Cacao

Theobroma cacao L.

Malvaceae // seed

Safety warning on record — see Safety

Your shelf

Not tracked on your shelf

View shelf →

Uses & evidence

Uses and evidence recorded

View →

Preparation

infusion/tea, tincture, powder/capsule, extract

View →

Safety

Safety cautions recorded

View →

Research

No linked research on file

Open research →

Overview

Plant parts

seed

Known constituents

flavanols, theobromine, caffeine

Research corpus coverage

Materia medicaPet safety

Chemistry notes

CHEMISTRY: Relevant reported constituents include flavanols; theobromine; caffeine; constituent presence alone does not establish clinical efficacy.

Uses & Evidence

Traditional / historical use

Documented traditional use — not a claim of established efficacy.

TRADITIONAL: Cacao has been used for food; mood; cardiovascular support; this records historical/traditional use and does not establish efficacy.
MODERATE · regulatory monograph · EMA European Union herbal monographs and list entries

Modern evidence

EVIDENCE: For the major use set (food; mood; cardiovascular support), the evidence assessment is limited/mixed: Moderate evidence for small BP/endothelial effects from cocoa flavanols; product calories/sugar and heterogeneity matter.
MODERATE · regulatory monograph and mixed scientific literature · EMA European Union herbal monographs and list entries
Mixed findings, product heterogeneity, or indirect evidence are preserved in the detailed profile.

Preparation

Forms used traditionally

infusion/teatincturepowder/capsuleextract

A listed form does not imply it suits every plant part, or that one preparation is interchangeable with another — see the plant’s own notes below.

PREPARATION: The medicinal material is seed; traditional and modern forms include infusion/tea, tincture, powder/capsule, extract. No dose or potency is specified.
MODERATE · regulatory monograph · EMA European Union herbal monographs and list entries
Preparation-specific evidence should not be generalized across extracts, teas, oils, or whole herb.

Safety

Cats

High risk
Chocolate can be dangerous to cats because cats are sensitive to theobromine like dogs, although the page lists no cat-specific clinical signs.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · chocolate, including dark chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · What to Do If Your Pet Gets into Chocolate
High risk
Ingestion of cacao-derived chocolate products can cause theobromine poisoning in cats; cats are described as more sensitive than dogs. Smaller exposures usually cause gastrointestinal upset, while larger exposures may progress to cardiovascular and neurologic effects, including tremors, seizures, weakness, coma, or death.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · Chocolate candy, chips, cocoa powder, baking, dark, semi-sweet, bittersweet, milk chocolate, and other cacao-containing products; higher-cacao products are more potent than milk chocolate. · HIGH · poison_control_database · The Dark Side of Chocolate: Chocolate and Caffeine Toxicity in Pets
Caution
Chocolate can be toxic to cats, although the page states that cats are usually too discriminating to eat chocolate and provides no separate feline dose thresholds.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · chocolate products · MODERATE · poison_control_database · Treatment

