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Is chocolate toxic for birds? My bird ate a chocolate cookie.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male

Hi, I was eating a chips ahoy chocolate chip cookie and gave my friends bird about a third of it. Will the bird be ok????

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 14th, 2016

Chocolate is a highly palatable food. Some of us know that all too well. Unfortunately, many birds seem to love chocolate almost as much as people. Chocolate is not bad for birds just because it is high in calories and fat though, it contains a compound called theobromine. Theobromine is toxic to dogs and cats as well, but birds, again due to their smaller size and more rapid metabolism, may be even more susceptible to its toxic effects.

Generally, the sweeter the chocolate (more sugar), the less theobromine present (milk chocolate contains about 1-2 mg of theobromine per gram, dark unsweetened chocolate may contain as much as 15-16 mg per gram). Despite this, no chocolate should be given to birds. Signs of chocolate toxicity include: hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmias, seizures, dark colored droppings and death.

If you notice any of these signs take Polly to the veterinarian immediately.

23Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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