Can dogs eat chocolate?

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If you’re thinking about getting a dog, it’s a good idea to research the human foods they need to avoid. While most people are aware that dogs and chocolate don’t mix, not as many understand why it’s so dangerous. In this blog, we look at what happens if dogs eat chocolate, what to do if your dog helps themself to a bar, and answer the question of whether dogs can eat any chocolate at all. The straight answer is no, but when it comes to other foods like chocolate, it is not always a straightforward no. Have a look at food intolerance testing for dogs if you think your dog might struggle with the majority of foods, not just chocolate.

Why is chocolate so poisonous to dogs?

As much as chocolate is delicious, it contains theobromine, a caffeine-like molecule that increases blood to the brain. Because dogs are unable to break down this ingredient, eating chocolate has the potential to cause damage to their heart, kidneys, and central nervous system. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include diarrhoea, hyperactivity, vomiting, seizures, rapid breathing and heart problems, usually occurring between four and 24 hours after consumption. The severity of the symptoms will depend on several factors, such as the breed of dog, the type of chocolate they’ve eaten and how much they’ve digested. However, in severe cases, chocolate poisoning can result in death, so it’s essential to be on your guard, even if your dog has only eaten a very small amount.

Is all chocolate poisonous to dogs?

Dark chocolate is the most dangerous type for your dog to eat because it contains the highest levels of cocoa and theobromine. Therefore, the onset of symptoms they experience will be the most severe and likely to cause the most internal damage. While milk chocolate contains a lower percentage of theobromine, it still has the potential to make your dog very unwell if they eat it, mainly if they consume a significant amount in relation to their body weight. White chocolate is considered the least harmful because it contains a very low level of theobromine, so the toxic effects are less of a threat. However, its high fat and sugar content means it’s still a treat that your dog should avoid, as it can lead to other severe conditions like pancreatitis.

What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?

If your dog has eaten chocolate, it’s always best to contact your vet for advice. Before you speak to them, make a note of your dog’s weight, the amount of chocolate they ate and what type it was. This will help your vet calculate whether your dog has eaten an amount that is toxic to them and what treatment will be best. For example, if a Labrador has eaten 200g of milk chocolate, they’re likely to have an upset stomach and feel very unwell. If a smaller dog, such as a Yorkshire Terrier, consumes the same amount, their symptoms are likely to be more severe and require urgent treatment.

Always speak to someone, even if you have tried food intolerance testing for dogs

Even if you think the amount of chocolate your dog has consumed is minimal, it’s best to speak to a vet who will advise you on the right course of action. Chocolate poisoning can cause serious health issues and distress for your dog if left untreated, so it’s best to be on your guard even if you think they’ve only eaten a small amount.

More information on food intolerance testing for dogs

For more information about food intolerance testing and how it can improve the wellbeing of your dog, please send an email to [email protected] or fill out the contact form on our website. Our advice should never replace that of a veterinary professional, so please speak to your local practice if you are concerned about your pet’s health.

5 reasons why a food intolerance test could improve your dog’s health

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If you’re a vigilant dog owner, taking care of your pet’s health will be second nature. They’ll be walked, groomed, eat well, and have regular vet checks. But even with such an attentive approach, it’s only natural to wonder if there’s anything else you could do to help your pet, mainly if their medical history is complex. Because dogs can develop sensitivities at any time, it’s entirely possible that they could have an intolerance to pet foods they’d previously enjoyed. Although intolerance symptoms such as an upset stomach can be triggered for several reasons, it’s good to be on your guard as a pet owner. Here we’ve listed 5 reasons why ordering a food intolerance test for pets could improve their well-being and form part of their health MOT.

Any dog can have a food intolerance

Some dog breeds are more likely to suffer from certain medical conditions because of their genetic makeup. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, for example, commonly suffer from heart conditions, whereas pugs typically have problems with their eyes. But when it comes to food intolerance, there are no hard and fast rules about the type of dog that suffers from them. In fact, any breed can be intolerant to their food, even when it’s something they’ve eaten before. Paying close attention to any sensitivities that could make them feel unwell gives your dog the best chance of a healthy and happy life.

Food intolerance test for pets is easy and pain-free

Unlike many procedures that help review your dog’s health, food intolerance tests are non-invasive and won’t cause any discomfort. Taking a fur sample of 4 to 5 strands is enough to send off to our lab so that we can determine how your dog’s cells are functioning and what factors are making them unwell. The results will be emailed to you within 5 to 7 days, so you won’t have to wait long to find out if there are any intolerances that are affecting your dog’s well-being. If your dog continues to eat the food it’s intolerant to, it could continue to display symptoms such as an upset stomach until its diet changes, so taking an intolerance test could save them from unnecessary discomfort.

