Why Can Dogs Not Have Chocolate
Dogs cannot have chocolate because they are not able to digest theobromine, a stimulant found in cocoa and chocolate. The chemical is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.
How much chocolate is toxic to a dog?
Dark Chocolate: Use a scale of 1.5 ounces per 10 pounds of body weight. That’s 3 ounces for a 20 pound dog. If they’ve ingested that much or more, it’s time to call your vet. Milk Chocolate or Semi-sweet: A poisonous amount would be anything over 3.5 ounces- a standard size Hershey’s bar- for a small 10 pound dog.[1]
Is it OK if dogs have a little chocolate?
Yes, chocolate is toxic to dogs. While rarely fatal, chocolate ingestion can result in significant illness. Chocolate is toxic because it contains a chemical called theobromine, as well as caffeine. Theobromine is the main toxin in chocolate and is very similar to caffeine.[2]
Why is chocolate toxic to dogs?
Chocolate contains cocoa, and cocoa contains the compound theobromine. Theobromine is toxic to dogs and other animals at certain doses. Chocolate poisoning is a problem that occurs mainly in dogs but also occurs occasionally in cats or other animals.[3]
Will 1 M&M hurt a dog?
If your dog has eaten a single M&M, they should be fine, and there is nothing that you will likely need to do. However, several, or a full packet, may cause digestive upset resulting in diarrhea and vomiting. Close monitoring for the next 24 hours is advised. Contacting a vet may be required.[4]
Why can’t dogs have grapes?
3 Veterinarians Discover that Tartaric Acid is the Culprit ASPCA Poison Control Center (APCC) veterinarians solved the 20-year mystery of why grapes, raisins and sultanas are poisonous to dogs. It turns out that the tartaric acid in grapes causes these symptoms: Vomiting. Diarrhea.[5]
Can dogs eat Oreos?
If your dog has eaten a lone Oreo, she’s probably fine. But Oreos aren’t recommended for dogs. Of course, chocolate is toxic to dogs, but there’s not enough baking chocolate in an Oreo to cause immediate alarm. That said, it’s not wise to feed your dog anything containing even a small amount of a toxic ingredient.[6]
Can dogs eat ice cream?
Dogs Don’t Digest Milk Well Ice cream can cause your dog gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or vomiting. Remember, your dog can’t voice their concerns to you, so while they might look OK on the outside, they could be experiencing some major digestive issues on the inside.[7]
Can dogs eat peanut butter?
Don’t keep your pup in suspense any longer. Yes, dogs can eat peanut butter as long as it is fed in moderation and does not contain xylitol, so get out that pet-safe peanut butter jar and share the good news.[8]
Can dogs eat bananas?
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog’s main diet.[9]
Can dogs eat cheese?
Yes, dogs can eat cheese. In fact, cheese is often a great training tool, especially for puppies. But should dogs eat cheese? While some dogs can eat cheese, and most dogs love it, many dogs can be intolerant of cheese.[10]
Why can’t dogs have onions?
Yes. Onions contain a toxic principle known as N-propyl disulfide. This compound causes a breakdown of red blood cells, leading to anemia in dogs. The toxin causes oxidative damage to your dog’s red blood cells by attaching to the oxygen molecules in those cells.[11]
What if my dog ate a brownie?
If your dog has eaten a brownie, it is best to contact your vet right away. Alternatively, you can always get in contact with organizations such as the Pet Poison Helpline for advice and assistance. Brownies mostly contain chocolate, which can be toxic to dogs even in small doses.[12]