Dogs

High risk
Ingestion of excessive amounts of chocolate or other cacao-derived methylxanthine-containing products can cause potentially life-threatening toxicosis in dogs.
Intrinsic toxicity · ORAL · chocolate products, including cocoa powder, baker’s chocolate, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals - Toxicology
High risk
Chocolate ingestion can cause serious toxicosis in dogs; darker chocolate generally contains more theobromine, and large exposures may cause agitation or hyperactivity, increased or irregular heart rate and rhythm, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, seizures, and pancreatitis.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · chocolate, especially dark chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · What to Do If Your Pet Gets into Chocolate
High risk
Sugar-free chocolate may contain xylitol, which the page identifies as a toxin that can cause low blood sugar and liver damage.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · sugar-free chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · What to Do If Your Pet Gets into Chocolate
High risk
Ingestion of cacao seed shells or cacao-shell mulch can cause methylxanthine toxicosis; deaths have been reported in animals consuming cacao-shell mulch.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · cacao seed shells and cacao-shell mulch · MODERATE · veterinary_manual · Toxicosis por chocolate en animales - Toxicología
High risk
Ingestion of roasted Theobroma cacao seeds and chocolate products can cause clinically important methylxanthine toxicosis in dogs and may be fatal.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · chocolate products, cocoa powder, roasted cacao seeds, and cacao seed shells · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Toxicosis por chocolate en animales - Toxicología
High risk
Chocolate-poisoning signs usually begin within hours of ingestion and may persist in severe cases.
Intrinsic toxicity · ORAL · cacao-derived chocolate products · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Food Hazards - Special Pet Topics - Merck Veterinary Manual
High risk
Dry cocoa powder is listed as having the highest toxic-substance content among the chocolate products discussed and is associated with chocolate poisoning in dogs.
Intrinsic toxicity · ORAL · dry cocoa powder · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Food Hazards - Special Pet Topics - Merck Veterinary Manual
High risk
Ingestion of chocolate products can cause potentially life-threatening poisoning in dogs; dogs are the most commonly involved species on this page.
Intrinsic toxicity · ORAL · chocolate products generally · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Food Hazards - Special Pet Topics - Merck Veterinary Manual
High risk
Ingestion of cocoa-bean-hull mulch has been associated with reported animal deaths and is included among chocolate-poisoning hazards.
Intrinsic toxicity · ORAL · cocoa-bean hulls or mulch containing cocoa-bean hulls · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Food Hazards - Special Pet Topics - Merck Veterinary Manual
High risk
Milk chocolate is associated with chocolate poisoning in dogs, although it has less toxic-substance content than the other listed chocolate products except white chocolate.
Intrinsic toxicity · ORAL · milk chocolate · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Food Hazards - Special Pet Topics - Merck Veterinary Manual
High risk
Semisweet and sweet dark chocolate are associated with chocolate poisoning in dogs and contain more toxic substances than milk chocolate.
Intrinsic toxicity · ORAL · semisweet or sweet dark chocolate · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Food Hazards - Special Pet Topics - Merck Veterinary Manual
High risk
Unsweetened baker’s chocolate is associated with chocolate poisoning in dogs and has a high toxic-substance content relative to other listed chocolate products.
Intrinsic toxicity · ORAL · unsweetened baker’s chocolate · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Food Hazards - Special Pet Topics - Merck Veterinary Manual
High risk
Ingestion of cocoa bean hulls or exposure to cocoa bean hull mulch can cause methylxanthine toxicosis; deaths have been reported in animals consuming cocoa bean hull mulch.
Intrinsic toxicity · ORAL · cocoa bean hulls and cocoa bean hull mulch · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals - Toxicology
High risk
Ingestion of cacao-derived chocolate products can cause theobromine poisoning in dogs. Smaller exposures usually cause gastrointestinal upset, while larger exposures may progress to cardiovascular and neurologic effects, including tremors, seizures, weakness, coma, or death; cats are described as more sensitive than dogs.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · Chocolate candy, chips, cocoa powder, baking, dark, semi-sweet, bittersweet, milk chocolate, and other cacao-containing products; higher-cacao products are more potent than milk chocolate. · HIGH · poison_control_database · The Dark Side of Chocolate: Chocolate and Caffeine Toxicity in Pets
High risk
Chocolate products are toxic to dogs in a dose-dependent manner; darker, less sweet products are more toxic. Clinical signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, agitation, tachycardia, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, collapse, pancreatitis, and rarely death.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · chocolate products · HIGH · poison_control_database · Treatment
Caution
White chocolate contains almost no theobromine but may still cause problems because of its sugar and fat content; ingestion of any type of chocolate may lead to pancreatitis.
Contamination · OTHER · white chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · What to Do If Your Pet Gets into Chocolate
Caution
White chocolate contains a negligible amount of methylxanthines compared with other chocolate products, but the page does not characterize it as non-toxic.
Intrinsic toxicity · ORAL · white chocolate · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals - Toxicology

