Dogs love to eat the very things they shouldn’t. They see their pet parents enjoying snacks made with chocolate, and of course, dogs will want some, too. But is chocolate, such as alkalized chocolate safe for dogs? Is alkalized chocolate safer than other chocolate for dogs?
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Has your dog eaten alkalized chocolate? Are you worried that the alkalized chocolate will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about alkalized chocolate and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Alkalized Chocolate?
Alkalized chocolate, also called Dutch process cocoa or Dutch chocolate, is cocoa powder that has been treated with an alkalizing agent (potassium carbonate) to reduce the natural acidity of cocoa. The chocolate has a less bitter taste than natural cocoa powder.
What’s interesting is that alkalized chocolate is not as healthy as natural chocolate. The alkalizing process reduces the phytonutrients in the chocolate by half. What’s more, alkalized chocolate has a higher pH than natural chocolate. Alkalized chocolate is usually darker than natural chocolate.
While alkalized chocolate is safe for humans, what about dogs? Can alkalized chocolate make a dog sick?
Alkalized Chocolate & Dogs
Unfortunately, alkalized chocolate is just as toxic to dogs as natural chocolate. All forms of chocolate contain two ingredients that are toxic to dogs. These are theobromine and caffeine. Dogs are not able to metabolize these ingredients, so dogs can become very sick after eating chocolate. And chocolate can cause death if a dog eats too much of it.
The severity of the chocolate poisoning depends on the dog’s size and the amount of chocolate he’s eaten, as well as what type of chocolate he’s eaten. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine and caffeine it contains. Alkalized chocolate is the worst for dogs.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten alkalized chocolate:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Elevated temperature
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- Seizures
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Increased thirst & urination
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Be sure to tell the vet that your dog has eaten alkalized chocolate and about how much he may have eaten.
Treatment of Alkalized Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs
The vet may choose to induce vomiting if your dog has recently eaten alkalized chocolate. They may also use activated charcoal. Together, these treatments remove the toxins from your dog’s system.
The vet may also administer IV fluids and medications to treat your dog’s symptoms as they arise. In some cases, your fur baby may need to be hospitalized until he’s in stable condition.
The prognosis is best for dogs that receive prompt medical attention after eating alkalized chocolate. In the future, it’s best to keep all chocolate out of your dog’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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