PetFriendlyFoods

Can pets eat chocolate?

Dogs DEADLY — EMERGENCY

Theobromine poisons dogs. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous; a 50g dark bar can seriously poison a small dog. White chocolate is mostly a fat problem.

Cats DEADLY — EMERGENCY

Equally toxic — cats are simply less often tempted. Any ingestion warrants a call.

Why

Theobromine + caffeine; dogs metabolize theobromine slowly. Toxicity scales with cocoa % and body weight.

Symptoms to watch for

Restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, racing heart, seizures — onset 6–12h.

If it already happened

Call the vet or poison control immediately with: type of chocolate, amount, your pet's weight, and when.

Full emergency guide & poison hotlines →

Keep the numbers close

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 — 24/7, a fee may apply. Your own vet first when reachable.

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