Cats & dogs

Contraindicated
Almost all ingestions of baker’s chocolate can result in poisoning and are considered emergencies because of its theobromine content.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · Baker’s chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · Valentines Day Tips For Pets
High risk
Large amounts of chocolate are presented as a potential double threat to dogs and cats because chocolate contains theobromine along with caffeine; large ingestions can cause serious caffeine-related effects and may be fatal.
Intrinsic toxicity · ORAL · chocolate · HIGH · veterinary_hospital_guidance · Caffeine Toxicity in Pets
High risk
Chocolate made from cacao is toxic to cats and dogs; caffeine and theobromine affect the muscles, brain, and heart. Dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and unsweetened baking chocolate tend to be most toxic, while milk and white chocolate contain less caffeine and theobromine but are not considered safe, particularly in large ingestions.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · Chocolate products, including dark chocolate, cocoa powder, unsweetened baking chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate · HIGH · veterinary_hospital_guidance · Delicious but dangerous: Chocolatey facts every pet owner should ...
High risk
Baker’s or unsweetened chocolate can cause clinically important methylxanthine toxicosis after ingestion in dogs and cats and is more hazardous than milk chocolate because of its higher methylxanthine content.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · baker’s chocolate; unsweetened baking chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · Chocolate
High risk
Cacao bean shells or cocoa bean mulch can cause toxicosis after ingestion in dogs and cats; the page also reports toxicity in several livestock and poultry species.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · cacao bean shells; cocoa bean mulch · HIGH · poison_control_database · Chocolate
High risk
Dark chocolate ingestion can cause methylxanthine toxicosis in dogs and cats; the page provides toxic-consumption amounts but does not separately specify its methylxanthine concentration.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · dark chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · Chocolate
High risk
Dry cocoa powder can cause methylxanthine toxicosis after ingestion in dogs and cats and is considered more dangerous than milk chocolate because of its higher methylxanthine content.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · dry cocoa powder; cocoa powder · HIGH · poison_control_database · Chocolate
High risk
Ingestion of cacao seeds or chocolate can cause methylxanthine toxicosis in dogs and cats; dogs are more frequently intoxicated, but cats can develop a similar clinical course.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · cacao seeds; chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · Chocolate
High risk
Milk chocolate contains less methylxanthine than baker’s chocolate or cocoa powder but can still cause toxicosis after ingestion in dogs and cats.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · milk chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · Chocolate
High risk
Chocolate and cocoa products can cause methylxanthine toxicosis; darker chocolate, baking chocolate, and cocoa powder pose greater risk because of higher methylxanthine concentrations.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · chocolate, cocoa products, baking chocolate, and cocoa powder · HIGH · poison_control_database · People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets - ASPCA
High risk
Raw yeast bread dough can affect cats and dogs; fermentation produces ethanol, and expanding dough can cause gastrointestinal distension and other serious effects, with dogs most commonly involved.
Intrinsic toxicity · ORAL · raw yeast bread dough · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Food Hazards - Special Pet Topics - Merck Veterinary Manual
High risk
Dark and semi-sweet chocolate can cause chocolate poisoning, with signs including gastrointestinal upset, severe agitation, tachycardia, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, collapse, and possible pancreatitis.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · dark or semi-sweet chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · Treatment
High risk
Dry cocoa powder is a toxic, concentrated chocolate preparation that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, tachycardia, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, collapse, and pancreatitis.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · dry cocoa powder · HIGH · poison_control_database · Treatment
High risk
Unsweetened baker’s chocolate is highly toxic; almost all ingestions can result in poisoning and are considered emergencies.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · unsweetened baker’s chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · Treatment
High risk
Chocolate-covered foods, including chocolate-covered raisins, espresso beans, and macadamia nuts, are identified as among the most dangerous preparations; chocolate-related toxicosis may occur, and the food inside the coating may add separate toxicity.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · Chocolate-covered raisins, espresso beans, or macadamia nuts · HIGH · poison_control_database · Valentines Day Tips For Pets
High risk
Dark, semi-sweet, and gourmet dark chocolate are more hazardous because darker and more bitter preparations contain more theobromine; ingestion can cause gastrointestinal, neurologic, and cardiovascular toxicosis.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · Dark, semi-sweet, or gourmet dark chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · Valentines Day Tips For Pets
High risk
Ingestion of chocolate or cocoa can cause toxicosis in dogs and cats; theobromine is highly toxic and may produce gastrointestinal, neurologic, and cardiovascular signs, including vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, agitation, tachycardia, arrhythmias, tremors, seizures, and collapse. Sugar and fat may also contribute to pancreatitis.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · Chocolate or cocoa · HIGH · poison_control_database · Valentines Day Tips For Pets
High risk
Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats.
Intrinsic toxicity · UNKNOWN · Chocolate · HIGH · veterinary_hospital_guidance · Small Animal Toxins | Cornell University College of Veterinary ...
Caution
White chocolate contains very low levels of methylxanthines, but the page does not designate it as non-toxic to dogs or cats and lists toxic-consumption information.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · white chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · Chocolate
Caution
The high fat content of chocolate products may trigger pancreatitis in susceptible companion animals.
Intrinsic toxicity · ORAL · high-fat chocolate products · MODERATE · veterinary_manual · Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals - Toxicology
Caution
Milk chocolate is less dangerous than dark or baker’s chocolate but can still cause chocolate poisoning, gastrointestinal signs, severe agitation, cardiovascular abnormalities, tremors, seizures, collapse, and pancreatitis.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · milk chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · Treatment
Caution
Milk chocolate contains theobromine and can cause chocolate toxicosis, although the page characterizes toxicity as dose-dependent and does not provide a cat-specific threshold.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · Milk chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · Valentines Day Tips For Pets
Caution
White chocolate has very little theobromine, but its sugar and fat content may potentially cause pancreatitis; the page does not characterize it as non-toxic.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · White chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · Valentines Day Tips For Pets
Low concern
White chocolate contains very little theobromine, and the page states that it will not cause chocolate poisoning in pets.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · white chocolate · HIGH · poison_control_database · Treatment

