The first thing most of us learn about raising a dog is that chocolate is harmful, regardless of the format. As tasty as it may be for us on a hot day, chocolate ice cream is one treat that dogs should never eat.
How bad is this popular frozen dairy dessert? Let’s find out as we explore the science behind whether dogs can eat chocolate ice cream.
Why Can’t Dogs Eat Chocolate Ice Cream?
Like any other form of chocolate, chocolate ice cream is toxic to dogs due to the methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine) contained therein. Containing 2%–4% cocoa solids, chocolate in ice cream isn’t as dangerous as other variations of chocolate, like milk chocolate bars that contain at least 10% cocoa and more concerningly dark chocolate up to 95%.
The milk and cream that head the ingredients list in chocolate ice cream recipes help dilute some of the cocoa powder’s influence, though that doesn’t make it much safer for your dog. On the contrary, these dairy products can cause additional immediate health problems.
Theobromine and Caffeine
Theobromine and caffeine are the central issues when we say that dogs can’t eat chocolate, whether in ice cream or any other form. Both are methylxanthines (a group of stimulants) that appear in cocoa, and theobromine levels are three to ten times higher than caffeine.
The total amount of these methylxanthines is a crucial measure, as the two work competitively to affect the body in similar ways. The methylxanthine concentration can vary based on the individual cocoa beans, how manufacturers process the cocoa, and the type of chocolate used in the ice cream recipe.
The following are the general methylxanthine concentrations of various chocolate forms:
- Dry cocoa powder: 28.5 mg/g
- Unsweetened (baker’s) chocolate: 16 mg/g
- Semisweet and dark chocolate: 5.4–5.7 mg/g
- Milk chocolate: 2.3 mg/g
- White chocolate: ~0.1 mg/g
Chocolate types play a crucial role in an ice cream’s toxicity, and unsweetened and dark chocolate is more dangerous in smaller quantities. By contrast, white chocolate has a considerably lower likelihood of toxicity unless a dog eats extreme amounts.
Methylxanthine Toxicity in Chocolate Ice Cream
The exact amount of chocolate ice cream that causes toxicity varies between dogs. The lethal level of methylxanthines in cocoa is roughly 100–200 mg per kg of body weight (~45–90 mg per pound). Generally, an ounce of milk chocolate for every pound of a dog’s body weight or 0.1 ounces per pound of baking chocolate is potentially lethal.
Larger, heavier breeds can typically ingest more chocolate ice cream before showing signs of illness. At the same time, individual sensitivities, age, and health issues will make some dogs more susceptible to chocolate poisoning regardless of their size. In pregnant or nursing dogs, methylxanthines can even pass into the placenta and their milk to affect their offspring.
The Signs of Chocolate Poisoning
Initial Signs
Though it may not be deadly, methylxanthine poisoning can become apparent when dogs ingest as little as 20 mg per kg of body weight (~9 mg per pound). The GI tract absorbs and distributes the compounds throughout the body, which the liver recycles over several hours before they finally pass.
Initial signs of toxicity may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive thirst
- Bloating
- Restlessness
The first signs of chocolate toxicity usually occur 4–6 hours after the dog eats chocolate ice cream. Dogs digest methylxanthines slowly, though, so it may take up to 12–24 hours before signs appear. If you have any concerns that your dog has eaten chocolate in whatever form they have come across it then you should contact your veterinarian for advice. Chocolate toxicity calculators are available to help determine a course of action.
Worsening Signs
As dogs ingest more methylxanthine (>40–50 mg/kg), theobromine and caffeine can affect the central nervous system and heart muscle. Small doses can lead to a decreased heart rate, while larger amounts can result in an increased heart rate and irregular heartbeat.
Despite the availability of many pet-friendly alternatives, it is important for owners to prioritize their dog’s safety and avoid allowing them to consume chocolate ice cream in any form.
Featured Image Credit: Xeniia X, Shutterstock
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