DearSitter / Can dogs eat / Chocolate

Can dogs eat chocolate?

Toxic

No. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and darker is worse.

How dangerous it is depends on the type of chocolate, how much they ate, and your dog's weight. Use the calculator below for a quick read.

Chocolate calculator

Last reviewed September 2026. Based on the veterinary sources listed below. Every dog is different, so call your vet if you're unsure.

My dog ate chocolate. What do I do?

  1. Call your vet or a pet poison line with the type, the amount and your dog's weight.
  2. Tell them your dog's weight, how much they ate and roughly when.
  3. Don't make your dog throw up unless a vet tells you to.

Signs to watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, panting, a racing heart, tremors and, at high doses, seizures. Signs usually start within 6 to 12 hours.

Poison help lines (US, 24/7)
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
A consultation fee may apply
(888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline
A consultation fee may apply
(855) 764-7661

Why?

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs process very slowly. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate have far more theobromine than milk chocolate, and white chocolate has almost none.

Sources