How much cocoa powder is dangerous?
A single tablespoon (about 5 to 6 g) holds around 150 mg, enough to cause mild signs in a 15 lb dog. Hot chocolate mixes contain much less cocoa per spoon because they are mostly sugar and milk powder, but they still count. Cocoa bean shell garden mulch is also toxic (about 255 mg/oz) and tempting to dogs because it smells sweet.
| Dog weight | Mild signs (20 mg/kg) | Heart effects (40 mg/kg) | Seizures (60 mg/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lb | 2 g | 3 g | 5 g |
| 10 lb | 3 g | 6 g | 10 g |
| 20 lb | 6 g | 13 g | 19 g |
| 40 lb | 13 g | 25 g | 1.3 oz |
| 60 lb | 19 g | 1.3 oz | 2.0 oz |
| 80 lb | 25 g | 1.8 oz | 2.7 oz |
What to do if your dog ate cocoa powder
Note the time and keep the wrapper. Then call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. If it was eaten within the last 2 hours and the dose is significant, your vet will likely give a medicine that makes your dog vomit. That is far safer than trying it at home. Dogs that already have symptoms may need IV fluids, heart monitoring and medication to control tremors.
Frequently asked questions
How much cocoa powder is toxic to a dog?
Mild signs can start at about 20 mg/kg of methylxanthines. For cocoa powder that is about 6 g for a 20 lb dog and 19 g for a 60 lb dog.
What are the symptoms of chocolate poisoning?
Vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, restlessness, panting, a racing heart, tremors and in severe cases seizures. They usually begin 6 to 12 hours after eating.