By Grazyna, Founder of North Hound Life · Last updated October 2026
The short answer
Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) is the root of a traditional European herb, not the campfire candy. It's rich in mucilage, a gel-like plant fibre that coats and soothes the lining of the digestive tract. For dogs, it's used to support digestive comfort, especially upper-tummy comfort like occasional wet burps or a gurgly stomach. Mix the powder with a little water or food, at an amount based on your dog's weight.
Skip the overnight infusion. Our Marshmallow is pure organic marshmallow root powder. Stir it into a little water and it turns into a soothing gel in seconds.
What is marshmallow root?
Marshmallow root is the taproot of Althaea officinalis, a soft, pink-flowered perennial that grows in damp, marshy ground across Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. That's where the name comes from. It has been part of traditional European and Middle Eastern herbalism since Greek and Roman times.
The root is harvested in autumn, when its mucilage content peaks. Dried marshmallow root is roughly 5 to 11% mucilage, along with other polysaccharides and small amounts of flavonoids.
And no, it isn't the same as the candy. Marshmallows were once made with sap from this root, but today's marshmallows are sugar and gelatin, with nothing from the plant at all. Keep those away from your dog.
How does marshmallow root work in dogs?
It works through its mucilage. When marshmallow root meets water, the mucilage swells into a slippery gel. Herbalists call this a demulcent: something that coats and soothes mucous membranes. As your dog swallows it, that gel lines the throat, stomach and intestines with a temporary protective layer.
This is a physical action, not a drug-like one, which is part of why marshmallow root is so gentle. To be honest about the evidence: most research on marshmallow root has been done in people, and studies in dogs are scarce. What we know for dogs comes from that well-understood coating action, a long history of traditional use, and a strong safety record.
What is marshmallow root good for in dogs?
Marshmallow root is a supportive botanical, not a medication. Dog parents most often reach for it to support:
- Upper digestive comfort, such as occasional wet burps, lip licking after meals or a gurgly stomach.
- Occasional tummy upset after a diet change, a stressful day or eating something they shouldn't have.
- Sensitive stomachs during food transitions.
- Throat comfort. Traditionally, marshmallow root has also been used to coat and soothe the throat.
See your vet first if your dog has repeated vomiting, blood in their vomit or stool, severe lethargy, or digestive trouble that keeps coming back. Supplements are for mild, occasional upsets or as support alongside your vet's plan.
Marshmallow root vs slippery elm for dogs
Both are mucilage-rich herbs, and they work in similar ways. Where they differ is where in the gut they shine.
| Marshmallow root | Slippery elm bark | |
|---|---|---|
| Plant part | Root of Althaea officinalis | Inner bark of Ulmus rubra |
| Texture once mixed | Smooth, light gel | Thicker, more viscous gel |
| Best for | Upper digestive comfort: wet burps, gurgly stomach | Lower digestive comfort and stool quality |
| Our product | Marshmallow | GI Balance |
Not sure which one your dog needs? Many dog parents keep both on hand, and they're fine to use together.
How much marshmallow root should I give my dog?
For our Marshmallow, give this amount daily by body weight. One teaspoon is 1,200 mg of marshmallow root powder.
| Dog's weight | Daily amount | Marshmallow root |
|---|---|---|
| Under 10 lbs | 1/4 tsp | 300 mg |
| 10 to 20 lbs | 1/2 tsp | 600 mg |
| 21 to 30 lbs | 3/4 tsp | 900 mg |
| 31 to 40 lbs | 1 tsp | 1,200 mg |
| 41 to 50 lbs | 1 1/4 tsp | 1,500 mg |
| 51 to 60 lbs | 1 1/2 tsp | 1,800 mg |
| 61 to 70 lbs | 1 3/4 tsp | 2,100 mg |
| 71 to 80 lbs | 2 tsp | 2,400 mg |
| Over 80 lbs | 2 1/4 tsp | 2,700 mg |
Intermittent or supplemental feeding only. Do not use in animals receiving other drugs unless directed by a veterinarian.
