Is Chocolate Toxic to Pets?
Yes — chocolate is toxic to cats. Yes — chocolate is toxic to dogs. Yes — chocolate is toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Theobroma cacao
- Toxic compound
- Theobromine and caffeine
- Toxic parts
- Dark, baking and cocoa powder are most dangerous
- Also known as
- cocoa, cacao, dark chocolate, milk chocolate
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
What to do
If your cat ate chocolate
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate chocolate
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your horse ate chocolate
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous. Signs include vomiting, restlessness, fast heart rate, tremors and seizures.
Is your pet covered for emergency vet bills?
Compare pet insurance quotes →
Frequently asked questions
Is chocolate toxic to cats?
Yes — chocolate is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is chocolate toxic to dogs?
Yes — chocolate is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is chocolate toxic to horses?
Yes — chocolate is toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of chocolate are toxic?
Dark, baking and cocoa powder are most dangerous.
What makes chocolate toxic?
Theobromine and caffeine.