Can Dogs Eat Chocolate?
No. Chocolate is toxic to dogs because of theobromine and caffeine. The darker it is, the more dangerous: cocoa powder and dark chocolate are the worst.
Why it's dangerous
Cocoa contains theobromine and some caffeine, two methylxanthines that dogs eliminate very slowly (theobromine has a half-life of about 17 hours). They stimulate the heart and nervous system: they speed up the pulse and cause restlessness, tremors and, at high doses, arrhythmias and seizures. Mild symptoms appear from about 20 mg of theobromine per kg, heart symptoms from about 40-50 mg/kg and seizures from about 60 mg/kg.
Approximate theobromine per gram: white chocolate, practically none (but lots of fat and sugar); milk chocolate, 1.5-2.5 mg/g; 50-70% dark chocolate, 5-8 mg/g; dark chocolate over 85% and unsweetened baking chocolate, 12-16 mg/g; pure cocoa powder, 15-25 mg/g. That's why a square of milk chocolate isn't the same as a spoonful of pure cocoa. The fat can also cause pancreatitis, and boxed chocolates can contain liquor, raisins or toxic nuts.
Is any amount safe?
None. As a guide to the danger, for a 5 kg (11 lb) dog about 50 g (1.8 oz) of milk chocolate or 15 g (0.5 oz) of 70% dark chocolate can cause symptoms. For a 10 kg (22 lb) dog, about 100 g (3.5 oz) of milk chocolate or 30 g (1 oz) of dark; and 85 g (3 oz) of dark is already in seizure territory. For a 30 kg (66 lb) dog, about 300 g (10.5 oz) of milk or 85 g (3 oz) of dark. These figures are for judging urgency, not safety margins.
Risks
- Theobromine and caffeine: arrhythmias and seizures
- The darker it is, the more toxic (cocoa powder, dark, baking chocolate)
- Fat: pancreatitis
- Chocolates with liquor, raisins, macadamia nuts or xylitol
- Swallowed foil wrappers
Frequently asked questions
How much chocolate is toxic to a dog?
It depends on the type and your dog's weight. Symptoms start at around 20 mg of theobromine per kg. That's about 100 g (3.5 oz) of milk chocolate for a 10 kg (22 lb) dog, but only about 30 g (1 oz) of 70% dark chocolate, and even less cocoa powder. For any amount, call your vet with the wrapper in hand.
What should I do if my dog ate chocolate?
Call your vet or a 24-hour emergency vet right away with your dog's weight, the type of chocolate, the amount and the time. Don't make your dog vomit at home. If less than two hours have passed, the clinic can do it safely and give activated charcoal to reduce absorption.
Is white chocolate bad for dogs?
It has almost no theobromine, so it rarely causes chocolate poisoning. But it's high in fat and sugar, and eating a fair amount can cause vomiting, diarrhea or pancreatitis. It may also contain macadamia nuts, other nuts or raisins. Don't give it, and if your dog ate a lot, check with your vet.
General information reviewed against veterinary sources. If your dog has eaten something that worries you, call your vet or a 24-hour emergency vet right away, without waiting for symptoms.