Can Dogs Eat Chocolate?

Verdict: TOXIC — never feed chocolate to dogs.

Chocolate contains methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine), which dogs cannot metabolize well. The darker the chocolate, the higher the risk: baking chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous, white chocolate the least.

Why it's dangerous

Methylxanthines stimulate the nervous system and heart. Dogs absorb them slowly and excrete them slowly, so levels build up quickly.

Symptoms

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Panting, excessive thirst and urination
• Hyperactivity, restlessness
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Tremors, seizures
• In severe cases: death

Symptoms usually appear within 6-12 hours of ingestion.

How much is dangerous?

Toxicity depends on the dog's weight and the chocolate type:

• Baking chocolate / cocoa powder: a few grams per kg of body weight can be dangerous.
• Dark chocolate: dangerous at roughly 1-2 oz per 10 lb of dog.
• Milk chocolate: needs a larger amount to cause severe signs, but still toxic.
• White chocolate: very low methylxanthines, but high fat and sugar can still cause upset.

There is no safe amount. Any ingestion of dark or baking chocolate should be treated as an emergency.

What to do if your dog eats chocolate

1. Note the type and amount of chocolate and your dog's weight.
2. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 immediately.
3. Do NOT induce vomiting at home unless your vet tells you to.
4. If it was within the last few hours, the vet may induce vomiting and give activated charcoal.
5. Severe cases need hospitalization, IV fluids and heart monitoring.

FAQ

Can dogs eat white chocolate?

White chocolate has almost no theobromine, but it's high in fat and sugar and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Not worth the risk.

Can dogs eat chocolate cake or brownies?

No. Besides chocolate, they contain sugar and often xylitol, which is also toxic.

What if my dog ate one M&M?

One milk-chocolate M&M is usually not dangerous for a medium or large dog, but call your vet for advice — especially for small dogs.

How long after eating chocolate do symptoms appear?

Usually 6-12 hours, but heart effects can appear sooner.

Sources

• ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (aspca.org)
• PetMD: Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs (petmd.com)