Crank Hound (2024)

19/12/2021

Can Labradors Eat Carrots?

The simple answer is YES. Labradors can eat carrots (as can other dogs). They are actually very good for them and for their teeth.

Are carrots good for Labradors?

Yes, carrots are very good for Labradors. They are high in fibre and contain lots of beta-carotene and vitamin A, both powerful antioxidants and immune boosters.

Antioxidants counteract the effects of free radical damage, reduce inflammation and slow the ageing process. Dogs need them too!

Added to this, they are also a source of vitamin K and calcium. Vitamin K is essential for blood to clot when a dog sustains an injury.

Calcium is also a really important one.

It contributes to a strong and healthy heart, it also helps build strong teeth and bones. It facilitates muscle growth and function and also plays a role in a healthy nervous system.

Eat up your carrots dogs!

Is it OK to give your dog carrots everyday?

As with everything in life, for dogs and humans alike, it is best to think in terms of moderation. Carrots are extremely good for dogs, but giving them every day is possibly too much.

It can also become boring for the dog too.

How much carrot can a dog eat?

Dogs can and should eat carrots, but daily would probably be too much. Every other day is plenty for dogs to get all the nutritional benefits from them.

Also, be wary of feeding a dog too much carrot in one sitting. It may cause an upset tummy for him/her.

Can dogs digest carrots? Are raw carrots hard for dogs to digest?

Dogs can digest carrots, no problem. Raw carrots are not too hard for a dog to digest. They can eat the whole carrot, leaves too. So, both cooked and raw carrots are fine for dogs to eat.

Carrots have a very high water content, approximately 95% and this coupled with their fibre content means that they are good for a dog’s digestion.

Can carrots cause blockage in dogs?

In a word, no. As above, they help with digestion, as they have a high water and fibre content.

You must obviously make sure that your dog chews the carrot fully and does not just honk it down in one.

If they do this, and you have concerns, contact your vet for further advice.

Can carrots upset a dog’s stomach?

Any human, who has ever eaten too much fibre, too quickly, will know the effects! It is the same for dogs.

If you give them a large amount of carrot in one sitting, then potentially it could cause them discomfort, gas and perhaps even diarrhoea.

Do carrots clean dogs teeth?

Yes, if given raw. Carrots are a naturally hard abrasive vegetable. When given raw, they have to be chewed well.

This act of chewing the hard chunks will help to rid your dog of plaque on their teeth. A bit like a doggy toothbrush!

What age can puppies eat carrots?
Puppies can eat carrots, cooked and raw, from 8 weeks. However, be careful with young pups.

Carrots are hard and crunchy, so do present a choking hazard to young puppies and smaller dogs.

Be sure to cut the carrot up into bite-sized pieces if feeding raw.

Check with your vet first.

Can carrots give puppies diarrhea?

Yes, they can, but normally only if you give your pup too much too quickly.

Regardless, it’s always good to check with your vet first when introducing a new food to your puppy, so follow their guidelines on this.

Are carrots good for a dog’s liver?

Yes, they are. This is because of their high antioxidant and vitamin A content. This will help to rid a dog’s body of toxins and greatly assist in the proper function of the liver.

Are raw or cooked carrots better for dogs?

Here it is worth considering that cooking carrots have been shown to lead to better absorption of beta-carotene in dogs’ bodies than when feeding raw.

The flip side of this though, is that feeding your dog raw carrots is better for their oral health. We would suggest a balanced approach here to get the health benefits from both methods.

How can I get my dog to eat carrots?

Raw carrots are super fun for dogs to play with and so many like them because of this. Other ideas for including them in your dog’s diet are to cook and then mash them up on their own or with their other food.

You could also dice them raw or cooked and give them to your dog. Another thing to try would be grating raw carrots. You could mix this with some other vegetables or their favourite food and/or treats.

There are lots of options, be inventive!

Summary

So, can Labradors eat carrots?

100% yes, as can all dogs – and they probably should be eating them as part of a balanced diet.

They contain a large amount of fibre and water and are full of important vitamins that can help support your dog’s health.

This is the case if they eat them raw and cooked, so serve both.

Remember, as with most foods, moderation is the key. Just like us humans, your dog can have too much of a good thing.

