sugar and gelatine are of no use to cats and can upset the stomach.
How much: None.
The details
Marshmallows are often used to hide tablets, and a single plain one is unlikely to hurt a dog. The concern is sugar-free versions — xylitol can drop a dog’s blood sugar within half an hour — and chocolate-coated marshmallows. At campfires, the sharp skewers are another danger.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat marshmallows?
Not toxic, but sugar and gelatine are of no use to cats and can upset the stomach.
How much marshmallows can a cat have?
None.
What makes marshmallows risky for cats?
Sugar; xylitol in some sugar-free versions; chocolate coatings.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
vomiting and diarrhoea, signs of xylitol poisoning: weakness, wobbliness, collapse, choking on large marshmallows.
What should I do if my cat ate marshmallows?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell. If the marshmallows were sugar-free or chocolate-covered, call your vet straight away.
Is marshmallows safe for dogs too?
A plain marshmallow isn’t toxic, but it is pure sugar. Sugar-free marshmallows may contain xylitol, which is very dangerous to dogs.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
