How much chocolate can a 13 pound dog eat? Expert Advice

by

How much chocolate will kill a dog?

It doesnt even need to take that much for toxic signs to be shown. It all depends on how much of the poisonous ingredient theobromine is in the type of chocolate eaten. White chocolate for all intents and purposes is harmless. It only contains tiny amounts of this substance.

Signs That Your Dog Has Been Poisoned by Chocolate and What to Do

With large amounts, theobromine can produce the following symptoms of toxicity:

  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Increased thirst and increased urination
  • Hyperactivity or restlessness
  • Fast irregular heart rate
  • Rapid breathing
  • Elevated body temperature
  • High blood pressure
  • Abdominal pain
  • Wobbly and unbalanced when walking
  • Tremors or seizures
  • Rigid muscles
  • Coma

    • The onset of theobromine poisoning is usually marked by severe hyperactivity.

    The usual treatment for theobromine poisoning is to induce vomiting within two hours of ingestion.

    If you are worried or suspect that your dog may have eaten a large quantity of chocolate and they are showing any of the signs listed above, call your vet immediately.

    Kinds of Chocolate That Can Kill a Dog

    One of the first things you need to know a chocolate’s toxicity level. Keep in mind that chocolates with more cocoa solids have higher theobromine content.

  • White chocolate: White chocolate has the least amount of cocoa, which is why it would take about 2 ounces before it can kill dogs.
  • Milk chocolate: Milk chocolate is deadlier than white chocolate because of its concentrated theobromine content, making a milk chocolate candy bar lethal for 10-pound dogs.
  • Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate contains a high amount of theobromine, which means even an ounce of dark chocolate can kill a dog.
  • Baking chocolate: Almost similar to cacao powder, baking chocolate contains high levels of theobromine, making it an aggressive stimulant for dogs.
  • Cacao powder: Pure cacao powder is the deadliest because it has the highest theobromine content at 60 mg. Even 1/3 pound of pure cacao can kill a 20-pound dog.

    • However, keep in mind that chocolate isn’t the sole factor. Death from chocolate intoxication also depends on your dog’s weight and the amount of chocolate consumed. See this table to compare how the type of chocolate can kill your dog.

    Type of Chocolate Theobromine Content Lethal Amount for Dogs
    White Chocolate 0.01 mg 1 to 2 ounces per pound of a dog’s weight
    Milk Chocolate 2.4 mg 1 ounce per pound of a dog’s weight
    Dark Chocolate 5.5 mg Less than an ounce of a dog’s weight
    Cooking or Baking Chocolate 16 mg 1 ounce per pound of a dog’s weight
    Sweet Cacao 60 mg 0.3 ounces per pound of a dog’s weight

    How Much Chocolate Can Kill Your Dog?

    A dog’s body can’t handle the high levels of caffeine and theobromine in chocolate, which are toxic to dogs. The quantity of chocolate an average-sized dog needs to ingest before it has a bad reaction varies from dog to dog and type to type of chocolate.

    Chocolate is poisonous to dogs as it contains theobromine. Humans easily metabolize theobromine, but dogs process it much more slowly, allowing it to build up to toxic levels in their system. The potential toxicity of chocolate to your dog depends on the type of chocolate, the amount consumed and your dog’s size. In large enough amounts, chocolate and cocoa products can kill your dog.

    (If you want to know what other human foods are harmful to your dog, you can read this blog post by Petcarerx.)

    Many of us love chocolate, but did you know that the darker and more bitter the chocolate-the more dangerous it is to your pup? And, how much is too much if your dog accidentally eats your stash? Read on to find out.