Dog chocolate toxicity calculator
Enter your dog's weight and what they ate to get an instant risk assessment. This is a triage guide — not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.
✓ Reviewed against PDSA, Blue Cross, RVC, Battersea & Animal PoisonLine guidance · Last updated: 2026-09-04
Theobromine content by chocolate type
| Chocolate type | Theobromine (mg/g) | Toxic dose (medium 15kg dog) |
|---|---|---|
| White chocolate | ~0.01 | Very large amounts only |
| Milk chocolate | ~1.5–2 | ~300g+ |
| Dark chocolate (50–70%) | ~5–8 | ~75–120g |
| Very dark (70%+) | ~8–15 | ~45–75g |
| Baking / unsweetened | ~16–22 | ~30–45g |
| Cocoa powder | ~25–30 | ~20–30g |
| Cacao nibs | ~20–25 | ~25–35g |
Note: Clinical signs begin at approximately 20mg/kg theobromine. Cardiac effects appear around 40mg/kg. Seizures from 60mg/kg. These figures vary by individual dog.
Emergency contacts
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (24/7, fee applies). Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (24/7). UK Animal Poison Line: 01202 509 000.
Common questions
How much chocolate is dangerous for a dog?
It depends on your dog's weight and the type of chocolate. Darker, more concentrated chocolate (baking chocolate, cocoa powder) is far more toxic gram-for-gram than milk chocolate — clinical signs typically begin around 20mg/kg of theobromine, with cardiac effects from about 40mg/kg and seizures from about 60mg/kg.
Is white chocolate safe for dogs?
White chocolate contains only trace theobromine, so toxicity from it is rare and would require a very large amount relative to body weight. It's still not recommended — the fat and sugar content can cause an upset stomach or pancreatitis.
What are the signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs?
Vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, an increased heart rate, and excessive thirst or panting are early signs. In more serious cases this can progress to muscle tremors, seizures, or an irregular heartbeat. Symptoms can take several hours to appear, so a normal-seeming dog is not a reason to skip calling your vet.
Important: This calculator provides an estimate only. Individual dogs vary significantly in sensitivity to theobromine. Always call your vet or poison control for actual medical guidance — this calculator does not replace professional advice.