Chocolate
Can dogs and cats eat chocolate?
Short answer on chocolate: toxic for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.
If your pet ate this, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Call ASPCA: (888) 426-4435One food, two pets
What changes between dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats both have a toxic verdict.
The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line for your pet below.
- Bottom line differs
Chocolate safety for dogs
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, compounds dogs cannot break down efficiently, and even an ordinary amount can cause real illness.
Toxic principle: theobromine and caffeine (methylxanthines)
Watch for
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- increased thirst
- restlessness
- panting
- elevated heart rate
- muscle tremors
- seizures
Sources
- ASPCA: What to Do If Your Pet Gets Into Chocolate
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals
Reviewed 2026-07-12
Chocolate safety for cats
Cats are even more sensitive than dogs to the theobromine and caffeine in chocolate, even though they eat it less often because they cannot taste sweetness.
Toxic principle: theobromine and caffeine (methylxanthines)
Watch for
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- increased thirst
- restlessness
- panting
- elevated heart rate
- muscle tremors
- seizures
Sources
- ASPCA: What to Do If Your Pet Gets Into Chocolate
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals
Reviewed 2026-07-12
Questions owners ask about chocolate
Can dogs eat chocolate?
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, compounds dogs cannot break down efficiently, and even an ordinary amount can cause real illness.
What should I do if my dog ate chocolate?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
What symptoms should I watch for with chocolate and dogs?
vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, restlessness, panting, elevated heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
Can cats eat chocolate?
Cats are even more sensitive than dogs to the theobromine and caffeine in chocolate, even though they eat it less often because they cannot taste sweetness.
What should I do if my cat ate chocolate?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
What symptoms should I watch for with chocolate and cats?
vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, restlessness, panting, elevated heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
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Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.