It’s also always a good idea to check new foods with your vet first.

https://crankhound.com/can-labradors-eat-carrots/

Can Labradors eat carrots? They can, but you need to prepare them correctly. Carrots contain many health benefits, let's take a look...

16/12/2021

Can Chocolate Labradors be Guide Dogs?

Yes, Chocolate Labradors can be guide dogs, but it’s quite rare.

I found a comprehensive answer as to why on the Guide Dogs for the Blind website (GDB)

‘While most Labradors from GDB are either black or yellow, GDB does have dogs in our breeding colony that carry the gene for chocolate, and occasionally chocolate puppies are born.

Chocolate puppies follow the same raising and training process as all other puppies and have the same opportunity to become successful working guides.

To put it simply, the genes that determine if a puppy will be chocolate are recessive, which means both parents must have the gene to have a chance to produce chocolate offspring.

Because GDB focuses primarily on choosing parents who will have puppies with the highest temperament and health qualities to succeed as working guides, GDB does not deliberately match up parents who carry the chocolate gene.

On occasions where mate selection factors indicate that an ideal match would be between two parents carrying for the chocolate colour, there is still no guarantee that any puppies born will be chocolate, which is why it is so rare in the GDB population’.

Which colour Labrador is the most intelligent?
This is a controversial debate that has been rumbling on for many years. The simple answer is that they are all intelligent.

The Labrador as a breed actually ranks as the 7th most intelligent dog in the world. Traditionally, black labs have been seen as the most intelligent, as they have been used for many years as working dogs.

Chosen above yellow or brown because the black coat colour blends into nature better. As working dogs, this means that they exhibit certain key characteristics. They are confident, strong, alert, watchful, easy to train, sociable and obedient.

As the genes for black labs are dominant (so there are more of them) and as they have been used for many years as these working dogs, it can be argued that these intelligent characteristics have been more successfully bred into the larger population of black labs.

BUT Yellow labs and chocolate labs are no less capable of exhibiting this intelligence. There are fewer yellow labs born and significantly fewer chocolate labs born than black.

This is a complex gene theory which is explained amazingly well here.

If you read this linked article, you will understand that for example two highly trained and intelligent working dog black lab parents, could have a litter of mixed colour pups.

We would therefore expect the pups to have inherited the characteristics of their parents, whatever their coat colour.

Are there chocolate lab guide dogs?
The simple answer is yes, but they are much fewer in number. At the top of this article, you will find a comprehensive explanation as to why.

Are chocolate Labradors harder to train?
No, chocolate Labs are not harder to train than any other lab.

As with all dogs, it is down to breeding (so look carefully at their ancestry), as well as the time you put into them.

Chocolate Labs, like all Labs, are:

> loyal
> strong
> sociable
> good companions
> gentle
> tolerant
> easy-going
> friendly
> sturdy
> intelligent and eager to please

Simply put, they are great dogs!

Which color Labrador is the calmest?

Labradors, regardless of coat colour, have a sweet and gentle nature. They are a naturally boisterous breed, so the key to a calm dog is effective training, rather than choosing a specific colour of coat.

Are all chocolate Labs hyper?

I am going to stick up for the chocolate labs here. The reputation they have for being hyper is purely anecdotal.

They can quite reasonably be attributed with the same abilities as their black or yellow counterparts. Please see, ‘Which colour labrador is the most intelligent,’ in this article.

What you need to consider very carefully before you purchase a puppy is the bloodline they come from.

Then also the training methods you are using as an owner when you have the pup, regardless of coat colour.

How long does a chocolate Lab live?

The average lifespan for a chocolate lab is actually considerably shorter than for their yellow or black cousins.

On average a chocolate Lab lives for 10.7 years, while a yellow or black Lab lives for around 12.1 years.

See this article here for more information on this study and the reasons behind the findings.

Summary

So, can Chocolate Labradors be guide dogs?

Absolutely, but they aren’t very common. Although chocolate Labradors have a reputation for being harder to train, there is no hard evidence to support this.

They are every bit as capable as their black and yellow equivalents.

