Can cats eat marshmallows? These are Important things you should know.
If you like marshmallows and eat them often, you might wonder if cats can eat them. No, cats can’t eat marshmallows. That’s the short answer.
They also have little nutritional benefit for cats, but they can also be dangerous if they get stuck in their throats. The rest of the article will discuss this, including the different kinds of marshmallows, what to do if your cat eats marshmallows and healthy alternatives.
Can cats eat marshmallows?
We’ve already said that cats can’t eat marshmallows for several reasons, but let’s take a closer look at this. First, marshmallows don’t have any vitamins or minerals that your cat could use.
Cats have to eat meat because they are “obligate carnivores.” It means they need to eat foods high in lean protein. Protein is a cat’s primary energy source; if it doesn’t get enough protein, it can get sick and have other health problems.
Why do cats not like marshmallows?
We’ve found out whether or not cats can eat marshmallows. So let’s look at why cats shouldn’t eat marshmallows.
Sugar: If a cat gets too much sugar in its food, it can gain weight. One regular marshmallow has 4.1 grams of sugar, which is a lot for a cat. If you feed your cat marshmallows, it could get fat.
Has a lot of calories: One marshmallow has about 22 calories, so giving them to your cat can make them gain weight and become obese.
Sodium: The body needs sodium to work, and commercial cat food also has a small amount. The trouble is that marshmallows have a lot of sodium in them. The USDA says that there is 80mg of sodium in 100g of marshmallow. It can cause serious health problems, like problems with the heart, kidneys, bones, and blood pressure.
Choking hazard: Marshmallows are a choking hazard not just because they are small and round but also because they are hard to chew. They also contain gelatin, which takes a while to melt in your mouth. This also makes them inappropriate for extremely young children.
Can I give Herb Marshmallows to my cat?
Herb marshmallows contain healthy ingredients like vitamins A and B, calcium, iron, and iodine. If your cat likes how marshmallows feel, try giving them a small amount of herb-flavored marshmallows instead of a regular one.
How do I stop my cat from eating marshmallows?
If you see or think your cat has eaten a marshmallow, you first should make sure it is not choking. If they have taken a small bite, they are probably OK. Call an emergency veterinarian to be safe if you’re unsure what to do.
Healthy Snacks You Can Try Instead
Here are some healthy foods that people eat that your cat can also eat.
- Brown rice and barley are examples of whole grains.
- Zucchini
- They love the crunch of celery!
- Carrots
- Scrambled eggs
- Green bell peppers
- Spinach\sPeas
- Pumpkin
How about marshmallows?
Remember that cats shouldn’t eat marshmallows because they can choke on them and have no nutritional value for your cat. Instead, give them their regular wet and dry cat food, and every once in a while, give them a treat from the list of other healthy snacks.