Can Dogs Eat White Chocolate? Explained!

Can dogs eat white chocolate? Most people who own pets know that chocolate can kill their beloved pets. In fact, even a small amount of that chocolatey goodness could kill your pet. But as white chocolate-covered candies become more popular, some pet owners might wonder if white chocolate can be safe for Fido.

Can Dogs Have White Chocolate?

So, can dog eat white chocolate? Our four-legged friends can’t have white chocolate, just like they can’t have milk or dark chocolate. The main reason is that all chocolate has a chemical called theobromine, which dogs can’t metabolize as humans can. This means that toxic levels of theobromine can quickly build up and even kill a dog. Also, chocolate has caffeine, which is another reason you shouldn’t give it to Rover.

However, the more bitter and black the chocolate, the greater risk it poses to our dogs. In comparison to conventional milk chocolate, which typically has between 44 and 58 mg/ounce, baking chocolate and luxury dark chocolate can contain anywhere from 130 to 450 mg of theobromine per ounce. Caffeine levels tend to be higher in darker chocolates as well.

Even though white chocolate has much less theobromine than dark chocolate, it can still hurt our dogs if they eat it. White chocolate, on the other hand, only has 0.25 mg of theobromine per ounce. White chocolate is probably the best choice for dogs than milk chocolate or dark chocolate.

Dangers of White Chocolate for Dogs

Now, you know, can a dog eat white chocolate? But that doesn’t mean your dog is safe if it eats white chocolate by accident. According to some sources, as little as 20 mg/kg of theobromine is toxic to dogs; this means that if your pooch manages to get into the candy cabinet and consumes a large quantity of white chocolate, it might be fatal.

If your dog eats more than 40 mg of theobromine, it can cause heart problems like a fast heart rate, heart arrhythmias, or high blood pressure. More than 60 mg can cause neurological problems like tremors, twitches, and even seizures.

Even though dogs usually die from poisoning when they eat more than 200 mg (which can cause dangerous conditions like cardiac arrest), any of these conditions may result in complications that cause death. Because of this, older dogs or dogs with health problems should be careful about eating chocolate. But even white chocolate, which has less theobromine than dark chocolate, can cause heart problems in dogs of any size, age, or breed.

A dog would have to eat a lot of white chocolate to get a toxic dose of theobromine, but other parts of white chocolate, like its high sugar content, can be dangerous for your four-legged family members.

In fact, many vets say that the fat and sugar in white chocolate are the most dangerous parts for our pets. Because of this, dogs who eat white chocolate can get symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, as well as more serious conditions like pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be fatal.

Signs of White Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

• Excessive urination
• Seizures
• Shaking
• Dehydration
• Panting or restlessness
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Increased heart rate

Related: CAN DOGS EAT TUNA FISH?

What Should I do If My Dog Eats White Chocolate

Now, you know, can dogs eat white chocolates? If your dog eats any kind of chocolate, including white chocolate, you must call your vet immediately. Keeping an eye on your pet dog or waiting for signs can make it harder to treat your dog.

Make sure to tell your vet what kind of chocolate, how much, and how much your dog weighs. This will help your vet figure out how worried you should be and how bad the symptoms will be. The long half-life of theobromine means that the symptoms of chocolate poisoning can take days or hours to show up.

If a dog eats chocolate, the most common way to treat it is to make it throw up as soon as possible. Because time is of the essence, you’ll need to bring your pet dog to the vet or an animal hospital right away. This may be the only thing that can be done in mild poisonings. In some cases, your vet may give your pet activated charcoal and fluid therapy to stop theobromine from getting into the body.

The sooner the theobromine is taken out of their system or their other signs of possible poisoning are stabilized, the better their chances of getting better.

FAQs: Can Dogs Eat White Chocolate?

What Happens If A Dog Eats White Chocolate?

While it may seem harmless at first glance, white chocolate really has certain negative effects. In general, canine digestive systems are not designed to process sugar, so refrain from giving your dog any treats that include sugar. The high-fat content of white chocolate and other sweets has been linked to digestive issues. Your dog runs the danger of developing pancreatitis because of the excessive fat content.

Can I Give White Chocolate To My Dog?

Any amount of chocolate, whether white or black, should never be given to a dog. Although all chocolate contains theobromine, the amount varies widely from one type to the next. Because of its rapid accumulation, theobromine can be fatal to your dog.

How Much White Chocolate Can A Dog Eat?

White chocolate, like milk and dark chocolate, is dangerous for our canines and feline pals. Theobromine, a substance found in all chocolate, can quickly accumulate to deadly levels in dogs. This occurs due to differences in metabolism between the two species.

Is White Chocolate Bar For Dogs?

There isn’t enough theobromine in white chocolate to be hazardous. However, the high fat and sugar content still makes it a possible pancreatitis trigger. Even if it weren’t harmful, chocolate is still not a good treat for dogs. This is because it can lead to weight gain and health problems.