Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows in Granger, IN?

It is no secret that dogs love to eat human food. Many people share a lot of their food with their dog, even though they know that this is not a good idea for their dog’s overall well-being. There are some foods that dogs can share with their human family, but overall, many human foods are not good for a dog’s well-being.

One of the most common questions that people have when they get a dog is if their dog can eat marshmallows. While most people know that dogs can’t have chocolate, there is less information out there about whether dogs can eat other kinds of sweets. As a good rule of thumb, your dog should never eat marshmallows, and we will talk about the reasons that this is the case.

Why Can’t Dogs Eat Marshmallows?

There are a few different reasons why it is best to keep marshmallows away from your dog.

They Contain Xylitol

The main reason that dogs cannot eat marshmallows safely is that many of these products have Xylitol in them. This is an artificial sweetener that is very deadly to dogs. Even a small amount of Xylitol can cause a dog to die. Other artificial sweeteners and sugars can also be bad for your dog, and you should be sure that you are not exposing your dog to the risk of ingesting these chemicals either.

There is No Nutritional Value

If you are able to find marshmallows that have been sweetened without the use of artificial sweeteners, you will still need to remember that there is no real nutritional value in marshmallows. These are just little sugary puffs that offer no value to a dog when it comes to diet. Additionally, even if you have found marshmallows that do not have any toxic ingredients in them, the sudden spike that marshmallows can cause to your dog’s blood sugar can be very hard on their health.

Could Cause Possible Health Problems

Dogs who eat a lot of sugar can end up with diabetes, metabolic problems, or even something more severe like pancreatitis. There are other health risks that can crop up related to dogs ingesting a lot of sugar as well, and your veterinarian can help you to learn more about the various kinds of long-term health issues that can be caused by providing your dog with too much sugar every day.

What Do I Do if My Dog Eats Marshmallows?

If your dog does eat a marshmallow, you can follow these steps:

Check for Xylitol

If your dog has eaten marshmallows, you need to look at the packaging right away to see if there are artificial sweeteners in the marshmallow that they have eaten. You will then need to call your vet to let them know that you are bringing in a pet that has ingested Xylitol and that the pet will need immediate care. Taking your dog to the vet before the onset of symptoms is key for making sure that they are going to be okay.

If the Marshmallow Does Not Have Xylitol

If the marshmallows that your dog has eaten do not have artificial sweeteners in them, you will still need to consider if your dog needs to see the vet. Things like severe digestive upset or pancreatitis can happen just from eating a few marshmallows, even if they have been sweetened with real sugar.

If Your Dog is Not Sensitive to Marshmallows 

Some pet owners with big dogs might believe that their specific pet does not have a sensitivity to the chemicals in marshmallows. They might believe this because they have been allowing their dog to eat their marshmallows on a regular basis without noticing any health issues in the pet. However, your pet can still suffer from eating these kinds of foods, even if there is no acute reaction that you notice related to your dog consuming marshmallows or other candy.

What Are Some Better Treat Options for Dogs?

Dog owners should remember that dogs never need to consume human food to be healthy. In most cases, the opposite is true. You can provide your dog with treats that are made specifically for dogs, or you can give them carrots, veggies, blueberries, or other fruit. Make sure that you do not feed pet-safe treats in excess either, as this can lead to weight gain that is bad for your dog’s health.

Dogs can be motivated to learn tricks and spend time with their humans with simple praise. You do not need to allow your dog to snack on all the foods that you eat or beg for treats all day. Being clear about the use of treats in your home and the management of your dog’s access to foods that are not ideal for their health can ensure that your dog lives a longer and healthier life. While it can seem fun and rewarding to provide your dog with a treat each time they ask for one, there are many reasons that this is not the right way to handle rewarding your dog for good or loving behavior.

Dogs Should Not Eat Marshmallows

While your dog might not get sick from eating sugary foods like marshmallows if they do not have Xylitol in them, you should still avoid feeding your canine companion any food products that are intended for humans. These kinds of foods often have chemicals and preservatives in them that are not good for your dog and can cause your pet to suffer from long-term health issues. Feeding your dog the right kind of treats and in the right amount can help prevent a wide array of health issues that might be linked to coming into contact with human foods.

Dogs love to beg, but it is your job as a dog owner to resist the urge to feed your dog human food. Many people food items are not ideal for your pet to ingest. Marshmallows almost always contain toxic substances that your pet should not ingest, and the added sugar contained inside of them could also be bad for their GI tract and their pancreas. Make sure to have dog-safe treats in the house for when you want to work on skills and tricks with your pet and be sure that you are not sharing all of your personal food with your pet, even if they beg to have some.

Did your dog eat a marshmallow, or you have questions about your dog’s nutrition? Give Kryder + Harr Veterinary Clinic a call at (574) 277-6533!