Can Dogs Eat Chocolate? Why Dogs Can’t Eat Chocolate

The general consensus among veterinarians is that chocolate is toxic to dogs. While different types of chocolate have different toxicity levels, pet owners should avoid feeding dogs even a small amount of chocolate. Even an ounce of milk chocolate can equate to a toxic amount of ingredients—especially for small dogs.

Chocolate contains two ingredients that are toxic to most dogs: caffeine and theobromine. Theobromine is an alkaloid produced by cacao or cocoa beans. Both caffeine and theobromine are known as methylxanthines and can lead to a host of issues for dogs.

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include abnormal heart rates, blood pressure issues, increased urination, digestive issues, and seizures. While the human digestive system can process large amounts of theobromine without any issues, dogs take much longer to metabolize it, which can lead to a toxic amount of built-up waste. The high fat content in chocolate can also lead to pancreatitis in dogs.

Chocolate toxicity is determined by the concentration of methylxanthines—or the amount of theobromine included in the type of chocolate—which comes from the cocoa powder or cacao in the mix.

• White chocolate: Nearly cacao-free, white chocolate has about 1.1 milligrams of theobromine per ounce.
• Milk chocolate: A milk chocolate bar typically has about 64 milligrams of theobromine per ounce.
• Baker's chocolate: Otherwise known as unsweetened baking chocolate, this type of chocolate can have up to 450 milligrams of theobromine per ounce.

A dog's size (or more accurately, a dog's weight) is a significant determining factor in toxicity. The effects of methylxanthines begin to affect dogs at about 20 milligrams of theobromine or caffeine per kilogram or 2.2 pounds of body weight. Severe cases of symptoms can occur at 40 to 60 milligrams, including seizures.

Theobromine content usually causes hyperactivity in dogs, since the stimulation can spike their heart rhythm and affect their nervous system. If your dog ate chocolate and is exhibiting clinical signs of chocolate poisoning, it's best to call your vet, a pet poison helpline, or animal poison control.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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