Dogs should not eat chocolate at all, as it contains theobromine and caffeine, substances toxic to them. The amount of chocolate that can cause toxicity depends on the type of chocolate and the dog's weight.
- Toxic doses vary by chocolate type:
- Milk chocolate becomes toxic at about 0.5 ounces per pound of dog body weight.
- Dark or semi-sweet chocolate is more toxic, with as little as 0.13 ounces per pound potentially causing severe symptoms.
- Unsweetened baking chocolate is the most toxic; as little as 0.1 ounces per pound can be lethal
- Example toxic amounts:
- A 3-pound Chihuahua could be fatally poisoned by just one 1.55-ounce milk chocolate bar.
- A 75-pound Labrador would need to consume over 11 milk chocolate bars to reach a lethal dose
* For a 10 kg (22 lb) dog, 8-20 grams of dark chocolate or 60 grams of milk chocolate can be toxic
- Safe intake:
- There is no truly safe amount; even small amounts can cause symptoms, especially in smaller dogs.
- Theobromine toxicity typically occurs at doses of 100-150 mg/kg body weight, but symptoms may appear at lower doses (around 20 mg/kg)
- Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, death
Because of the risks, it is best to avoid giving any chocolate to dogs. If a dog consumes any chocolate, especially dark or baking chocolate, contact a veterinarian immediately for advice and possible treatment
. In summary, dogs should not be given chocolate at all, and even small amounts can be dangerous depending on the dog's size and chocolate type. Immediate veterinary care is recommended if ingestion occurs.