Additional safety notes (general, unstructured)

Free-text safety notes carried from their source — not broken out by species, route, or hazard type, and not equivalent to the structured records above. Each note names the kind of source it came from.

SAFETY: Major issues include Migraine/reflux triggers; stimulant effects; allergy. Contraindications/cautions include Caffeine/theobromine sensitivity.
MODERATE · regulatory monograph · EMA European Union herbal monographs and list entries
SAFETY: Clinically relevant interaction concerns include MAOIs, stimulants and some migraine drugs; mineral absorption effects.
MODERATE · regulatory monograph · EMA European Union herbal monographs and list entries
Some interactions are theoretical or based on case reports/pharmacokinetics rather than outcome trials.
SAFETY: Pregnancy/lactation reference: Food use common; concentrated extracts and caffeine matter in pregnancy/lactation.
MODERATE · regulatory monograph or evidence synthesis · EMA European Union herbal monographs and list entries
Absence of evidence is not evidence of safety.
Large amounts of chocolate are presented as a potential double threat to dogs and cats because chocolate contains theobromine along with caffeine; large ingestions can cause serious caffeine-related effects and may be fatal.
HIGH · veterinary_hospital_guidance · Caffeine Toxicity in Pets
The page discusses chocolate products rather than cacao plant material and does not provide concentration or dose information.
Chocolate made from cacao is toxic to cats and dogs; caffeine and theobromine affect the muscles, brain, and heart. Dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and unsweetened baking chocolate tend to be most toxic, while milk and white chocolate contain less caffeine and theobromine but are not considered safe, particularly in large ingestions.
HIGH · veterinary_hospital_guidance · Delicious but dangerous: Chocolatey facts every pet owner should ...
The page discusses chocolate and does not explicitly name cacao or provide separate cat-versus-dog dose information; cacao is mapped here because chocolate is a cacao-derived preparation.
Baker’s or unsweetened chocolate can cause clinically important methylxanthine toxicosis after ingestion in dogs and cats and is more hazardous than milk chocolate because of its higher methylxanthine content.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Chocolate
Cacao bean shells or cocoa bean mulch can cause toxicosis after ingestion in dogs and cats; the page also reports toxicity in several livestock and poultry species.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Chocolate
The page identifies chocolate-related toxic material in cacao bean shells but does not name a separate constituent specifically for the mulch.
Dark chocolate ingestion can cause methylxanthine toxicosis in dogs and cats; the page provides toxic-consumption amounts but does not separately specify its methylxanthine concentration.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Chocolate
Dry cocoa powder can cause methylxanthine toxicosis after ingestion in dogs and cats and is considered more dangerous than milk chocolate because of its higher methylxanthine content.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Chocolate
Ingestion of cacao seeds or chocolate can cause methylxanthine toxicosis in dogs and cats; dogs are more frequently intoxicated, but cats can develop a similar clinical course.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Chocolate
Milk chocolate contains less methylxanthine than baker’s chocolate or cocoa powder but can still cause toxicosis after ingestion in dogs and cats.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Chocolate
White chocolate contains very low levels of methylxanthines, but the page does not designate it as non-toxic to dogs or cats and lists toxic-consumption information.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Chocolate
The page states very low methylxanthine levels but does not call white chocolate non-toxic.
Chocolate and cocoa products can cause methylxanthine toxicosis; darker chocolate, baking chocolate, and cocoa powder pose greater risk because of higher methylxanthine concentrations.
HIGH · poison_control_database · People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets - ASPCA
The page discusses chocolate and cocoa products rather than identifying a specific cacao botanical preparation; cat-versus-dog-specific information is not provided.
Raw yeast bread dough can affect cats and dogs; fermentation produces ethanol, and expanding dough can cause gastrointestinal distension and other serious effects, with dogs most commonly involved.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Food Hazards - Special Pet Topics - Merck Veterinary Manual
The page states all species can be affected but provides no cat-specific clinical signs; the plant map relevance is limited to the requested general ethanol-preparation risk.
The high fat content of chocolate products may trigger pancreatitis in susceptible companion animals.
MODERATE · veterinary_manual · Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals - Toxicology
The page states this risk for susceptible animals without distinguishing dogs from cats.
