Can Dogs Eat Chocolate?
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
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And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Who doesn’t love chocolate?
Ok – there might be a few of us who for some odd reason don’t like the taste, but a majority of us love chocolate in all forms! Whether it’s a chocolate candy bar, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, cocoa powder, most of us have at least some form of chocolate at home.
New research suggests that dark chocolate in its pure form not only tastes great, but has some extra health benefits. Dark chocolate is supposed to help with cholesterol, has natural antioxidant properties and can potentially reduce heart disease.
So, when you are eating a piece of that yummy chocolate or even throwing some chocolate chips into your brownies or cookie dough, can you share some with your dog?
The answer is NO!
While a morsel of chocolate probably won’t have any effect on your dog, the best thing you can do is keep your dog away from chocolate. At all times!
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Chocolate is Not Safe For Dogs
Most dog owners know that chocolate is not safe for dogs and can actually be quite toxic.
While eating a little chocolate won’t hurt your dog, it’s hard for our dogs to eat a little of anything.
Your dog can become very ill if he eats too much chocolate which is why it’s best to not only avoid sharing it but keep it locked up and away from your dog’s reach.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Why is Chocolate Bad for Dogs?
Chocolate is toxic to dogs because it contains a chemical called theobromine. The theobromine in chocolate is like caffeine which is really hard for dogs to digest and metabolize. Humans can digest theobromine quickly and efficiently but dogs and other animals metabolize chocolate really slowly making it more dangerous.
Of course, most dogs are much smaller than we are and if they consume a lot of chocolate, you can see how the effect is much more profound. In the worst way.
In fact, a dog that eats a large amount of chocolate can become very sick and sometimes chocolate toxicity is fatal.
If your dog needs veterinary care, pet insurance will help pay for all the treatment your dog needs for eating chocolate!
We recommend Healthy Paws as the #1 pet health insurance provider!
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Symptoms of Chocolate Toxicity
If you know or suspect your dog has eaten any chocolate, watch for these symptoms if any appear, go to your vet immediately:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased urination
There are even more severe symptoms that can occur if your dog has theobromine poisoning:
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Internal Bleeding
- Heart attack
The Most Toxic Forms of Chocolate For Dogs:
- Dry Cocoa powder
- Unsweetened baker’s chocolate
- Semi-sweet chocolate
- Milk chocolate
- White chocolate only has a minor amount of theobromine and isn’t considered toxic.
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What to Do if Your Dog Eats Chocolate
If you think your dog ate chocolate, call your veterinarian immediately.
If your dog ate a large amount of chocolate within the last couple hours, your veterinarian will try to induce vomiting and give your pup a few doses of charcoal which helps to get the toxins out.
In more severe cases, you bet will usually give your dog medication or even IV fluids and will need to monitor your dog overnight.
How to Keep Dogs Away From Chocolate
If you have chocolate or cocoa powder at home, make sure to watch your dog when you are either cooking or merely eating it.
If you just made brownies, leave them somewhere out of your dog’s reach. Or any chocolate.
Put any leftover chocolate in the trash can and make sure your dog can’t get anywhere near it.
Other Foods That Are Unsafe For Dogs
Some other food items that are best to keep away from your dogs are:
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Safe Human Food Choices For Dogs
Some safe food choices that you can share with your pup:
Pet Insurance Helps With Chocolate Toxicity
If your dog does eat chocolate, particularly, a lot of it you will need to see your vet immediately.
Or you might even have to go to the emergency room if your dog consumes a lot of chocolate.
Pet insurance will pay for the chocolate incident vet bill as well as any medication your dog might need.
The top insurance providers such as Healthy Paws, Figo and Embrace will pay your bill and up to 90% (depending on the plan you choose).
If your dog needs continued treatment or an overnight hospital visit (hopefully not) then your pet insurance will pay that too. And that bill is going to be a big one.
Of course, pet insurance pays for any other medical condition too that might occur with your pup.
Dogs Should Never Eat Chocolate
We all have chocolate at home so just be very careful when you are eating it or cooking with it. Particularly cocoa powder.
If you have a big dog and he grabs a couple semi-sweet chocolate morsels, your dog should be OK but it’s always best to keep an eye on your pup.
Awareness is always the best knowledge to keep your dog safe and healthy.
If you want to know more about the food that is safe and not so safe for your pup, our ultimate safe good guide will give you some pointers.
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Finding safe alternative foods for your dogs to eat can be tricky. We have a long list of articles about every food you could possibly consider feeding your dog. One thing we recommend is that you consider looking into pet insurance for your pet and you can start by checking out the best rates for dog and puppy insurance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat chocolate?
No, dogs should not eat chocolate. While a small amount may not have immediate effects, chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical that is toxic to dogs. In larger quantities, it can lead to serious health issues and, in extreme cases, be fatal
Why is chocolate bad for dogs?
Chocolate is harmful to dogs because it contains theobromine, a substance similar to caffeine. Dogs metabolize theobromine slowly, making it difficult for them to process, leading to toxicity. Even small amounts relative to a dog’s size can cause severe reactions.
What are the symptoms of chocolate toxicity in dogs?
Symptoms of chocolate toxicity in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, restlessness, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures. If you notice these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek veterinary assistance immediately.
What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?
If you suspect your dog has consumed chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately. In some cases, induced vomiting may be necessary, along with other treatments to remove toxins. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent serious complications.
How can I keep my dog away from chocolate?
To keep your dog away from chocolate, store it securely in a place inaccessible to your dog. Be cautious when cooking or eating chocolate-containing items and dispose of any leftovers properly. Awareness and prevention are key to keeping your dog safe.
What other foods are unsafe for dogs?
Some other foods unsafe for dogs include grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, avocados, alcohol, and certain nuts. It’s essential to be aware of foods that can be toxic to dogs and keep them out of their reach.
What should I do if my dog ingests something harmful?
If your dog ingests something harmful, contact your veterinarian immediately. In emergencies, you can also contact a pet poison control hotline. Quick action can make a significant difference in your dog’s outcome.
Does pet insurance cover chocolate toxicity treatment?
Yes, many pet insurance providers, such as Healthy Paws, Figo, and Embrace, cover treatment for chocolate toxicity. Pet insurance can help alleviate the financial burden associated with veterinary bills, including emergency situations.
Can large dogs tolerate small amounts of chocolate?
While larger dogs may tolerate small amounts of chocolate better than smaller dogs, it’s not advisable to give any amount to dogs. Theobromine toxicity can affect dogs of all sizes, and the best practice is to avoid chocolate entirely.
Are there safe human food choices for dogs?
Yes, some safe human food choices for dogs include plain cooked meats, fruits like apples and blueberries, vegetables like carrots, and plain, unsalted peanut butter. Always ensure the food is safe for dogs before sharing.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.