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Pet safety

Is Cacao toxic to dogs?

Theobroma cacao

Toxic to dogs

Yes — cacao is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Cacao is toxic to cats and dogs because it contains the methylxanthines theobromine and caffeine, the same compounds that make chocolate (made from these beans) dangerous to pets per the ASPCA and Merck Veterinary Manual. Ingestion of pods, beans or leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity, racing heart, tremors and seizures; keep all plant parts away from pets.

What to do if your dog ate cacao

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move cacao out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of cacao to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten cacao, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is cacao toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is cacao toxic to dogs?

Yes — cacao is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Cacao is toxic to cats and dogs because it contains the methylxanthines theobromine and caffeine, the same compounds that make chocolate (made from these beans) dangerous to pets per the ASPCA and Merck Veterinary Manual. Ingestion of pods, beans or leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity, racing heart, tremors and seizures; keep all plant parts away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats cacao?

Cacao is toxic to cats and dogs because it contains the methylxanthines theobromine and caffeine, the same compounds that make chocolate (made from these beans) dangerous to pets per the ASPCA and Merck Veterinary Manual. Ingestion of pods, beans or leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity, racing heart, tremors and seizures; keep all plant parts away from pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to cacao.

What should I do if my dog ate cacao?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is cacao toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Cacao is toxic to cats as well. See the full cacao pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to cacao?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full cacao pet-safety