Can Dogs Eat Chocolate? No: Toxic Dose, Symptoms & What to Do

Toxic

No, chocolate is toxic to dogs

Chocolate is toxic to dogs. It contains methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine). The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Use the calculator to estimate the risk, and call your vet or poison control.

If your dog ate chocolate: call your vet or animal poison control now: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.

Chocolate for dogs at a glance

Can dogs eat it?	Toxic
Calories	Not recommended as a treat
Main benefit	None for pets
Main risk	Methylxanthines can cause vomiting, restlessness, a racing heart, tremors and seizures
Puppies?	No

How much chocolate causes symptoms?

Mild signs can start at about 20 mg/kg of methylxanthines, heart effects at 40-50 mg/kg and seizures at 60 mg/kg or more (Merck Veterinary Manual). The table shows how much of each chocolate reaches 20 mg/kg.

Dog weight	Milk chocolate	Dark / semisweet	Baker's
10 lb	1.4 oz	0.6 oz	0.2 oz
20 lb	2.8 oz	1.1 oz	0.4 oz
40 lb	5.7 oz	2.3 oz	0.8 oz
60 lb	8.5 oz	3.4 oz	1.2 oz
80 lb	11.3 oz	4.5 oz	1.6 oz

For a full breakdown, use the chocolate toxicity calculator.

Symptoms to watch for

Vomiting and diarrhea
Excessive thirst and urination
Restlessness and hyperactivity
Racing heart, tremors and seizures at higher doses

Why it is dangerous

Risks

Methylxanthines can cause vomiting, restlessness, a racing heart, tremors and seizures
Dark, baker's chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous
Fat and sugar can also trigger pancreatitis

How to keep your dog safe

Never feed chocolate
Store chocolate, cocoa and baked goods out of reach
Use carob-based dog treats instead

What to do if your dog ate chocolate

Work out how much was eaten, when, and your dog's weight. Keep any packaging.
Call your vet or animal poison control now: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Follow your vet's advice even if your dog seems fine: treatment works best before signs start.

Safer treats to give instead

These are safe for dogs in treat-size amounts:

Planning treats? Check your dog's full daily needs with the dog food calculator or dog calorie calculator.

Chocolate and dogs: FAQ

Can dogs have chocolate?

No. Chocolate is toxic to dogs. It contains methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine). The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Use the calculator to estimate the risk, and call your vet or poison control.

How much chocolate is toxic to a dog?

Per the Merck Veterinary Manual, mild signs can occur at about 20 mg/kg of methylxanthines, heart effects at 40–50 mg/kg, and seizures at 60 mg/kg or more.

Is white chocolate toxic to dogs?

White chocolate has very little theobromine, but it is high in fat and sugar and can still cause stomach upset or pancreatitis.

How long after eating chocolate will a dog get sick?

Signs usually start within 6–12 hours and can last up to 72 hours.

Can puppies eat chocolate?

No. Puppies are smaller and more vulnerable than adults, so the risks are greater. Call your vet if your puppy ate any.

More "can dogs eat" guides

Browse lists: human foods dogs can eat · foods dogs can't eat

Sources

This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs. Dogs with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.

Can Dogs Eat Chocolate?