Did your dog get into the chocolate? Enter the dog's weight, the kind of chocolate and how much was eaten to estimate the theobromine dose in mg per kg and how serious it may be. This is information only: call your veterinarian or an animal poison control line straight away.
Last updated:
A standard milk chocolate bar is about 40–50 g (1.5 oz).
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Dog Chocolate Toxicity Calculator
Enter your dog's weight in kg or lb.
Choose the type of chocolate; darker chocolate contains much more theobromine.
Enter how much was eaten in grams or ounces (check the wrapper; estimate high if unsure).
Press Check toxicity to see the estimated dose and severity.
Call your vet or a pet poison helpline with these numbers, even if the result says low.
Theobromine content of chocolate
Chocolate type
Theobromine per ounce (28 g)
Per 100 g
White chocolate
about 0.25 mg
about 1 mg
Milk chocolate
44–58 mg
155–205 mg
Dark / semisweet chocolate
150–160 mg
530–565 mg
Unsweetened baking chocolate
390–450 mg
1,375–1,590 mg
Dry cocoa powder
400–737 mg
1,410–2,600 mg
Cocoa bean shell mulch
150–255 mg
530–900 mg
Ranges follow the Merck Veterinary Manual. Modern high-cacao bars (70% and above) can be at or above the top of the dark chocolate range.
How the dose is calculated
Dose (mg/kg) = amount eaten (oz) × theobromine (mg/oz) ÷ dog's weight (kg). Example: a 10 kg dog eats 50 g (1.76 oz) of milk chocolate: 1.76 × 58 = 102 mg of theobromine, and 102 ÷ 10 = about 10 mg/kg, below the level where signs are usually seen. The same amount of baking chocolate would be about 79 mg/kg, a severe dose.
Dose
Possible effects
About 20 mg/kg
Vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, restlessness
About 40–50 mg/kg
Racing or irregular heartbeat
About 60 mg/kg and more
Tremors, seizures
About 100–200 mg/kg
Reported median lethal range
Frequently asked questions
Why is chocolate toxic to dogs?
Chocolate contains theobromine and some caffeine (methylxanthines). Dogs break theobromine down much more slowly than people, so it builds up and stimulates the heart and nervous system.
How much chocolate is toxic to a dog?
Veterinary references report mild signs such as vomiting, diarrhea and thirst from about 20 mg of theobromine per kg of body weight, heart effects at about 40–50 mg/kg, and seizures at about 60 mg/kg and above. For a 10 kg dog, 20 mg/kg is roughly 100 g of milk chocolate or only about 35 g of dark chocolate.
Which chocolate is the most dangerous?
The darker and more bitter, the more dangerous. Approximate theobromine per ounce: white chocolate 0.25 mg, milk chocolate 44–58 mg, dark or semisweet 150–160 mg, unsweetened baking chocolate 390–450 mg and dry cocoa powder 400–737 mg. Cocoa shell garden mulch is also toxic.
What are the symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs?
Vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, restlessness, panting, a racing heart, muscle tremors and in severe cases seizures. Signs usually start 6 to 12 hours after eating and can last a day or more.
What should I do if my dog ate chocolate?
Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control line right away and tell them the dog's weight, the type and amount of chocolate and when it was eaten. Do not try to make your dog vomit at home unless a vet instructs you to; they may induce vomiting or give activated charcoal.
Is white chocolate safe for dogs?
It contains almost no theobromine, so poisoning is unlikely, but the fat and sugar can still cause stomach upset or pancreatitis. Some products also contain xylitol, raisins or nuts, which are dangerous for dogs.
Is this calculator a substitute for a vet?
No. It is an educational estimate based on average theobromine contents. Products, dogs and other ingredients vary, so always get professional veterinary advice.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.