Reviewed by Renee Schmid DVM, DABT, DABVT · Last updated: October 2026

Can dogs have marshmallows? No, marshmallows aren’t a safe treat for dogs. Marshmallows are made almost entirely of sugar, which can upset your dog’s stomach. Sugar-free marshmallows may also contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.

If your dog got into marshmallows, call Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or your veterinarian. Our veterinary toxicology experts are available 24/7.

Never induce vomiting at home without guidance from a trusted veterinary professional.

If the marshmallows were sugar-free, or you can’t confirm they’re xylitol-free, call right away. Xylitol can affect dogs quickly, so early guidance matters.

Are Marshmallows Bad for Dogs?

Yes, marshmallows are bad for dogs, even though plain marshmallows aren’t considered toxic. Marshmallows are typically made from sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, cornstarch, and flavorings. They offer no nutritional value for dogs, and the high sugar content can cause stomach upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

The bigger concerns come from what a marshmallow may contain or be paired with. Sugar-free marshmallows may contain xylitol. Many marshmallow treats also include chocolate, cocoa, nuts, or butter, and each of these ingredients brings its own risks.

A helpful way to think about marshmallows: they aren’t toxic on their own, but they aren’t a treat to share with your dog.

Sugar-Free Marshmallows and Xylitol

Xylitol is the most important ingredient to check for when a dog gets into marshmallows. Some sugar-free, keto, or low-sugar marshmallows are sweetened with xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs.

In dogs, xylitol triggers a rapid release of insulin. This can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar, sometimes in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. In rare cases, signs may not begin until many hours later.

Larger amounts of xylitol can also cause liver failure. Signs of xylitol poisoning can include:

• Vomiting
• Weakness or lethargy (unusual tiredness)
• Stumbling or lack of coordination
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Collapse

Do all marshmallows contain xylitol? No, not all marshmallows contain xylitol. However, it’s best not to assume any bag is xylitol-free without reading the label. Ingredients vary between products, and different flavors from the same brand can contain different ingredients.

On the ingredient list, look for “xylitol,” “birch sugar,” or “wood sugar.” Take extra care with any product labeled sugar-free, no sugar added, or keto.

If your dog ate a marshmallow that contains xylitol, or you aren’t sure, call Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 right away. We recommend calling before symptoms appear, because xylitol can act quickly. Learn more about xylitol poisoning in dogs.

Does It Matter How Many Marshmallows My Dog Ate?

Yes, the number of marshmallows your dog ate matters, but the amount is only one piece of the picture. Several factors shape how a dog may react, such as:

• The type of marshmallow, especially sugar-free versions that may contain xylitol
• How many marshmallows your dog ate, and whether they were mini, regular, or jumbo
• Whether the marshmallows were part of a treat containing chocolate, cocoa, or nuts
• Your dog’s size and overall health

Pet parents can’t typically assess these factors at home. Our veterinary toxicology experts can evaluate your dog’s specific exposure and guide you on whether additional care is needed.

A dog who eats a large number of regular marshmallows may develop vomiting or diarrhea from the sugar. Marshmallows mixed into rich treats are a different concern. Large amounts of sugary, high-fat treats, such as fudge, rocky road, or s’mores, can lead to pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is a painful and potentially serious inflammation of the pancreas. Signs may not appear for two to four days, so it’s best to get guidance early instead of waiting for signs to develop.

Marshmallows aren’t a treat to feed your dog in any amount. If your dog got into marshmallows and you’re unsure whether the type or amount is a concern, we recommend calling Pet Poison Helpline for guidance.

Choking and Blockage Risk

If your dog is coughing, gagging, pawing at their mouth, or having trouble breathing after eating marshmallows, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic right away.

Around the campfire, keep roasting sticks and skewers out of reach. A dog drawn to the sweet smell may try to chew or swallow the stick along with the marshmallow.

Marshmallow Treats: S’mores, Hot Cocoa, Peeps, and More

Marshmallows show up in many seasonal favorites, from Halloween through the winter holidays. Here’s what to know about the most common marshmallow treats.

S’mores

S’mores combine marshmallows with chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, two stimulants that are toxic to dogs. If your dog got into a s’more, the chocolate is the main concern.

Learn more about chocolate poisoning in dogs, or use our Chocolate Toxicity Calculator to understand the level of concern for the type of chocolate involved. For guidance specific to your dog and their exposure, call Pet Poison Helpline.

Hot Cocoa With Marshmallows

Hot cocoa mix is made with cocoa powder, which contains theobromine and caffeine. A dog who laps up hot cocoa or gets into the mix has a chocolate exposure, not only a marshmallow exposure. Read more in My Dog Ate Cocoa Powder. Will They Be Okay?

Marshmallow Cereal Bars and Marshmallow Cereals

Crispy rice treats and similar bars are made with marshmallows, butter, and sugar. Marshmallow cereals add even more sugar. These treats can cause stomach upset, and large amounts of sugary, high-fat treats can raise the risk of pancreatitis.

If a homemade or store-bought bar was made sugar-free, check the ingredient list for xylitol.

Peeps and Marshmallow Fluff

Peeps, marshmallow creme, and marshmallow fluff are made mostly of sugar. Check the label on any sugar-free or specialty versions for xylitol, birch sugar, or wood sugar.

Rocky Road and Fudge

Rocky road and fudge combine marshmallows with chocolate and, often, nuts. Check whether the nuts include macadamia nuts, which can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and elevated body temperature in dogs. The chocolate and high fat content in these treats are concerns on their own.

