Sweets & snacks
Can dogs eat marshmallows?
A plain marshmallow isn’t toxic, but it is pure sugar. Sugar-free marshmallows may contain xylitol, which is very dangerous to dogs.
Why Sugar; xylitol in some sugar-free versions; chocolate coatings
By Maya HartIf your dog 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 on purpose.
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.
Cats In moderation
Not toxic, but sugar and gelatine are of no use to cats and can upset the stomach.
How much: None.
Can cats eat marshmallows?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 dog can have instead
Apples
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Beef
Bell peppers
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Blackberries
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Questions owners ask
Can dogs eat marshmallows?
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 marshmallows can a dog have?
None on purpose.
What makes marshmallows risky for dogs?
Sugar; xylitol in some sugar-free versions; chocolate coatings.
What are the signs to watch for in dogs?
vomiting and diarrhoea, signs of xylitol poisoning: weakness, wobbliness, collapse, choking on large marshmallows.
What should I do if my dog 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 cats too?
Not toxic, but sugar and gelatine are of no use to cats and can upset the stomach.
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