Dark and semi-sweet chocolate can cause chocolate poisoning, with signs including gastrointestinal upset, severe agitation, tachycardia, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, collapse, and possible pancreatitis.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Treatment
Dry cocoa powder is a toxic, concentrated chocolate preparation that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, tachycardia, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, collapse, and pancreatitis.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Treatment
Milk chocolate is less dangerous than dark or baker’s chocolate but can still cause chocolate poisoning, gastrointestinal signs, severe agitation, cardiovascular abnormalities, tremors, seizures, collapse, and pancreatitis.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Treatment
Unsweetened baker’s chocolate is highly toxic; almost all ingestions can result in poisoning and are considered emergencies.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Treatment
White chocolate contains very little theobromine, and the page states that it will not cause chocolate poisoning in pets.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Treatment
The page does not explicitly use the term non-toxic.
Almost all ingestions of baker’s chocolate can result in poisoning and are considered emergencies because of its theobromine content.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Valentines Day Tips For Pets
Chocolate-covered foods, including chocolate-covered raisins, espresso beans, and macadamia nuts, are identified as among the most dangerous preparations; chocolate-related toxicosis may occur, and the food inside the coating may add separate toxicity.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Valentines Day Tips For Pets
The page does not specify the toxic constituent or separate clinical signs for the non-chocolate food components.
Dark, semi-sweet, and gourmet dark chocolate are more hazardous because darker and more bitter preparations contain more theobromine; ingestion can cause gastrointestinal, neurologic, and cardiovascular toxicosis.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Valentines Day Tips For Pets
Ingestion of chocolate or cocoa can cause toxicosis in dogs and cats; theobromine is highly toxic and may produce gastrointestinal, neurologic, and cardiovascular signs, including vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, agitation, tachycardia, arrhythmias, tremors, seizures, and collapse. Sugar and fat may also contribute to pancreatitis.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Valentines Day Tips For Pets
Milk chocolate contains theobromine and can cause chocolate toxicosis, although the page characterizes toxicity as dose-dependent and does not provide a cat-specific threshold.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Valentines Day Tips For Pets
White chocolate has very little theobromine, but its sugar and fat content may potentially cause pancreatitis; the page does not characterize it as non-toxic.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Valentines Day Tips For Pets
Chocolate-poisoning signs are listed generally and are not specifically assigned to white chocolate.
Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats.
HIGH · veterinary_hospital_guidance · Small Animal Toxins | Cornell University College of Veterinary ...
The page names chocolate rather than cacao and does not identify a toxic constituent or provide type, concentration, dose, route, or clinical-sign distinctions.
Chocolate can be dangerous to cats because cats are sensitive to theobromine like dogs, although the page lists no cat-specific clinical signs.
HIGH · poison_control_database · What to Do If Your Pet Gets into Chocolate
The page discusses chocolate and does not explicitly identify cacao or provide a botanical source; cacao mapping is based on the preparation described.
Ingestion of cacao-derived chocolate products can cause theobromine poisoning in cats; cats are described as more sensitive than dogs. Smaller exposures usually cause gastrointestinal upset, while larger exposures may progress to cardiovascular and neurologic effects, including tremors, seizures, weakness, coma, or death.
HIGH · poison_control_database · The Dark Side of Chocolate: Chocolate and Caffeine Toxicity in Pets
The page addresses cacao-derived chocolate products rather than ingestion of the intact cacao plant.
Chocolate can be toxic to cats, although the page states that cats are usually too discriminating to eat chocolate and provides no separate feline dose thresholds.
MODERATE · poison_control_database · Treatment
The page emphasizes canine cases and does not provide separate feline dose thresholds.
Chocolate ingestion can cause serious toxicosis in dogs; darker chocolate generally contains more theobromine, and large exposures may cause agitation or hyperactivity, increased or irregular heart rate and rhythm, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, seizures, and pancreatitis.
HIGH · poison_control_database · What to Do If Your Pet Gets into Chocolate
The page discusses chocolate and does not explicitly identify cacao or provide a botanical source; cacao mapping is based on the preparation described.
Sugar-free chocolate may contain xylitol, which the page identifies as a toxin that can cause low blood sugar and liver damage.
