I’ve heard everything from paranoid doggie-mamas claiming their baby was in grave danger after eating a single chocolate chip to nonchalant pet owners who boast of their pooch’s tolerance for an entire almond Symphony bar.
Chocolate contains theobromine, or xantheose. Non-human animals, like dogs (yes, I hate to break it to some of you), metabolize this chemical compound slower than humans, often causing a toxic reaction. In case any of you dog-lovers swing both ways, cats are easily susceptible as well, but because they cannot taste the sweetness of the chocolate, are less likely to ingest it.
The reason your husky can down a Snickers without needing a trip to the vet is because effects depend on the theobromine content of the chocolate and the size of the puppy. Milk chocolate has the lowest percentage, about 44 mg, semi-sweet contains 150 milligrams per ounce, increasing as the chocolate gets more concentrated (or worse-tasting if you ask me). Heavier dogs can handle more theobromine than smaller ones based on the ratio of a dose of 100 milligrams of theobromine per per kilogram of puppy mass.
So, your Westie might be okay if she gets in to your secret chocolate stash (come on, you know you have one), but there’s a greater danger if you leave the pantry door open and she demolishes a bar of bakers chocolate that you meant to use in last years’ Christmas cookies. In either case, it’s not a good idea to feed your puppy chocolate. Their tummies don’t like it, even if yours does.
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