How to Keep Your Home Healthy and Pet-Friendly

Dining Room:  The Truth About Dogs and Chocolate

Dogs have to ingest a fairly large amount of cocoa before they are poisoned by it. “White chocolate has almost no real chocolate in it. The fat and butter in it is more of an issue. And one milk chocolate chip is not terrible,” Dr. Lee says.

The toxicity depends on the size and breed of the dog and what type of chocolate they have eaten. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more toxic it is. If you do make a tray of brownies, keep it covered and out of your pet’s reach. “But if he happens to get a hold of a chocolate chip cookie or a piece of cake, in general, it shouldn’t be an issue,” says Dr. Lee. “The worst thing you’re looking at is an upset stomach.”