Can Dogs Eat Chocolate Pudding? 4 Dangers & Tips If They Do

Pawscessories is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Many dog owners are curious if their furry friends can enjoy the same desserts that they can.

As most of us are aware chocolate is quite toxic to dogs, but is chocolate pudding? After all, it does seem quite different from chocolate even though it’s in the name.

So can dogs eat chocolate pudding? The short answer is no. Chocolate pudding can be just as dangerous to dogs as chocolate itself. Pudding generally contains large amounts of sugar and cocoa powder, both of which can be poisonous to dogs. Cocoa powder contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs in high doses.

In this article you’ll discover:

Why chocolate pudding is bad for dogs
The 4 dangers with dogs eating chocolate pudding
What to do if your dog eats chocolate pudding

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Can Dogs Eat Chocolate Pudding?

The simple answer to can dogs eat chocolate pudding is no. Chocolate pudding is just as dangerous to dogs as chocolate itself.

Chocolate pudding is most commonly made of water, sugar, milk, cocoa, vegetable oil and salt.

Some chocolate pudding recipes also include chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, vanilla extract and other flavorings.

While the sugar and milk in chocolate pudding may not be harmful to dogs in small amounts, the cocoa powder can be poisonous.

Cocoa powder contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs in high doses. The amount of theobromine in cocoa powder can vary, but it is typically around 20-60%.

This means that even a small amount of chocolate pudding can contain a high amount of theobromine.

So you should never feed your dog chocolate pudding.

The 4 Dangers With Dogs Eating Chocolate Pudding

There are a few major concerns with a dog eating chocolate pudding.

#1. Chocolate Pudding Contains Cocoa Powder

As mentioned earlier, cocoa powder is the main ingredient in chocolate pudding which is toxic to dogs..

Even a small amount of chocolate pudding can contain a high amount of theobromine.

The symptoms of theobromine poisoning in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, urination, panting, restlessness and tremors.

#2. Chocolate Pudding Contains Sugar

While sugar is not toxic to dogs, it can still be harmful in large amounts.

Eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain and obesity in dogs. It can also cause diabetes and other health problems.

Additionally, eating too much sugar can give your dog an upset stomach and cause diarrhea.

So while sugar is not toxic to dogs, it is still best to avoid feeding them chocolate pudding.

#3. Chocolate Pudding can Contain Other Toxic Ingredients

In addition to cocoa powder and sugar, chocolate pudding can also contain other ingredients that are dangerous to dogs.

Some recipes for chocolate pudding include chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, vanilla extract and sweetener.

All of these ingredients can be toxic to dogs if consumed in large amounts.

Additionally, some brands of chocolate pudding mix may also contain xylitol. Xylitol is a sweetener that is safe for humans but poisonous to dogs.

Even a small amount of xylitol can cause low blood sugar, seizures and liver failure in dogs.

#4. Chocolate Pudding Contains Caffeine

Caffeine is another ingredient that can be found in some chocolate pudding recipes.

Caffeine can be toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms such as painting, restlessness, vomiting and diarrhea.

In severe cases, caffeine poisoning can lead to seizures, heart arrhythmias and death.

So if your dog eats chocolate pudding, it is important to watch for these symptoms and seek veterinary care immediately if they occur.

Can Dogs Die From Eating Chocolate Pudding?

Yes, dogs can die from eating chocolate pudding. Theobromine poisoning can be fatal in dogs if not treated immediately.

How Much Chocolate Pudding Causes Toxicity In Dogs?

The amount of chocolate pudding that can cause toxicity in dogs will depend on the size of the dog and the cocoa content of the pudding.

For example, a small dog can be poisoned by as little as one ounce of chocolate pudding with a cocoa content of 20%.

On the other hand, a large dog would need to eat about eight ounces of chocolate pudding with a cocoa content of 20% to be poisoned.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate Pudding?

If your dog stole your chocolate pudding cup off the table it can definitely be a cause for concern.

What do you do if this happens?

First of all you should always call your vet when your dog has eaten something toxic.

I’ve been in these situations myself with my dog and since my dad, mom, and brother are all vets I usually call one of them.

Here’s a brief part of a conversation myself and Dr. Littlejohn had regarding a situation like this:

Me – “My dog ate some chocolate, what should I do?”

Dr. Littlejohn – “How big is your dog and how much chocolate did they consume?”

After answering this question my father analyzed whether or not the amount consumed was an amount to cause toxicity.

For those of you unable to contact your vet you can use an online chocolate toxicity calculator to determine the severity of the situation.

Another option is to use an online service to speak directly with a vet for immediate help. Click here if you wish to speak with a vet online right now.

If you are unsure of the amount your dog ate you will need to monitor your dog closely and try and get in to see your vet as soon as possible.

Even if your dog is not experiencing chocolate toxicity they’ll likely experience gastrointestinal distress.

Signs of this can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

In some cases Dr. Littlejohn says your dog may even seem “high”.

Be on the lookout for the common signs of chocolate toxicity:

diarrhea
vomiting
increased thirst
panting or restlessness
excessive urination
racing heart rate