Can I Feed My Dog Chocolate or Macadamia Nuts?
Common Human Foods that Cause Poisoning in Dogs
Apr 3, 2009
With Easter around the corner, it is important for owners to be aware of the dangers of feeding your dog chocolate. Another human food that commonly causes toxicity are macadamia nuts.
Why is Chocolate Harmful to Dogs?
Chocolate contains a compound, naturally found in cocoa beans, called theobromine. In dogs, it stimulates the heart, is a diuretic and can affect the central nervous system and kidneys.
The amount of chocolate that is toxic to dogs varies according to the size of the dog and the quantity and type of chocolate. If you drop a Smarty© on the ground and your dog gobbles it up, you probably don’t need to panic; however, you don’t want to leave a block of chocolate on the coffee table while you go and make yourself a cup of coffee.
Cooking (baker’s chocolate) and dark chocolate (semi-sweet chocolate) contain more theobromine than milk chocolate. It takes approximately 100-150mg/kg of theobromine to cause chocolate toxicity. Here is a good guide for approximately how much chocolate would cause a toxic reaction for dogs:
- Approximately 1 ounce of milk chocolate per 1 pound weight
- Approximately 1 ounce of dark chocolate per 3 pounds weight
- Approximately 1 ounce of cooking chocolate per 9 pounds weight
Some of the signs of illness may not be immediately present after ingestion. It may take several hours, but if enough chocolate is consumed, death can occur.
Symptoms you may see if your dog has consumed chocolate:
- Becomes excited or hyperactive
- Excessive urination
- Increased thirst
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Increased or irregular heart rate
Why are Macadamia Nuts Toxic to Dogs?
At present, it is not known what the toxic ingredient in macadamia nuts is, that causes dogs to become ill. The amount of macadamia nuts to cause toxicity can vary greatly, from 4-6 nuts, to 40 nuts, depending on the dog’s weight.
Symptoms you may see if your dog has consumed macadamia nuts:
- Locomotory difficulties
- Tremors
- Muscle weakness
- Paralysis of hindquarters
- Distressed and panting
- Some dogs may show swollen or sore limbs
Often people like to give their dogs human food treats as a way of spoiling their pet, and because they are one of the family. Some human foods need to be avoided. If you enjoy giving your pet a treat of human food occasionally, stick with a small piece of cheese or sausage. But bear in mind, this would be considered junk food, and too much will make them gain weight. A good quality dog food diet is all they need, and there are plenty of dog treats available
If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate or macadamia nuts, call your veterinarian.
Other human foods that can cause toxicity in dogs:
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