Want some more? We have a whole section on Labradors here.

https://crankhound.com/can-chocolate-labradors-be-guide-dogs/

Can Chocolate Labradors be Guide Dogs? - Here we take a look at why you don't see many chocolate Lab guide dogs out there

28/11/2021

https://crankhound.com/is-cauliflower-safe-for-dogs-to-eat/

Is cauliflower safe for dogs to eat?

Yes. Cauliflower is safe for dogs to eat.

Feeding your dog cauliflower is perfectly fine in sensible quantities – and can actually help with providing a balanced diet.

Dogs are omnivores and as such, are able to digest small amounts of fruits and vegetables.

What are the benefits of feeding your dog cauliflower?
Cauliflower contains many different vitamins and minerals, which can help support your dog’s overall health.

These include:

vitamin K
vitamin C
folate
calcium
potassium

Cauliflower also contains fibre, which helps with digestion.

How much cauliflower can a dog eat?
Keep the portion size small, as too much can lead to an upset stomach.

It will depend on the size of your dog, but generally ½ a cup for small dogs is about right, up to a whole cup for larger dogs.

Use your judgement and adjust as necessary for your pooch.

Can dogs eat cauliflower raw?
Yes. You can feed your dog either raw or cooked cauliflower.

Raw vegetables have a higher nutrient content than cooked.

Assuming your dog does not get a stomach upset from raw cauliflower, raw will deliver more health benefits.

One of the best ways to introduce this raw to them is to chop it up finely and sprinkle it on top of their normal food.

You could also tactically mix it into their food if your dog is not keen.

Can dogs eat cauliflower cooked?
Yes. You can feed your dog cooked cauliflower.

As with all vegetables though, the nutritional content does get depleted somewhat when cauliflower is cooked.

Cooking will likely make it more palatable for your dog though and may help with digestion, and could be a good way of feeding it to your pooch.

How do you cook cauliflower for dogs?
Remove the outer leaves and chop the cauliflower head into small, bite-size pieces.

Lightly steam or boil the cauliflower, just like you would if you were eating it yourself.

Do not use any oils or seasoning, as these are not recommended for dogs.

Drain, let it cool down to a sensible temperature, then serve.

Is steamed cauliflower okay for dogs?
Yes, as above, steaming is a great way to cook cauliflower. Make sure it has properly cooled down before serving it to them though.

Can dogs eat cauliflower rice?
Yes, as long as it is made of pure cauliflower and has nothing added, such as seasoning etc.

Can dogs eat cauliflower leaves?
Yes. Dogs can eat cauliflower leaves.

These are better off served cooked though, as your dog will find them harder to digest if raw. Again, keep it to a small amount.

Also, make sure you don’t include the stem, as that part is not considered digestible – as well as posing a choking risk.

Can cauliflower upset a dog’s stomach?
Yes, it’s possible that cauliflower may not suit your dog and could cause a stomach upset.

Start small and see how your dog is after giving them some time to digest. It’s also a good idea to only feed them the cauliflower florette and not the stalk.

This is harder to digest and can also cause a choking hazard.

Can cauliflower make my dog sick?
The cauliflower itself is unlikely to make your dog sick.

However, as with all foods, if eaten in excess then it can make your dog poorly.

Keep it to sensible portions and all should be well.

Can cauliflower kill dogs?
No. As above, a small amount is fine for a dog to eat and will usually benefit your dog’s health rather than harm it.

There is nothing in cauliflower that is considered harmful to your dog.

Apart from if they choked on it of course, but that risk comes with any similar food.

Conclusion
So, is cauliflower safe for dogs to eat?

Yes. Cauliflower is considered to be perfectly safe to feed to your dog – in sensible quantities.

It is always worth checking what vegetables dogs can and can’t eat, but you can be assured that this is a safe one.

As with anything, there is a slight possibility that your dog could have a reaction to cauliflower, but this is uncommon and the most likely issue is that they could get a bad stomach.

If this is the case, you can reduce the portion size, try it cooked, or just cut it out from your dog’s diet altogether.

It’s probably going to be just fine though!

Is cauliflower safe for dogs to eat? Yes, but make sure you follow the guidance. In this article, we provide everything you need to know.

