Xylitol is one of the main reasons dogs shouldn't eat marshmallows. We've written about peppermint treats and this is the same story, unfortunately. Xylitol is an ingredient that is toxic to dogs and found in sugar-free marshmallows.
If you think your dog might've gotten into a bag of sugar-free marshmallows, the American Kennel Club (AKC) suggests you look out for vomiting, lack of appetite or diarrhea.
Not all marshmallows contain Xylitol but the answer is still "no" given their high amount of sugar.
Can dogs eat marshmallows?
The answer is no but it's not just due to Xylitol as not all marshmallows contain this toxic ingredient.
Look at the ingredients. These are made from sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, vanilla extract and coated with either cornstarch or confectioners' sugar. Any of these ingredients can lead to diabetes and contribute to obesity, which also leads to life-threatening illnesses.
These simple sugars can cause terrible GI upset.
About Xylitol
What is Xylitol? It's the sugar-free sweetener often found in gum and peanut butter. According to the Preventive Vet, Xylitol poisons well over 6,000 dogs each year!
This ingredient is absolutely toxic to your dog and can be extremely harmful, even if ingested in small quantities.
Signs of GI upset
Did you share marshmallows with your dog?
The American Kennel Club tells us that signs you need to watch out for include signs of vomiting, lack of appetite, and diarrhea.
"If those symptoms persist for more than one-to-two days, your dog could also be at risk for pancreatitis. If he's ingested marshmallows containing xylitol, your canine companion could exhibit the above symptoms, as well as ataxia (uncoordinated gait) or seizures."
Editor's Note: Inducing vomiting is NOT always the right thing to do so you need to call your vet first and ask about how best to proceed. Some items will do more harm if they are vomited so be careful!
What other foods are dangerous?
There is also a laundry list of food items in your home that are dangerous for your animals:
- Coffee grounds
- Fatty foods
- Tea
- Chocolate
- Avocados
- Alcohol
- Yeast dough
- Grapes/raisins
- Salt
- Onions
- Garlic
Feed them carrots instead!
Dog owners may not be aware of the danger of Xylitol so never feed your pup from a bag of marshmallows. Always work with your pet store staff on the dog treats that have some nutritional benefits.
You can even feed dog food in a Kong or puzzle toy as a way to reward your dog. Skip the occasional marshmallow, as there aren't any health benefits.
The side effects of feeding sugary treats can put your dog in the vet hospital. Even mini-marshmallows can cause gastrointestinal issues. The sugar content alone is horrible for your dog's health.
Please leave us a comment, if there is something we missed on this list.
