Can it be true? Is chocolate poisonous to dogs? The answer is yes. The danger to your dog depends on the type of chocolate, your dog’s size, and the amount consumed.
The component in chocolate that is toxic to dogs is called theobromine. Humans easily metabolise theobromine, but dogs process it much more slowly allowing it to build up to toxic levels in their system.
Size matters
A large dog can consume a great deal more chocolate than a small dog before they will suffer the ill effects. It's also worth remembering that different types of chocolate have different levels of theobromine. Cocoa, cooking chocolate and dark chocolate have the highest levels, while milk chocolate and white chocolate have the lowest.
A small amount of chocolate will probably just give your dog an upset stomach. They may vomit or have diarrhoea. Large amounts will have a more serious effect. In sufficient quantities, theobromine can produce muscle tremors, seizures, an irregular heartbeat or internal bleeding.
Tasty Tips
What to look out for
The onset of theobromine poisoning is usually marked by severe hyperactivity.
Don't worry if your dog has eaten a single chocolate or helped themselves to the last square of your bar, this won't provide a large enough dosage of theobromine to be harmful. If you have a small dog though, and they have eaten a box of chocolates, you need to get your dog to the vet immediately. If you're dealing with any quantity of dark or bitter chocolate, err on the side of caution and take your dog to the vet. The high level of theobromine in dark chocolate means it takes only a very small amount to poison a dog; just 25 grams may be enough to poison a 20kg dog.
The usual treatment for theobromine poisoning is to induce vomiting within two hours of ingestion. If you are worried that your dog may have eaten a large quantity of chocolate do not hesitate to call your vet. Time will be of the essence.
Reviewed by Dr. Becky Mullis, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition)
Related products
Adult Multipack Wet Dog Food with Chicken, Turkey & Beef
Hill's Science Plan Adult Dog Food Variety Pack is composed of 12 loaf cans: 6 with Chicken, 3 with Beef & 3 with Turkey. It is a complete pet food for adult dogs 1–6 years old.
Perfect Digestion Adult Small & Mini Breed Dog Mousse with Turkey
Science Plan's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Perfect Weight Adult Small & Mini Breed Dog Mousse with Turkey
Chicken recipe, small breed dry dog food with for the weight support and balanced nutrition for overall health. With small kibble size for tiny mouths, quality protein for lean muscle.
Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Sensitive Stomach and Skin Small & Mini Adult Dog Food with Turkey is a complete premium pet food for small breed adult dogs aged 1–6 years. This deliciously soft mousse is enriched with ingredients that support digestive health & skin care.
Related articles
Cleaning Dogs’ Teeth and Dental Care Tips
Discover effective tips for cleaning your dog's teeth as well as overall advice for maintaining canine dental health. Visit Hill's Pet UK for more expert help.
Help, my Pet has an Upset Stomach!
Learn to see the signs of an upset stomach in your dog, understand the triggers and explore some possible solutions.
Develop Your Gut Instinct for Pets’ Digestive Disorders
Gurgling tummies in turmoil are not good news for pets. Owners who have to clean up the unfortunate consequences, digestive problems are one of the rare downsides to owning a pet.
Little dog, big waistline?
Because of their little and darling – or small and scrappy – stature, they are experts at inspiring the most coddling. They can especially excel at eliciting more treats out of their owners.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.