25/08/2021

Can Labradors swim naturally? Maybe. It really depends on your dog.

There is an assumption that Labradors are some of the best swimmers in the canine world and love being in the water.

This then leads to expectations over the personalities and abilities of our dogs.

Is this label justified?

Are Labradors natural swimmers or could they benefit from some swimming lessons?

Can Labradors swim naturally?
The keyword here is naturally. A large percentage of Labradors will indeed love being in the water and swim with ease.

After all, they were bred to work in the water.

However, that doesn’t mean you can put any Labrador in the water and expect them to reach the other side of the pool or lake competently.

It is still a good idea to train Labradors to swim and to keep an eye on them when they are in the water.

It also means that some Labs won’t like the water as much as you hope they will.

Do Labradors love water?
Let’s continue with the misconception that every Labrador wants to be in the water and will love swimming.

There is a good chance that your Labrador will get a taste for swimming and have great fun whenever they get the chance.

This could mean spending time playing in the water in the family pool, chasing waves at the beach, or chasing after toys in a lake.

The latter plays into their love of fetch and that genetic disposition as a Labrador Retriever.

Dogs bred as gundogs would go into the water to fetch fallen waterfowl without question.

However, some Labradors dislike going in the water. This doesn’t mean that there is something wrong with them.

Humans are the same way. It is important not to force a dog to get into the water if it is uncomfortable, nor to make them swim for too long.

If they would rather hang out poolside, that’s fine.

Can labs swim instinctively?
The second misconception is that all dogs will swim on instinct when put in the water.

There are even stories of pet owners throwing dogs into the water to shock them into swimming.

This will do more harm than good, especially if a dog isn’t a strong swimmer or is too young.

Labradors have the build and strength to create a good motion through the water.

However, this is something they need to develop. They may have nothing but an ineffective doggy paddle until they are comfortable in the water.

How do you train a Lab to swim?
This all means that your Labrador will need swimming lessons in a controlled environment before they are considered “good” swimmers.

Encourage your dog into the water in its own time and see how it handles the water.

Work on building technique and familiarity with the water with the lengths of the pool.

Don’t be afraid to use a life-vest at first for extra peace of mind. You can then move on to open water and the ocean as they get more confident.

At what age can Labradors swim?
You can teach your Labrador to swim from an early age, and this helps to build confidence and skills they can use into adulthood.

However, you don’t want to start too early.

If a pup is too young, they won’t have the strength, reach, and general fitness or coordination to handle the water.

It is best not to let puppies near the water until they are at least 3 months old.

Even then, you need to be sure that they are supervised at all times to avoid accidents.

They could tire easily or get into difficulties. Also, make sure that children and other pool users are careful around them.

How long can Labs swim for?
The length of time a Labrador can stay in the water will vary from dog to dog.

Animals that are young adults, enthusiastic, fit, and healthy, could spend a long time swimming before they get tired out.

You could make an afternoon of it with enough rests in between swims.

Older dogs may not have quite the same stamina and may need to leave the water after 10 minutes or so.

You may also notice that your dog is tiring a little more easily than normal on hotter days – or if they are already tired from their walk.

This is another reason why you should always keep an eye on them and help them out the water as needed.

Can Labradors swim in cold water?
Labradors are pretty good in cold water because that is what they were bred for.

They should have the metabolism and coat to protect them from colder temperatures.

This means that they can go into ponds and lakes after birds in bad weather or the winter months.

The general rule of thumb is that dogs shouldn’t swim in water that is below 10 degrees C (50 degrees Fahrenheit).

If you have ever been in the water yourself at similar temperatures, you will appreciate why that is.

The water takes your breath away and you can feel your body starting to shut down.

Labradors are bred for cold water, but you still need to exercise caution and be very wary of the dangers, including hypothermia.

It’s ultimately your responsibility to look out for them.

Obviously, it isn’t always possible to tell just how cold the water is when your dog jumps in a river in November, without taking a thermometer with you.

Therefore, it’s important to limit your dog’s time in the water to avoid any risk of hypothermia.

Keep it as short as possible and remember to dry them off well so cold water doesn’t linger on their coat and start to chill them.

If you have any concerns, speak to your vet for further advice.