HIGH · poison_control_database · What to Do If Your Pet Gets into Chocolate
The page states that sugar-free chocolate could contain xylitol; presence is preparation-dependent. The page discusses chocolate and does not explicitly identify cacao or provide a botanical source; cacao mapping is based on the preparation described.
White chocolate contains almost no theobromine but may still cause problems because of its sugar and fat content; ingestion of any type of chocolate may lead to pancreatitis.
HIGH · poison_control_database · What to Do If Your Pet Gets into Chocolate
The page discusses chocolate and does not explicitly identify cacao or provide a botanical source; cacao mapping is based on the preparation described.
Ingestion of cacao seed shells or cacao-shell mulch can cause methylxanthine toxicosis; deaths have been reported in animals consuming cacao-shell mulch.
MODERATE · veterinary_manual · Toxicosis por chocolate en animales - Toxicología
The page reports deaths in animals but does not provide companion-animal species-specific data for cacao-shell mulch.
Ingestion of roasted Theobroma cacao seeds and chocolate products can cause clinically important methylxanthine toxicosis in dogs and may be fatal.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Toxicosis por chocolate en animales - Toxicología
Chocolate-poisoning signs usually begin within hours of ingestion and may persist in severe cases.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Food Hazards - Special Pet Topics - Merck Veterinary Manual
This summarizes the page’s general chocolate-poisoning description; no cat-specific clinical evidence is provided.
Dry cocoa powder is listed as having the highest toxic-substance content among the chocolate products discussed and is associated with chocolate poisoning in dogs.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Food Hazards - Special Pet Topics - Merck Veterinary Manual
No cat-specific clinical evidence is provided.
Ingestion of chocolate products can cause potentially life-threatening poisoning in dogs; dogs are the most commonly involved species on this page.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Food Hazards - Special Pet Topics - Merck Veterinary Manual
No cat-specific clinical evidence is provided.
Ingestion of cocoa-bean-hull mulch has been associated with reported animal deaths and is included among chocolate-poisoning hazards.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Food Hazards - Special Pet Topics - Merck Veterinary Manual
The page does not provide a specific cat-versus-dog distinction for cocoa-bean-hull mulch.
Milk chocolate is associated with chocolate poisoning in dogs, although it has less toxic-substance content than the other listed chocolate products except white chocolate.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Food Hazards - Special Pet Topics - Merck Veterinary Manual
No cat-specific clinical evidence is provided.
Semisweet and sweet dark chocolate are associated with chocolate poisoning in dogs and contain more toxic substances than milk chocolate.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Food Hazards - Special Pet Topics - Merck Veterinary Manual
No cat-specific clinical evidence is provided.
Unsweetened baker’s chocolate is associated with chocolate poisoning in dogs and has a high toxic-substance content relative to other listed chocolate products.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Food Hazards - Special Pet Topics - Merck Veterinary Manual
No cat-specific clinical evidence is provided.
Ingestion of cocoa bean hulls or exposure to cocoa bean hull mulch can cause methylxanthine toxicosis; deaths have been reported in animals consuming cocoa bean hull mulch.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals - Toxicology
The page also reports deaths in livestock and other animals, but does not provide cat-specific outcome data.
Ingestion of excessive amounts of chocolate or other cacao-derived methylxanthine-containing products can cause potentially life-threatening toxicosis in dogs.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals - Toxicology
White chocolate contains a negligible amount of methylxanthines compared with other chocolate products, but the page does not characterize it as non-toxic.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals - Toxicology
The source describes white chocolate as a negligible methylxanthine source but does not establish complete safety.
Ingestion of cacao-derived chocolate products can cause theobromine poisoning in dogs. Smaller exposures usually cause gastrointestinal upset, while larger exposures may progress to cardiovascular and neurologic effects, including tremors, seizures, weakness, coma, or death; cats are described as more sensitive than dogs.
HIGH · poison_control_database · The Dark Side of Chocolate: Chocolate and Caffeine Toxicity in Pets
The page addresses cacao-derived chocolate products rather than ingestion of the intact cacao plant.
Chocolate products are toxic to dogs in a dose-dependent manner; darker, less sweet products are more toxic. Clinical signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, agitation, tachycardia, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, collapse, pancreatitis, and rarely death.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Treatment