How to give it
- Mix it with water first. Stir the powder into a spoonful or two of water and let it sit a minute to form a gel. Then add it to food or offer it on its own.
- Split the amount if you like. You can give half in the morning and half in the evening. The table shows the total for the day.
- For wet burps, giving it on an empty stomach, before meals, tends to work best.
- Picky eater? Mix it into plain yogurt, kefir, bone broth or goat milk. The taste is mild and slightly sweet.
How long does marshmallow root take to work?
The coating action starts as soon as the gel reaches the stomach. Many dog parents notice their dog is more comfortable within a few days of consistent use.
Is marshmallow root safe for dogs?
Marshmallow root has a long track record and side effects are rare. A few sensible precautions:
- Medications: the gel can slow how other things are absorbed. Check with your vet, and give medications at least 2 hours apart from marshmallow root.
- Water: always have fresh water available.
- Swallowing difficulties: skip it unless your vet recommends it.
- Diabetes, pregnancy or nursing: talk to your vet first.
Can I give marshmallow root with other supplements?
Yes. Marshmallow, GI Balance and Probiotic+ are fine together for digestive support. Think of it as layers: the mucilage herbs soothe now, and the probiotic supports a balanced gut over time. If your dog takes medication, keep marshmallow root 2 hours apart from it.
Should I try marshmallow root or call my vet?
| Your dog's situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Occasional wet burps or gurgly tummy, acting normal | Worth trying marshmallow root |
| Occasional loose stool, acting normal | Try slippery elm and a bland diet, and watch closely |
| Digestive trouble that keeps coming back | Vet visit first, then build a gut support plan |
| On medication | Ask your vet, and give doses 2+ hours apart |
| Repeated vomiting, blood, or very lethargic | Skip supplements and go to the vet now |
How we make our Marshmallow
As a dog parent myself, I wanted the easiest possible version of a traditional herb. No overnight infusions, no guessing at strength.
- One ingredient: organic marshmallow root, finely powdered so the mucilage releases the moment it meets water.
- Nothing added: no fillers, flavours or preservatives.
- Packed in glass: an 85 g recyclable glass jar that keeps moisture out and the powder fresh.
Pairs well with: GI Balance and Probiotic+
GI Balance (slippery elm) supports the lower gut and stool quality. Probiotic+ uses strains sourced from healthy Canadian dogs and wild wolves to support a balanced gut. You can also browse our full digestive health range. Not sure what your dog needs? Take our 1-minute quiz.
Frequently asked questions
Is marshmallow root the same as marshmallows?
No. Marshmallows were once made with sap from the root, but modern marshmallows are sugar and gelatin with nothing from the plant. Don't feed them to your dog.
How much marshmallow root should I give a 50 lb dog?
For our Marshmallow, a 41 to 50 lb dog gets 1 1/4 teaspoons a day, which is 1,500 mg of marshmallow root. Small dogs under 10 lbs get 1/4 teaspoon (300 mg), and dogs over 80 lbs get 2 1/4 teaspoons (2,700 mg).
Is marshmallow root or slippery elm better for dogs?
They work in similar ways. Marshmallow root is better suited to upper digestive comfort, like wet burps or a gurgly stomach. Slippery elm is better suited to lower digestive comfort and stool quality. They're fine to use together.
How long does marshmallow root take to work in dogs?
The coating action starts once the gel reaches the stomach, and many dog parents notice their dog is more comfortable within a few days of consistent use.
Can I give marshmallow root with my dog's medication?
Ask your vet first. The mucilage can slow how medications are absorbed, so give medications at least 2 hours apart from marshmallow root.
Do I have to make a marshmallow root infusion?
Not with a fine powder. Dried root pieces need hours of soaking to release their mucilage, but a fine powder forms a gel as soon as you stir it into water.
Have another question? Visit our FAQ page or book a canine nutritionist.
Sources
- European Medicines Agency. Althaeae radix: herbal monograph and assessment report
- World Health Organization. WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Radix Althaeae.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Talk to your veterinarian before starting any new supplement.
