Can dogs eat chocolate?
UNSAFE Category: Sweet · Reviewed September 2026
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs metabolize far slower than humans. Darker chocolate is more dangerous: baking chocolate carries roughly seven times the theobromine of milk chocolate. Doses above 20 mg per kg of body weight can cause symptoms, and above 60 mg/kg seizures are possible. Use our chocolate toxicity calculator to estimate an ingested dose.
Symptoms to watch for
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- restlessness
- rapid heart rate
- tremors
- seizures
If you suspect poisoning: call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (available 24/7). Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.
Quick answers
Can dogs eat chocolate?
No. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs metabolize far slower than humans. Darker chocolate is more dangerous: baking chocolate carries roughly seven times the theobromine of milk chocolate. Doses above 20 mg per kg of body weight can cause symptoms, and above 60 mg/kg seizures are possible. Use our chocolate toxicity calculator to estimate an ingested dose.
What are the symptoms if my dog eats chocolate?
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures. Symptoms may appear within hours; when in doubt, call your vet.
What should I do if my dog ate chocolate?
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Do not wait for symptoms — early treatment is dramatically cheaper and safer.
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Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control. This page is informational and is not veterinary advice.