Written by

Tara Farmer

May 9, 2025

Edited by

Jennifer Carlson

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Can dogs have marshmallows?

If you've ever enjoyed marshmallows around the campfire or as a hot cocoa topper, you might have wondered if your dog can join in on the fun. The short answer is no—dogs should not eat marshmallows. While not all marshmallows are toxic, they offer no nutritional value and can pose serious health risks, especially if they contain ingredients like xylitol.

Are marshmallows bad for dogs?

Yes, marshmallows are bad for dogs for several reasons:

High sugar content

Marshmallows are primarily made of sugar, which isn't good for dogs. Too much sugar can lead to:

• Weight gain and obesity

• Dental problems like tooth decay

• Potential development of diabetes

• Digestive upset, including vomiting and diarrhea

Xylitol danger

Some sugar-free marshmallows contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. Always check the ingredients list, as xylitol has different names, including "birch sugar" or "wood sugar." Even small amounts of xylitol can cause:

• Rapid insulin release leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

• Liver failure

• Seizures

• Death if not treated immediately

Even if the marshmallows don't contain xylitol, eating several can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, dogs may develop pancreatitis, a painful and serious inflammation of the pancreas.

Choking hazard

The sticky, gummy texture of marshmallows poses a choking risk, especially for small dogs. Their chewy consistency can get stuck in your dog's throat or create an intestinal blockage if swallowed in large chunks. Always keep marshmallows secured in a location that is out of your pup's reach.

Artificial ingredients

Most commercial marshmallows contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives that may cause allergic reactions or digestive issues in some dogs. Between the extremely high sugar content and artificial ingredients, marshmallows offer no health benefits to dogs.

What to do if your dog eats marshmallow

If your dog has snagged a regular marshmallow without xylitol, monitor them closely for any unusual behavior. A single plain marshmallow will likely just cause mild digestive upset in most dogs.

However, if your dog consumes sugar-free marshmallows or a large quantity of regular marshmallows, take these steps immediately:

1. Check the package ingredients to determine if xylitol is present.

2. If xylitol is present, this is an EMERGENCY—contact your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately.

3. Watch for symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, difficulty walking, or unusual behavior.

4. Keep the packaging to show your vet exactly what your dog consumed.

5. Don't induce vomiting unless directed to do so by a veterinary professional.

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning can develop within 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion, so quick action is essential.

Safer alternative treats for dogs

While the occasional tiny piece of a regular marshmallow might not be immediately dangerous, there's simply no good reason to feed marshmallows to your dog. The potential risks—especially from sugar-free varieties containing xylitol—far outweigh any momentary pleasure your dog might get.

Instead of marshmallows, treat your dog to these healthier alternatives:

• Fruits that are safe for dogs:

  • Apple slices (no seeds)

  • Blueberries

  • Frozen banana slices

  • Watermelon chunks (no seeds or rind)

• Vegetables dogs can eat:

  • Carrots

  • Cucumber slices

  • Green beans

  • Small pieces of sweet potato (cooked)

• Commercial dog treats:

  • Dental chews that help clean teeth

  • Freeze-dried meat treats with minimal ingredients

  • Training treats that are low in calories

• Homemade options:

  • Dehydrated sweet potato slices

  • Frozen plain yogurt drops (use yogurt without xylitol)

  • Plain, air-popped popcorn (no salt or butter)

Your dog will be just as happy with these safer alternatives, and you'll have peace of mind knowing you're making the best choice for your furry friend's health and wellbeing.

Remember, when it comes to treats of any kind, moderation is key. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake to maintain a healthy, balanced diet.