For dogs
Dog chocolate toxicity calculator
Has your dog eaten chocolate? Enter the type, how much and your dog's weight to see whether it's likely to be dangerous. If in doubt, call your vet.
This calculator is a guide, not a diagnosis. It uses cautious estimates, but every dog is different. Dogs with heart problems, older dogs and puppies may be affected by smaller amounts. If you're worried, call your vet.
How the calculator works
Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs can't break down well. The calculator multiplies the amount of chocolate by how much theobromine that type usually contains, then divides by your dog's weight. That gives the dose in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), which is what vets use.
- Under 10 mg/kg: unlikely to cause more than an upset tummy.
- 10 to 20 mg/kg: call your vet today.
- 20 mg/kg or more: vets usually treat. Call a vet now.
- 40 to 50 mg/kg or more: can affect the heart. From about 60 mg/kg, fits are possible.
We use figures from the top of the usual range for each type of chocolate, so the result errs on the side of caution.
How much is dangerous for a 10 kg dog?
| Type of chocolate | Theobromine per gram | Amount that reaches 20 mg/kg |
|---|---|---|
| Milk chocolate | 2.4 mg | About 83 g |
| White chocolate | 0.25 mg | About 800 g |
| Plain or dark chocolate, under 70% cocoa | 8 mg | About 25 g |
| Very dark chocolate, 70% cocoa or more | 16 mg | About 13 g |
| Cocoa powder or baking chocolate | 26 mg | About 8 g |
| Chocolate cake, biscuits or brownies | 8 mg | About 25 g |
A dog that weighs twice as much can eat roughly twice as much before reaching the same dose.
Common questions
- How much chocolate is toxic to a dog?
- It depends on the type of chocolate and your dog's weight. Vets usually treat a dose of 20 mg of theobromine per kg or more. For a 10 kg dog, that's about 83 g of milk chocolate, 25 g of plain dark chocolate, or 8 g of cocoa powder.
- How long after eating chocolate will a dog show symptoms?
- Signs usually start within 6 to 12 hours, and can last up to 3 days. Treatment works best early, often before any signs appear, so call your vet straight away rather than waiting.
- What are the symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs?
- Being sick, diarrhoea, restlessness or hyperactivity, panting, drinking and peeing more, a racing heart, shaking, and in severe cases fits.
- Is white chocolate dangerous for dogs?
- White chocolate contains very little theobromine, so it rarely causes poisoning. It's high in fat and sugar, so large amounts can still cause an upset tummy or pancreatitis.
- Should I make my dog sick after eating chocolate?
- No. Don't try to make your dog sick with salt, mustard or anything else, as it can be dangerous. A vet can give an injection to make them sick safely if it's needed.
- Is chocolate poisonous to cats?
- Yes. Cats are small and there is less known about safe amounts, so if your cat has eaten any chocolate, call your vet straight away. This calculator is for dogs only.