Can Dogs Eat Chocolate? What You Need to Know

Introduction: Chocolate and Our Four-Legged Friends

We all love indulging in a delicious piece of chocolate—whether it’s a decadent dark chocolate bar or a sweet and creamy truffle, it’s hard to resist the temptation. But while chocolate is a beloved treat for humans, it can be dangerous for our furry friends.

If you’re a dog owner, you may have wondered: can dogs eat chocolate? Unfortunately, the answer is no. In fact, chocolate can be toxic to dogs, and even small amounts can lead to serious health problems. But why is chocolate harmful to dogs, and what should you do if your pup accidentally eats some?

In this blog, we’ll explore why dogs should steer clear of chocolate, what makes it dangerous for them, and how to keep your pets safe. As much as we love sharing our favorite treats, there are better ways to spoil your pup—while keeping the chocolate all to yourself!

1. Why Chocolate Is Toxic to Dogs: Understanding Theobromine

The primary reason chocolate is dangerous for dogs is because it contains a compound called theobromine. Theobromine is naturally found in cacao beans, the main ingredient in chocolate. While humans can metabolize theobromine quickly, dogs process it much more slowly, which can lead to a toxic buildup in their systems.

The effects of theobromine on dogs can vary depending on the type and amount of chocolate consumed as well as the size of the dog. Dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate contain higher levels of theobromine than milk or white chocolate, making them especially dangerous for pets.

The symptoms of theobromine poisoning can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Increased heart rate
• Restlessness or hyperactivity
• Muscle tremors
• Seizures
• In severe cases, chocolate poisoning can even be fatal if not treated promptly.

While it’s always a good idea to keep chocolate out of your dog’s reach, accidents do happen. If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, it’s important to act quickly.

Markham & Fitz Chocolate Products *for Humans Only*

2. How Much Chocolate Is Too Much? Dosage and Dog Size

One of the most common questions dog owners have is: how much chocolate is dangerous for dogs? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of chocolate, the size of the dog, and how much was consumed.

• Dark Chocolate: This type of chocolate contains the highest levels of theobromine, making it the most dangerous for dogs. Just 1 ounce of dark chocolate can be harmful to a 10-pound dog.
• Milk Chocolate: While milk chocolate contains less theobromine than dark chocolate, it’s still toxic to dogs. A 10-pound dog would need to eat about 3-4 ounces of milk chocolate to experience symptoms of poisoning.
• White Chocolate: White chocolate contains very little theobromine and is less likely to cause poisoning, but it can still lead to other issues like an upset stomach due to its sugar and fat content.

Smaller dogs are at a higher risk of chocolate poisoning because they metabolize theobromine more slowly, and even small amounts can be harmful. Larger dogs may tolerate small amounts better, but that doesn’t mean they’re in the clear—any amount of chocolate can be dangerous, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

3. What to Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate

If your dog accidentally gets into some chocolate, don’t panic—but do act quickly. The sooner you take action, the better the chances of preventing serious health complications.

Here’s what you should do if your dog eats chocolate:

• Assess the situation: Try to determine how much chocolate your dog ate and what type of chocolate it was. Knowing whether it was dark, milk, or white chocolate can help your vet determine the severity of the situation.
• Call your veterinarian: Even if your dog only ate a small amount of chocolate, it’s always a good idea to contact your vet for advice. They can assess the risk based on your dog’s size and the type of chocolate consumed.
• Induce vomiting (if recommended by a vet): In some cases, your vet may recommend inducing vomiting to prevent the chocolate from being absorbed into your dog’s system. Never induce vomiting without consulting a vet first.
• Monitor your dog: If your vet advises you to monitor your dog at home, keep an eye out for any symptoms of chocolate poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or restlessness. If symptoms worsen, contact your vet immediately.

In severe cases, your dog may need to be taken to an emergency vet for treatment. This can include administering activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of theobromine or providing IV fluids to help flush the toxin from your dog’s system.

