can dogs eat chocolate

Dogs should not eat chocolate as it is toxic to them. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which dogs cannot effectively metabolize. The darker and purer the chocolate (such as dark chocolate or cocoa powder), the more toxic it is to dogs. Even small amounts can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, and increased heart rate to more severe effects like seizures. Milk chocolate is less toxic but still dangerous, and white chocolate is the least harmful but not recommended due to its high fat and sugar content. If a dog ingests chocolate, veterinary advice should be sought immediately, especially if the chocolate is dark or in large quantities.