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Dog ate cake with chocolate spread. Will he be sick? What to expect?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Havanese | Male | unneutered | 10 months and 23 days old

Kiba just ate about 3 slices of cake, small slices that had a very thin chocolate spread on them. We had guests over and didn't notice him stealing them. Is he going to get sick from it? What should we expect?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Jones VMD

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on April 17th, 2017

How naughty of Kiba! The toxicity from chocolate ingestion varies widely based upon the type of chocolate, amount consumed, and Kiba's body weight. For example, a 15 pound dog that ate 0.5 oz. of baker's chocolate could experience significant elevations in his heart rate and arrhythmias, whereas a 15 pound dog that ate 0.5 oz. of milk chocolate would be unlikely to have any issues. Chocolate ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, arrhythmias, seizures, and even death in severe cases. Try to determine the type and amount of chocolate used in the frosting to determine if a chocolate toxicity is possible. Feel free to request a consultation or post another question for a more specific answer.

There is a chance that Kiba could experience some gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, as a result of eating the cake. Consider feeding him a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice for the next few days while monitoring him for changes. After a few days, gradually transition him back to his normal diet while mixing the foods together.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 17th, 2017

    Thank you for the additional information! With the frosting recipe that you used, try to calculate exactly how much cocoa was in the frosting of each piece of cake. If Kiba consumed a total of 0.25 oz. of cocoa or less, he may experience some vomiting or diarrhea. However, if he consumed closer to 0.5 oz. of cocoa, he could experience cardiac and neurologic changes that could be quite severe and require immediate ER attention. Since he consumed the cake about 2 hours ago, he is nearing the end of the window where it is possible to induce vomiting. If there is any concern that he ate much more than 0.25 oz. of cocoa, he should go to an ER vet immediately so that vomiting can be induced, he can receive activated charcoal, and be closely monitored. Again, if he ate less than 0.25 oz. of cocoa, consider simply monitoring him for changes and start feeding the bland diet mentioned in your previous question's answer. I hope that all goes well!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 17th, 2017

    Since Kiba ingested less than 0.25 oz. of cocoa, he is not likely to experience a severe reaction to the chocolate. He could have vomiting and diarrhea as a result of either the chocolate and/or cake in general. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then offer a few tablespoons of boiled white meat chicken and white rice. If he keeps it down, offer a bit more food. The general rule of thumb is to feed 1 cup of the chicken and rice mixture for every 10 pounds of body weight, so Kiba should eat about 1.5 cups per day, divided into 3-4 smaller meals.

    If Kiba becomes lethargic or has persistent vomiting or diarrhea, he will need to go the vet. Unfortunately, there isn't anything that you can give at home that is likely to help with his vomiting. Hopefully a bit of a bland diet and time will be enough to get Kiba through any GI upset!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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