No, dogs cannot eat white chocolate. Chocolates of any kind are harmful to dogs as they contain theobromine chemical compound. Lighter chocolate contains a lesser amount of theobromine; darker contains more of theobromine. White chocolate contains less theobromine than any other dark chocolate. Theobromine is present due to the ingredient cocoa beans in the chocolate. Adding to the cocoa beans, there is a high concentration of sugar and xylitol. Both are dangerous to dogs. Therefore being a responsible pet parent, you must prohibit yourself from giving chocolate to your dog.
What Is White Chocolate?
White chocolates are generally pale ivory colored. They are made of high concentration sugar, cocoa butter, milk solids, and vanilla. There is also the use of artificial sweetener xylitol. Around 1936, Nestle launched Galak in Europe. Galak then became famous, and Nestle started producing white chocolate with almonds, making them a trend amongst the youth.
Is White Chocolate Safe For Dogs?
No, white chocolate is not safe for dogs due to its ingredients. However, we will list the elements which are present in white chocolate.
- Sugar
- Cocoa beans
- Cocoa butter
- Milk solids
- Xylitol
Out of all the ingredients, cocoa butter is moderately safe for dogs. We can find these ingredients in many dog products, such as paw balm.
Why Is White Chocolate Bad For Dogs?
Many might be curious about white chocolate being bad for dogs even after a minimum presence of cocoa beans. Even a tiny amount of cocoa butter contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Let us see why and how white chocolate is bad for dogs:
Sugar: White chocolate has a high concentration of sugar. Dogs need sugar through carbohydrates, which they get from their high-quality dog food. They do not require any extra amount of carbs from other sources. The consequences of consuming excessive sugar are:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Dental issues
- Cardiovascular issues
- Hyperactivity
- Restlessness
- Convulsions
- Lack of coordination
- Loss of appetite
Cocoa beans: Cocoa beans contain theobromine and caffeine. Both the compounds in any amount are toxic to dogs. The consequences of consuming cocoa beans are:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- High respiratory rates
- Convulsions
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Multiple organ failure
- Coma
- Death
Milk solids: Generally, dogs are lactose intolerant. They should not be given milk in any form. The consequences of consuming milk powder are:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Gas
- Abdominal pain
- Stomach issues
- Acidity
Xylitol: Xylitol is the ingredient added to white chocolate, which is toxic to dogs. Consumption of xylitol calls for death in dogs within minutes. The consequences of consuming xylitol are:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Convulsions
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Increased heart rate
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of coordination
- Muscle cramps
- Coma
- Death
How Much White Chocolate To Feed My Dog?
White chocolate in any amount is bad for dogs to consume. Therefore you must not provide your dog with white chocolate. Furthermore, offering white chocolate to your dog will bring uncalled events which you will want to avoid at any cost.
What If My Dog Ate White Chocolate?
If your dog ate white chocolate accidentally, you must take your dog to the vet without waiting for the symptoms to appear. The xylitol content in the white chocolate can kill your dog within minutes of consuming it.
However, for an overview, here are the symptoms that will appear after your dog consumes white chocolate:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Excessive urination
- Nervousness
- Aggressive
- Irregular heartbeat
- Lack of coordination
- Tremors
- High respiratory rate
Alternatives To White Chocolate
Instead of offering your dog the toxic white chocolate, here are some healthier options you can opt for your dog:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat milk chocolate?
No, dogs cannot eat milk chocolate due to the toxic ingredients: sugar, xylitol, cocoa bean, vanilla, and milk solids.
Can dogs eat dark chocolate?
No, dogs cannot even eat dark chocolate. The toxic ingredients can call for unavoidable circumstances.
Can dogs eat chocolate products?
No, dogs cannot eat chocolate products. They contain harmful ingredients like preservatives, xylitol, corn syrup, and added colors. These ingredients can take your dog’s health down and lead to several vet visits.
Can puppies eat chocolate?
No, puppies cannot eat chocolate in any form. Since dogs are prohibited from eating chocolate, puppies cannot eat chocolate on the vulnerable end.
Final Thoughts
Coming to the end of the article, we can say that chocolates are harmful to a dog to consume. Instead, opt for healthier alternatives. Consuming chocolates can lead to death due to the ingredients present. Your dog deserves a healthy and happy life.