Testing packages to suit pets

We offer two food intolerance packages so you can choose the best option to suit your budget and requirements. Our Standard Test will assess your dog’s sensitives against a list of 60 recognised food and non-food items, while our Premium Test will focus on 200 items, plus an extra item of your choice. You can also choose to have a personalised consultation to discuss your pet’s intolerance test results and ask any questions you have about their dietary needs. Our tests come with free delivery and include a registered donation to Battersea so you can help other animals while ensuring the best care for your own.

A quicker road to Recovery for your pet

If your dog’s food intolerance test highlights any sensitivities, it’s a valuable stepping-stone to improving its health. By informing your vet of the test results, they’ll be able to advise you on any dietary changes that need to be implemented to make sure your dog is healthier, happier and with a better quality of life. Ordering a food intolerance test means you have a head start in helping your dog onto the road to recovery and can cut out the need for unnecessary tests that are both costly and unpleasant.

Stops unnecessary discomfort

No one wants their pet to feel poorly unnecessarily, so testing them for a food intolerance could save them from a lot of discomfort. Because a dog’s sensitivity to its diet can vary substantially, it’s important to be aware of warning signs, which include digestive problems such as diarrhoea, excessive sneezing, skin disorders and lethargy. While these symptoms might not be associated with their diet or surroundings, it’s good to rule it out so that vets can investigate the matter further. Another point to bear in mind is that persistently feeding the wrong food to an intolerant dog can cause long-term issues, so it’s best to review their diet as soon as the symptoms arise.

Order food intolerance test for pets

If you have any queries about ordering a food intolerance test for pets, you can email [email protected], and we’ll reply within one hour during the working day. You can also send us a message on our contact form, and we’ll answer any questions that you have.

 

What can I feed my dog if I run out of dog food?

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If you want to feed your dog a diet that contains all the vitamins, proteins, and minerals they need to stay healthy, kibble is the best choice because it’s formulated for complete nutrition. However, there will always be occasions when you get the dog food out of the cupboard and realise you’re running low or ran out completely. There are some dog food alternatives that you can feed your dog to help you to feel better.

While we wouldn’t recommend serving up a homemade meal for your dog on a regular basis, it’s likely you’ll have ingredients in your cupboard that are suitable alternatives to dog food and will stop your pet from feeling hungry. In this blog, we look at the foods you could prepare for your dog in a late-night emergency, what a balanced meal should comprise and what to leave off the menu at all costs.

What should I consider before I prepare my dog a homemade meal?

If you need to cook up a meal for your dog, it’s important to avoid anything with too much sodium and fat, as this can make them very thirsty and cause digestive problems. It’s also important to leave out any ingredients they have a food sensitivity to, as this could make them feel unwell and cause their symptoms to flare up. As a rule, it’s important to aim for a balance of complex carbohydrates and lean proteins such as cooked chicken and rice. If you’re a vegetarian, you might not have any meat in the fridge, but there are still lots of alternatives that are safe for your dog to eat and will give them a full tummy.

What dog food alternatives are safe to feed my dog?

If you have a meat-eater in your home, it’s likely you’ll have some protein to hand. It doesn’t have to be the finest cut of meat, as dogs aren’t too fussy. Frozen chicken or beef (de-frosted and cooked) will do the job nicely, as will the canned variety or even some sort of meat-based broth. If you don’t eat meat, scrambled eggs will also go down a treat and are quick and easy to prepare.

When it comes to complex carbohydrates, plain, cooked grains such as brown rice are a good choice, as is oatmeal or a small helping of wholegrain bread. If you have any vegetables, you can also add some green beans, carrots and corn to your dog’s meal; make sure you give them a rinse if they’re canned to remove any excess salt. Peanut butter is another cupboard staple that dogs tend to enjoy and can be added to their late-night snack. Just ensure that it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener, as this is extremely toxic to dogs.

What dog food alternatives should I avoid feeding my dog?

As much as it’s likely you’ll have lots of dog-friendly ingredients at home, there are some items that you should keep away from your pet, even if you’re whipping up an emergency meal. Processed ready meals should always be avoided, even if they’re meat-based, because of their high salt content. Onions, garlic, avocados, salty chips, mixed nuts, raisins, and grapes also need to be off limits, as should anything too fatty, spicy or sugary. This means no butter, mayonnaise, cured meats, sweetened cereals, or chocolate. There’s no doubt that a bowl of kibble is the recommended option when it comes to your dog’s diet, but a homemade meal can be a healthy alternative and a nice treat if harmful ingredients are avoided.

Order a food intolerance test for your pet

If you’d like to order a food intolerance test for your dog to find out whether any ingredients are likely to make them feel unwell, you can order one from our website by clicking here. This will help you understand what dog food alternatives would be required. Please remember that although we’re happy to give you advice about food intolerances, you should always speak to a vet if you’re concerned about your pet’s health and wellbeing.