4. Preventing Chocolate-Related Incidents: How to Keep Your Dog Safe

As much as we love chocolate, it’s important to keep it out of reach of our pets. Here are a few tips to help prevent chocolate-related accidents in your home:

• Store chocolate securely: Keep chocolate and other potentially harmful foods in cabinets or drawers that your dog can’t access. Don’t leave chocolate on countertops or tables where a curious dog might get into it.
• Be mindful during holidays: Holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter often involve large amounts of chocolate. Make sure to keep candy bowls, gift baskets, and baked goods out of your dog’s reach during these times.
• Educate guests: If you have visitors over, especially during holidays or gatherings, make sure they know not to feed chocolate or any other harmful foods to your dog.

It’s always a good idea to have a plan in place in case your dog does manage to get into some chocolate. Knowing the signs of chocolate poisoning and having your vet’s number on hand can make all the difference in an emergency.

5. Safe Treat Alternatives for Your Dog

While chocolate may be off-limits for dogs, that doesn’t mean your furry friend has to miss out on treats. There are plenty of dog-safe alternatives that your pet will love just as much as you love your chocolate.

Here are a few ideas for safe and healthy dog treats:

• Peanut Butter: Most dogs love peanut butter, and it’s a great source of protein and healthy fats. Just make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs.
• Carrots and Apples: Fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples make for a crunchy and nutritious snack. Just be sure to remove any seeds or pits, as they can be harmful to dogs.
• Pumpkin: Pumpkin is great for dogs, especially when it comes to digestion. You can serve it plain or mix it with your dog’s food for an added treat.

While you’re enjoying a piece of chocolate from Markham & Fitz’s collection, consider giving your dog one of these safe alternatives so they don’t feel left out.

Conclusion: Chocolate Is for Humans—Keep It That Way

Chocolate is one of life’s little pleasures, but it’s important to remember that it’s a treat meant for humans—not for our pets. While chocolate can be toxic to dogs, you can easily prevent accidents by keeping it out of reach and being aware of the symptoms of chocolate poisoning.

At Markham & Fitz, we craft our chocolate with the highest quality ingredients, meant to be savored and enjoyed by humans. So next time you’re indulging in a bar of dark chocolate or enjoying one of our signature truffles, be sure to keep it safe from your four-legged friends.

While your pup can’t enjoy chocolate with you, there are plenty of other ways to spoil them with safe, delicious treats.

A Personal Note From Our Founder:

Markham & Fitz is partly named after my 50 lb aussiedoodle dog, Fitzgerald. When we brought our very first chocolate bars home, a prized collection of five bars at the time, we stored them high on a counter that we thought he couldn't reach. We were woefully mistaken. We came home to find that Fitz had found his way to the top of the counter and only left the paper wrappers.

He was young then, maybe 1 or 2 years old, and it really scared us. He must have consumed upwards of 10 ounces of pure dark chocolate! Fitz got very sick, but we monitored him and he recovered within 24 hours (usually recovery for him has looked like a really heavy energy crash, which I have taken to mean the chocolate has left his system).

Ultimately, Fitz became a mischievous hunter of all chocolate, and now we know he will willingly steal anything we accidentally leave out or just within reach for his tall, poodle-legged paws. Fitz has consumed more than a fair share of chocolate in his lifetime. Much of which has been very dark chocolate. He's a larger dog, and it's always a nightmare when he gets into chocolate. Let's just say, he reacts like he's taken stimulant drugs. He gets extremely hyperactive, and usually has to poop a lot (and will poop inside if left overnight without potty options). It's not ideal, but he does survive and does not require emergency medical attention. Occasionally, we have used the hydrogen peroxide method to induce vomiting and that usually helps reduce the amount of impact of chocolate on his body.

From our plethora of experiences trying to manage our dog's mischief, your dog (especially if larger) will likely be fine and will have to ride the wave of chocolate poisoning. Call your vet, consider inducing vomiting if you catch it soon enough, and monitor their symptoms! 

This is a personal anecdote, and shouldn't replace expert veterinary advice.