Personally, I have witnessed our own labs swimming and retrieving in some seriously cold water, with some powerful currents at play and they seem to be able to handle it extremely well.

However, you still need to watch them as they aren’t infallible.

Is your dog a pure Labrador?
A final point to mention here is that many factors related to a Labrador’s abilities will depend on their heritage.

The points above relate to pure-bred Labradors.

Cross-breed dogs can behave differently in water or may not be as strong swimmers.

Labradoodles could be as strong and enthusiastic, if not more so, because of their Poodle genes.

Lab-crosses with shorter legs and a distrust of water will need more help.

Final thoughts…
Can Labradors swim naturally?
In short, there is every chance that your pure-bred Labrador puppy will grow up to be a confident swimmer that enjoys the water.

Effective swimming lessons at the right age will help, but you should not expect too much from them.

Make sure they are always comfortable in the water and bring them out when they have had enough.

https://crankhound.com/can-labradors-swim-naturally/

Can Labradors Swim Naturally? Yes and no. Most Labradors will have a natural ability to swim - but not all. Let's take a look at why...

20/08/2021

Can dogs eat boiled shrip?

Yes, dogs can eat boiled shrimp, but you need to prepare them correctly.

You’re probably familiar with what foods you should never feed your dog, like grapes, macadamia nuts, or chocolate.

You may even be keeping a running tab of the foods that don’t personally agree with your pup – because an upset stomach is never fun!

But when it comes to seafood, you and your dog may be in new territory.

The good news is that shrimp is perfectly safe for dogs to eat when cooked thoroughly and served in moderation.

If you are feeding your dog boiled shrimp, make sure that the shells and tails have been removed before serving.

When boiling – or poaching, the internal temperature should reach at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees C) to ensure best food safety practices.

In practice you probably aren’t going to stick a thermometer into each shrimp – but you know they are cooked when they turn a pinky-white (shrimp) colour.

The video below shows a pretty decent cooking process, just leave out the stock and keep it plain.

Remember, always exercise caution when introducing your pet to a new food.

Are shrimp shells bad for dogs?
If you choose to feed your dog boiled shrimp, make sure you have thoroughly peeled, cleaned, and cooked the shrimp.

Consuming shrimp shells is not safe for dogs as the shells can damage – or inflame – your dog’s digestive system.

Similar to consuming cooked chicken or fish bones, shrimp tails can cause a choking hazard or splinter, causing internal injuries.

Ensure you fully remove the shell and tail – and don’t forget to devein.

Start by feeding your dog small portions in the case of an adverse reaction.

Can shrimp hurt dogs?
Shrimp is not inherently toxic to dogs but carries several risk factors that you should consider before feeding it to your pet.

Shrimp is generally safe once cooked, shelled, and deveined, but it’s not a guarantee.

Since shrimp can cause an allergic reaction or adverse effect in some dogs, always start with supervised small portions.

Remember that shrimp can cause serious harm when not cooked or shelled thoroughly.

Potential injury includes, but is not limited to, airway blockage, bowel blockage, splintering, GI tract irritation, and internal bleeding.

If your dog is having a negative reaction, contact your vet for further advice.

Can dogs eat shrimp tails?
Much like shrimp shells, shrimp tails are not safe for dog consumption.

Shrimp tails can block, puncture, or further damage your dog’s digestive system.

All shrimp given to your dog should be cleaned, boiled until opaque in colour (not see-through), and devoid of any shell or tail.

What to do if your dog eats shrimp tails?
Shrimp tails are not harmful to humans, but can potentially obstruct an airway or irritate their gastrointestinal tract.

If your dog has accidentally eaten shrimp tails, monitor your dog’s breathing closely.

If you suspect a blockage in your dog’s airway, visit your vet immediately.

Even if your dog appears to be fine, a shrimp tail can later cause a bowel obstruction.

Consult your veterinarian for treatment.

Can dogs eat canned shrimp?
Since canned shrimp has been cooked, it’s perfectly safe for your dog to eat in moderation.

With canned shrimp– as with other tinned fish like tuna or salmon– check the packaging to make sure that the shrimp is packed in water and not oil or salt.

