Last Updated on
Are you wondering if Nutella is safe for your dog? Is a small taste so terrible?
First off, what exactly is in this super delicious spread?
Well, a quick look at the label reveals the following ingredients:
- Sugar
- Palm oil
- Hazelnut
- Skimmed milk
- Soy
- Vanillin (vanilla extract)
- Cocoa
That last one makes Nutella too risky for dogs. Cocoa, even trace amounts, should be off limits due to the presence of a toxic alkaloid called Theobromine.
Poisoning is a real possibility.
Do Not Let Your Dog Eat Nutella
Besides, the saturated fat alone makes it unhealthy.
Much more importantly though…
Any amount of chocolate or cocoa has a real potential for toxicity. While Nutella doesn’t actually contain much, it is recommended that you play it safe.
You should consider this popular spread to be dangerous for your dog. Allowing even a tiny taste is a bad idea.
Yup! It’s fair to say that Nutella is a recipe for doggie disaster. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean your buddy will get sick.
But why chance it?
Chocolate is Toxic For Dogs
Make no mistake:
Theobromine, a natural alkaloid compound, is an ingredient in Nutella. This is true despite the name not appearing on the labeling.
It stimulates the cardiovascular system — as well as the central nervous system — causing an increase in blood pressure.
There is a similar effect in humans.
The key difference is this:
Compared to dogs, people can much more easily metabolize Theobromine.
Pet Poisoning Symptoms
It is important to be familiar with signs of toxicity. You never know when your dog will accidentally eat chocolate or Nutella.
Common side effects are:
- Diarrhea (often seen)
- Vomiting (often seen)
- Overall weakness
- Increased heart rate
- Seizures
- Muscle stiffness
- Increased body temperature
- Restlessness
- Frequent urination
A Nutella Poison Plan
Act fast if your dog is in trouble. Do not wait!
Serious cases can lead to seizures, coma or even death.
Get your vet’s help ASAP for any type of poisoning, including a case involving Nutella.
They may tell you to make the dog vomit — sometimes hydrogen peroxide is mixed with water to achieve this. Activated charcoal may also be an option.
During this time, be sure to keep your pet well-hydrated with plenty of water.
The Bottom Line
Avoid feeding your dog Nutella. In fact, the same applies to all foods that contain chocolate or cocoa beans.
This product’s ingredients won’t do your precious pet any good. Theobromine, no matter how little, should not be shared.
Not only is Nutella a poor choice for a treat, it’s a total no-no for dogs!
I accidentally left out a tiny quarter, maybe a 3 by 3cm square, of my Nutella sandwich. My dog ate it while I was using the bathroom. Does my dog need help and do I need to make him vomit it out?
I just gave some vanilla Nutella to both of my Pit bulls. I gave it to them on their doggy cookies, a half a teaspoon maybe less and milk also. Will they be okay?
Yes, assuming they are okay as you are reading this 🙂
I feed my dog Nutella sometimes.
I fed my dog Nutella today. I gave it off a spoon when I was putting it in her dog food. She likes it separated.
My 1 year old, 13 pound Shih Tzu mix just ate about 1 tsp of Nutella. Do I need to make her vomit?
Probably unlikely you need to do that but nothing here can replace the advice from your vet.