If you love marshmallows and you eat them as a regular snack, you may be wondering, can cats eat marshmallows? The short answer to this question is no, cats cannot eat marshmallows.
Not only do they contain zero nutritional benefits for cats, but they can also be a chocking hazard. We will look at this in more detail in the rest of the article, looking at the different types of marshmallows, what to do if you cat eats marshmallow, and healthy alternatives.
Can Cats Eat Marshmallows?
As we stated above, cats cannot eat marshmallows due to a number of reasons, so let’s take a look at this in more detail. Marshmallows do not contain any nutrition that your cat can benefit from.
Cats are obligate carnivores which means they require a diet of foods that are made up of lean protein. Protein is the primary energy source for a cat and without an adequate amount of protein, a cat can suffer from serious health issues.
This is the reason why your cats diet should mostly be made of of specialized cat food such as the ones below.
There are certain human foods that are safe for your cat to eat but marshmallows are not one of them. We will take a look at the safe alternatives later in this post.
Why Are Marshmallows Bad For Cats?
We have answered the question of can cats eat marshmallows? so let’s now take a look at why marshmallows are bad for cats.
- Sugar: Too much sugar in a cats diet can result in them putting on weight. There are 4.1 grams of sugar in one regular marshmallow which is a lot for a cat. Feeding your cat marshmallows can lead to feline obesity.
- High in calories: With one marshmallow containing around 22 calories, feeding them to your cat can result in weight gain and feline obesity.
- Sodium: Sodium is necessary for the body to function and commercial cat foods too contain a small amount. The problem is, marshmallows are high in sodium. 100g of marshmallow contains 80mg of sodium according to the USDA. This can lead to serious health issues and effect heart function, kidney function, bone density, and blood pressure.
- Chocking hazard: It’s not only the size and shape of marshmallows that make them a chocking hazard. They also have gelatin content which takes a while before it fully melts in the mouth. This is the reason why they are also not recommended for young children.
Types Of Marshmallow And Nutrition Fact
Here are some nutritional facts of different types of marshmallows.
Marshmallow Nutrition Facts | |||
Nutrition | 1 Regular Size | 1 Cup | 100 Grams |
Calories | 22 | 153 | 306 |
Sodium | 5.8mg | 40mg | 80mg |
Carbohydrate | 5.9g | 40.7g | 81.3 |
Sugars | 4.1g | 28.8g | 57.6 |
Potassium | 0.4mg | 2.5mg | 5mg |
Can I Give My Cat Herb Marshmallows?
Herb marshmallows are made of healthy ingredients that contain vitamin A, vitamin B, calcium, iron, and iodine. If it’s just the texture of marshmallow that your cat likes then try giving them a small amount of herb marshmallow instead of a regular one.
What Should I Do If My Cat Eats Marshmallows?
If your notice or feel like your cat has eaten marshmallow, the first step to take is to ensure they are not chocking. If they have take a small nibble then the chances are that they are absolutely fine. If you are in any way uncertain then phone an emergency veterinarian to be on the safe side.
Alternative Healthy Snacks
Here are some healthy alternative human foods that are safe for your cat to eat.
- Some whole grains like brown rice or barley
- Zucchini
- Celery (they love the crunch!)
- Carrots
- Scrambled eggs
- Green bell peppers
- Spinach
- Peas
- Pumpkin
Can Cats Eat Marshmallows Summary
Remember that cats cannot eat marshmallows due them being a chocking hazard and also containing zero nutritional benefits for your cat. Just stick to regular wet and dry cat food and as a treat on the odd occasion you can give them something from the alternative healthy snacks list.