Can I Use a Marshmallow To Give My Dog a Pill?

No, we don’t recommend using marshmallows to give your dog a pill. Marshmallows add sugar your dog doesn’t need, and a sugar-free marshmallow could contain xylitol.

The same caution applies to other common pill hiders. Some peanut butters also contain xylitol, so it’s best to read the label first.

Instead, ask your veterinarian for a safe way to give your dog their medication. Your veterinarian knows your dog’s health history and can suggest an option that works well for your dog.

Symptoms To Watch For After a Dog Eats Marshmallows

The symptoms to watch for depend on what kind of marshmallows your dog ate.

Regular Marshmallows

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach upset

If the marshmallows were part of a high-fat treat, also watch for signs of pancreatitis. These signs can include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain.

Sugar-Free Marshmallows (Possible Xylitol)

• Vomiting
• Weakness or lethargy
• Stumbling or lack of coordination
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Collapse

Xylitol signs can appear quickly. The safest choice is to call Pet Poison Helpline right away rather than wait for signs to appear.

What To Do If Your Dog Ate Marshmallows

1. Move any remaining marshmallows out of reach. This keeps your dog from eating more. Keep the packaging nearby for your call.
2. Check the ingredient list. Look for xylitol, birch sugar, or wood sugar. Also note whether the marshmallows were part of a treat containing chocolate, cocoa, or nuts. These details help our team understand your dog’s full exposure.
3. Note the details. Write down roughly how many marshmallows your dog ate, their size (mini, regular, or jumbo), and when your dog ate them. Timing helps our team guide you on next steps.
4. Call Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or your veterinarian. Our veterinary toxicology experts are available 24/7. They can guide you on whether your dog can be monitored at home or needs additional care.
5. Never induce vomiting at home without guidance from a trusted veterinary professional. Inducing vomiting isn’t always safe or appropriate, and it can cause unnecessary additional harm to your pet.

If your dog needs further care, a veterinary professional will guide you on next steps. It’s often safer, easier, and less expensive for your dog to receive care early before severe symptoms develop.

Can Cats Eat Marshmallows?

No, cats shouldn’t eat marshmallows either. Cats have a decreased ability to taste sweetness, so most cats aren’t drawn to sugary treats. Marshmallows also offer cats no nutritional benefit.

Cats don’t appear to be affected by xylitol the way dogs are. Even so, marshmallows aren’t a good choice for cats. Marshmallow treats can contain chocolate, which is toxic to cats as well. Learn more in Can Cats Eat Chocolate?

If your cat got into marshmallows or a marshmallow treat, contact Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian for guidance specific to your cat and their exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs have marshmallows?
No, dogs shouldn’t have marshmallows, even as an occasional treat. Marshmallows aren’t considered toxic on their own, but they’re almost pure sugar, offer no nutritional value, and can upset your dog’s stomach. Sugar-free marshmallows may also contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Are Jet-Puffed marshmallows OK for dogs?
No, Jet-Puffed marshmallows aren’t a recommended treat for dogs, and neither is any other brand. Ingredients can change, and the same brand may offer more than one version. If your dog got into marshmallows, check the ingredient list on that exact bag for xylitol, birch sugar, or wood sugar.

Do all marshmallows contain xylitol?
No, not all marshmallows contain xylitol. Most marshmallows are sweetened with sugar, but some sugar-free, keto, or low-sugar versions use xylitol. Because ingredients vary between products and even flavors, it’s best to read the label every time.

My dog ate one marshmallow. Is that OK?
One regular marshmallow is often not a serious concern for dogs, though it may cause mild stomach upset. Still, it’s important to confirm two details: that the marshmallow wasn’t sugar-free, and that your dog didn’t eat more than one. If the marshmallow was sugar-free or may contain xylitol, call Pet Poison Helpline right away. If you’re unsure about the type or amount, our veterinary toxicology experts can assess your dog’s specific exposure. 

Can dogs eat mini marshmallows?
No, dogs shouldn’t eat mini marshmallows. Mini marshmallows carry the same concerns as regular marshmallows, such as high sugar content, possible xylitol in sugar-free versions, and the chance they were part of a treat containing chocolate. Their small size also makes it easy for a dog to eat a large number of mini marshmallows quickly.

Can a marshmallow kill a dog?
Regular marshmallows aren’t considered toxic, but certain marshmallows and marshmallow treats can lead to serious problems. A marshmallow that contains xylitol can cause life-threatening low blood sugar and liver failure. Marshmallow treats that contain chocolate can also cause serious poisoning. Because these risks can’t be ruled out at home, we recommend contacting Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian if your dog got into sugar-free marshmallows or marshmallow treats.

Can cats eat marshmallows?
No, cats shouldn’t eat marshmallows. Marshmallows offer cats no nutritional benefit, and excess sugar can be a concern for cats. Marshmallow treats may also contain chocolate, which is toxic to cats.

Get Expert Help 24/7

The best way to help prevent a marshmallow exposure is to store marshmallows, hot cocoa mix, and seasonal treats in closed containers out of reach of pets. For more seasonal safety tips, see can dogs eat candy and our Halloween pet safety guide.

Not sure whether your pet got into something concerning? Our veterinary toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. A one-time per-incident fee of $99 includes all follow-up consultations with you and your veterinarian.

If your pet gets into marshmallows or a marshmallow treat, call Pet Poison Helpline 24/7 at 855-764-7661, or contact your veterinarian right away.