How this calculator works
Chocolate is dangerous to dogs because of theobromine, a compound dogs metabolize very slowly. The calculator multiplies the amount your dog ate by the theobromine content of that chocolate type, then divides by your dog’s weight. The result is a dose in milligrams per kilogram, which is how vets judge severity.
The risk thresholds
Veterinary references group theobromine doses into bands. Mild signs such as vomiting and diarrhea are possible from about 20 mg/kg. Heart effects become a concern around 40 mg/kg. Seizures are possible from about 60 mg/kg. There is no fully safe dose, and individual dogs vary, so treat every result as an estimate and call your vet when in doubt.
Theobromine by chocolate type
| Chocolate type | Theobromine (per oz) |
|---|---|
| White | 0.25 mg |
| Milk | 58 mg |
| Dark | 130 mg |
| Semi-sweet | 150 mg |
| Baking | 393 mg |
| Cocoa powder | 737 mg |
A worked example: a 30 lb (13.6 kg) dog eats a 1.5 oz milk chocolate bar. That is 1.5 × 58 = 87 mg of theobromine, or 6.4 mg/kg. That lands in the low band, though mild stomach upset is still possible.
When to call the vet
Call right away if the result is Moderate or higher, if your dog is small, old, or has heart problems, or if you are not sure how much was eaten. Symptoms can take 6 to 12 hours to show, so do not wait for signs. The Pet Poison Helpline is (855) 764-7661.
Limitations
Theobromine content varies by brand and cocoa percentage, so the numbers here are typical values, not exact ones. Baked goods and mixed candies are hard to estimate. This tool cannot account for your dog’s health history. It is a triage aid, not a diagnosis.