Can My Dog Eat Chocolate?

Chocolate contains two stimulants that dogs cannot break down well: theobromine and caffeine. In people the body clears these quickly, but a dog's body processes them very slowly, so they build up and poison the system. They overstimulate the heart and nervous system. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more theobromine it holds, and the more dangerous it is. Cocoa powder and baking chocolate are the most toxic, followed by dark chocolate, then milk chocolate. White chocolate has very little theobromine.

The danger depends on how much theobromine your dog eats compared to its body weight. As a rough guide, mild signs can start around 20 mg of theobromine per kilogram of body weight, serious signs around 40 to 50 mg/kg, and life-threatening effects above 60 mg/kg. Milk chocolate holds roughly 55 to 65 mg of theobromine per ounce (about 2 mg per gram), while dark chocolate holds around 130 to 150 mg per ounce (about 5 mg per gram), and baking chocolate around 390 to 450 mg per ounce (about 15 mg per gram). In plain terms: a single ounce of dark chocolate can make a 10 kg (22 lb) dog sick, and a small dog can be harmed by much less. When you are unsure, assume it is dangerous and call for help.

Stay calm and act quickly. First, note the type of chocolate, roughly how much was eaten, and your dog's weight — keep the wrapper if you can. Then call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even if your dog seems fine, because signs can be delayed. They will help you work out the dose and whether your dog needs to be seen. Do not try to make your dog vomit at home unless a vet tells you to. If caught early, a vet may induce vomiting, give activated charcoal, and provide fluids and monitoring. Most dogs recover well when treated promptly, so the key is not to wait and see.