Canned shrimp is a great option if you don’t have time to thoroughly clean and devein your shrimp.

Can dogs eat breaded shrimp?
Your dog can have a little breaded shrimp as a treat, but don’t make a habit of it.

Fried shrimp is generally safe for your dog to eat but beware of the added grease and oil, which can upset your dog’s stomach.

If you give your dog a few breaded shrimp, remember to limit the amount of fried food for the rest of the week.

Can dogs eat boiled prawns?
Prawns are safe for your dog to eat, as long as they’re fully cooked and without the shell.

As well as shrimp, prawns are considered a complete protein and packed with amino acids, minerals and carry several benefits for your pet.

When fed as a part of a balanced canine diet, boiled prawns can help with muscle development, metabolism maintenance, and immune system function.

How much shrimp can my dog eat?
Like most things, only feed cooked shrimp to your dog in moderation.

The amount that’s right for your dog will depend on several factors and should be adjusted accordingly.

How large the shrimp are, along with how large your dog is, will determine how much your dog can safely consume.

Dried prawns can be a great treat replacement for dogs, but keep in mind that these are much more potent and use sparingly.

Is shrimp bad for dogs?
Although shrimp can be a beneficial addition to your dog’s diet, there are several factors to consider before feeding shrimp to your dog.

Shrimp contains vitamins and minerals like B12, calcium, selenium, and iron, but the risks can sometimes outweigh the benefits.

Shrimp is high in cholesterol and sodium and large amounts can lead to dehydration or sodium poisoning.

If the shrimp still has any outer portion attached– such as the tail, shell, or head– it could pose a choking hazard or potential injury risk to your pup.

What’s more, if the shrimp is not fully cooked, your dog could ingest parasites or bacteria that could make them sick.

Before feeding your dog shrimp, check that the shrimp have not been cooked in garlic, onion, or other herbs that could be an irritant to your dog’s system.

Conclusion
So, can dogs eat boiled shrimp?

Yes, when prepared correctly, shrimp can be an incredible source of protein in your dog’s diet.

Cooked shrimp is perfectly safe for your pup and has countless nutritional benefits– think vitamin D, B12, and iron.

Plus, it’s low in both saturated fat and calories, making it a great choice for a dog on a diet.

To safely prepare boiled shrimp for your dog, check cleanliness, temperature, and choking hazards:

Make sure that you’ve carefully cleaned your shellfish.
Boil, poach or steam the shrimp until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees C) and the shrimps become opaque.
Remove the shell, head, and tail, then use a knife to remove the vein.
Boiled, fresh shrimp, that has been prepared this way, should be perfectly safe for your dog to eat.

Remember, shrimp and any other similar foods should be fed to dogs in moderation. You must also keep an eye out for any food allergies.

Don’t make any major dietary changes to your dog’s diet without first consulting your vet and always contact them if you have any concerns.

https://crankhound.com/can-dogs-eat-boiled-shrimp/

Can Dogs Eat Boiled Shrimp? Are shrimp shells bad for dogs? Can dogs eat canned shrimp? So many questions... Let's have a look at the facts

26/05/2021

Can A Dog Eat White Chocolate?

No, a dog can not eat white chocolate.

As much as we humans love it, it’s not at all good for your dog.

White chocolate is generally much less toxic than dark or milk chocolate, but you should still avoid feeding it to them all the same.

Apart from the toxic element (albeit at lower levels), white chocolate contains many other ingredients, such as sugar which are not great for dogs at all.

Out of all the chocolates, white chocolate is considered the safest one for dogs, but as you will see further down, not all things are consistent and it’s best avoided altogether.

Why can’t dogs eat chocolate?
Chocolate can be highly toxic for dogs because it contains caffeine and most crucially, theobromine.

Even a small amount of theobromine could seriously damage your dog’s health, because they are unable to metabolise this chemical naturally, in the same way, that humans do.

Factors to consider
As we humans know, not all chocolate is created equal and this is particularly true for a dog if they ingest any.

Different bars and brands of chocolate will all contain differing amounts of caffeine and theobromine, affecting your dog differently.

As a general rule of thumb, the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is for your dog.

The other factor to consider is your dog’s weight. The smaller your dog, the greater the effect of even a small amount of chocolate ingested.

