Can I give my dog marshmallows?

Marshmallows may seem like a great bite-sized treat for a pet dog, but consider that this processed product contains too much sugar. That’s not the only reason to rule out sharing with Fido!

Feeding questionable foods, such as marshmallows, to your dog is not only unhealthy but doing so can also lead to a difficult to break begging problem. If giving a small amount, be sure it’s a one-off event and not on a regular basis.

Some owners use marshmallows to hide medications for easier canine consumption. That may be fine but if your dog is taking meds every day then you may need to reconsider. Try to limit this highly processed food.

Video: How to Stalk a Marshmallow

Can I Give My Dog Marshmallows? Answer: Not regularly

A few here and there is fine but don’t make a habit of it.

If your dog got into a bag of marshmallows, and went to town on them, diarrhea and perhaps some vomiting are possible. Lots of dogs are not able to process all of that sugar all at once.

How Marshmallows are Made

Marshmallows consist of sugar, more sugar, gelatin, and some artificial flavors and colors. There’s nothing natural about them, including the sugar that’s used. It’s been refined and is more chemical than natural ingredient anymore. This means that it’s definitely not something your dog would encounter out on their own if they weren’t living with you.

Video: my dog eating marshmallows

Their bodies are used to getting meat, and they wouldn’t be known to consume mass quantities of sugar, especially not in a potent form like this. That’s why it’s best to go easy on the marshmallows if you do decide to give them to your dog.

Using Marshmallows for Pills

A lot of dog owners report hiding pills in a marshmallow so they’ll take them. A good piece of advice is not to use the whole marshmallow for this task, especially if you’re talking about the jumbo sized marshmallows. A tiny marshmallow is a better choice, and the jumbo sized ones could pose a choking hazard for some dogs, especially the smaller breeds.

They’re Not a Healthy Choice

Because of all of the sugar they contain, most owners know that this isn’t a treat that is going to do their dog any favors. You have to take into consideration your dog’s health every time they eat, whether it’s a treat, or it’s their meal. Bad habits have a way of sneaking up on you, and if you start getting into the habit of tossing them foods that you’re eating, it could lead to health complications later in life.

It’s best to feed them a daily diet of high quality dog food, supplemented every now and then with a formulated dog treat that gives them even more nutrients.

Much Better Ideas for Treats

You can get Greenies treats so that your dog is getting a bit of nutrition along with their special snack. They also make treats specifically for the purpose of hiding pills in them, so you might want to consider those as well. Many dog treats out there also act to freshen breath, or scrape their teeth so they don’t get tartar build up. These all represent better options than a sugary filled snack for your dog like marshmallows.

Conclusion on Marshmallows

As time goes by you’ll have to decide for yourself what type of foods you’re going to give your dog. Some owners are very strict, and others very lax. Only giving your dog foods that they’re able to digest well, and that serve some benefit to their overall health and well-being.

You also have to consider your breed of dog, their age, and their previous medical history when thinking of what’s okay to give them and what isn’t.

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