Updated: 14/08/25
Yes, chocolate and sweets can be poisonous for pets if eaten.
There are many other foods that can be harmful for our dogs if ingested, some of which we have listed below.
If you’re worried that your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have or seems unwell, please contact your veterinary practice for support as soon as possible.
On this page:
- Chocolate is poisonous to dogs
- Give dried fruit the boot
- Avoid feeding certain meat and vegetables
- Get rid of food packaging
- What happens if my dog has eaten something harmful?
Chocolate is poisonous to dogs
Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is poisonous to dogs and which is also found in cocoa beans, cocoa powder and cocoa shell garden mulches.
How dangerous chocolate is depends on the type and amount eaten, and the size and health of your dog.
Certain sweets can also be toxic for our pets if ingested, and some sweeteners can cause low blood sugar and liver damage.
Therefore, it’s safest to keep chocolate and sweets out of reach of your dog, and if they do manage to eat some, contact your local practice as soon as possible for advice.
Give dried fruit the boot
Any treats containing raisins, currants and sultanas may cause serious damage to your dog’s kidneys if eaten.
Many Christmas treats contain dried fruit, so it’s especially important to make sure that your dog doesn’t have access to any leftover foods that could make them unwell at this time of year.
Avoid feeding certain meat and vegetables
High-fat foods such as sausages and bacon can sometimes cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), while onions and garlic (as part of the allium family of plants) are toxic to dogs and cats.
Bones can also potentially cause blockages and damage to your pet’s digestive tract.
Stick to pet-safe treats instead to avoid any emergency trips to the vets!
Get rid of food packaging
Food wrappers, skewers and other packaging can cause digestive blockages, so make sure you throw these away promptly and ensure your dog won’t have access to them.
What happens if my dog has eaten something harmful?
If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate or something harmful, please contact your veterinary practice immediately.
In certain circumstances, we can make a pet sick, which can help to reduce the amount of harmful substances absorbed by the body and remove some small items which may cause blockages.
While this doesn’t sound very pleasant, we can make sure we get as much as we can out of your dog’s system quickly and safely!
For further support, please contact your local VetPartners practice.
Did you find this article useful? Why not take a look at…
- The complete dog feeding guide
- How to keep your pets safe this BBQ season
- Eight ways to keep your pet safe at Halloween time
- Ten ways to keep your pet safe at Christmas
