Dogs and Chocolates

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It is common knowledge that dogs cannot eat chocolate. I've learned among my peers that they have fed their dogs chocolates in one form or another, but I will never take a chance. Why are chocolates lethal on dogs anyway? Theobromine and caffeine are found in chocolate. Both are toxic for dogs. Theobromine is a bitter alkaloid of the cacao plant. It has a higher concentration than caffeine. While this is okay to be consumed by humans, dogs cannot. Dogs metabolize theobromine very slowly and it can stay in your dog’s bloodstream for 20 hours, which interferes with the functionality of the heart and kidneys. Based on my internet research, the lethal dose for both theobromine and caffeine is between 100mg to 200mg per kg of bodyweight. But the effect of theobromine poisoning in small doses can show severe symptoms. White chocolate has the smallest amount of theobromine and caffeine at 1.1mg per ounce of chocolate. The one with the highest amount is dry cocoa powder at 808mg per ounce of chocolate. The effect or severity of the symptoms is reliant to a dog’s general health, size, sensitivity to theobromine and caffeine, and the type and quantity of chocolate eaten. If you let your dog taste chocolate, even in the smallest of size, is not advised. Dogs will find the taste very addictive, and will find every opportunity to sniff out and eat chocolate, even without your knowledge. It’s best to have these toxic foods away from your dog’s reach. Have you ever fed your dog chocolates? I've known a few friends who have and their dogs died... :(