How much cocoa is toxic for dogs?
According to the NCBI, levels between 100-500mg per kilo of body weight are enough to cause toxicity levels high enough to actually kill a dog.

As stated above, not all chocolate is the same.

Cocoa powder and plain chocolate have the highest concentrations at 20mg/gram of chocolate and 15mg/gram respectively.

Milk chocolate comes in at 2mg/gram and white chocolate is the lowest at 0.1mg/gram.

The NCBI article goes on to say that less than 100grams of plain chocolate could be fatal for a 10kg dog.

This isn’t a lot when you consider what some dogs are capable of eating and why you need to be extra careful and act quickly if they do so.

As you can see white chocolate is by far the lowest of them all, but it’s still best avoided.

As mentioned above, not all brands create their chocolate equally, so the above figures are a guide only.

Dog chocolate toxicity calculator
If you know what your dog has eaten, you can use the calculator below from VetsNow to give you an idea on the potential toxicity levels.

We would encourage you to err on the side of caution with this.

Be realistic with what your dog might actually have consumed quantity-wise and seek veterinary advice regardless if you have concerns.

Use this calculator as a guide.

Is white chocolate or dark chocolate worse for dogs?
White chocolate contains less theobromine than dark chocolate does, but it should still be avoided.

You do need to be careful though, as different manufacturers use different ingredients.

As a rule, the highest levels of theobromine are in cocoa powder, next in line are dark chocolate, plain chocolate, milk and finally white.

White chocolate is indeed generally much less toxic than the others, but it’s still not good for your dog, so avoid.

How do I know if my dog has chocolate poisoning?
Symptoms can come on quickly, within a couple of hours. Even if your dog vomits the chocolate up almost immediately, it’s still advisable to call your vet for advice.

If you are confident that your dog has had chocolate, even white, then your best bet is to contact the vet asap.

Your dog may be showing signs of distress, including:

Excessive panting
Muscle twitching and tremors
Elevated heart rate
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Seizures
How much white chocolate can a dog eat?
Ok, so you’re probably now asking, what about a small slice of white chocolate cake, or maybe a few white chocolate chip cookies?

The answer is still no.

Human chocolate is simply not made for dogs and we must take full responsibility to look after our four-legged friends and keep them safe and well.

The good news is that they can have their own chocolate!

There are many doggy chocolate treats on the market that are made safe for dogs by the use of carob and not cocoa.

Carob does not contain theobromine, so it is safe for dogs and the delicious sweet taste means that they get all the chocolate perks with no danger to their health.

Does white chocolate kill dogs?
Can white chocolate kill dogs? – It can, but it’s unlikely to do so.

As mentioned above, white chocolate generally contains much less theobromine than dark chocolate and therefore poses much less of a risk to your dog.

Regardless of this, it should still be avoided. There are far better treats for your dog to have.

What to do if your dog eats chocolate
If your dog does ingest a sizeable quantity of chocolate, whether it be dark or white, it’s best to contact your vet as quickly as possible.

Time is of the essence as it’s best to try and get treatment before they start to digest it and the toxins begin to build up in their bodies.

Keep calm and make sure that you know the type/amount of chocolate they have consumed and give the vet these details straight away.

Conclusion
So, can a dog eat white chocolate?

The answer is no.

Feeding your dog chocolate, even white chocolate should be avoided due to the risks it poses. Keep them away from it at all costs.

Yes, white chocolate is the least dangerous out of them all, but due to the fact that some manufacturers use different ingredients, it’s impossible to say if certain ones are ok, unless you scrutinise the ingredients – which most people won’t do.

The safest option is not to feed them any chocolate at all. The sugar and other ingredients aren’t great for them anyway.

If you have children let them know the risks also, as they can be tempted to give your dog things, especially when at the dinner table.

You can feed your dog dedicated dog chocolate if you wish, made from carob. You can find some of these here.

Have a question? We’d love to hear from you. Let us know in the comments below.

https://crankhound.com/can-a-dog-eat-white-chocolate/

Can A Dog Eat White Chocolate? - Not really. Although white chocolate is considered the least toxic of them all, it should still be avoided

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