Can Horses Eat Chocolate? Toxic Foods Warning [2026]

No, horses should never eat chocolate. Chocolate is toxic to horses and can cause serious health problems or even death. This isn’t a “moderation” issue—chocolate should be completely avoided.

Why Chocolate Is Dangerous for Horses

Chocolate contains two compounds that are toxic to horses:

Theobromine

The primary danger in chocolate
Horses metabolize theobromine slowly
Builds up to toxic levels in the body
Affects the heart, nervous system, and muscles

Caffeine

Also present in chocolate
Stimulates the nervous system
Can cause dangerous heart rhythm changes
Compounds the effects of theobromine

Theobromine Content by Chocolate Type

Chocolate Type	Theobromine Content	Danger Level
Baking chocolate	Very high	Extremely dangerous
Dark chocolate	High	Very dangerous
Milk chocolate	Moderate	Dangerous
White chocolate	Very low	Less toxic but still avoid
Cocoa powder	Very high	Extremely dangerous

Note: Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous, but ALL chocolate should be avoided.

How Much Chocolate Is Dangerous?

The toxic dose depends on the horse’s size and the type of chocolate:

Small amounts: May cause mild symptoms
Moderate amounts: Can cause serious illness
Large amounts: Can be fatal

Important: There’s no “safe” amount. Any chocolate consumption should be treated seriously.

Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning

Signs may appear within hours of consumption:

Early Signs

Restlessness and agitation
Increased heart rate
Excessive urination
Sweating
Hyperactivity

Progressive Symptoms

Tremors or muscle twitching
Irregular heartbeat
Rapid breathing
Diarrhea
Seizures

Severe Cases

Heart failure
Respiratory failure
Coma
Death

What to Do If Your Horse Eats Chocolate

Call your veterinarian immediately
Note what was eaten: Type of chocolate, approximate amount
Note the time: When did the horse eat it?
Keep the horse calm: Reduce stimulation
Remove any remaining chocolate: Prevent further consumption
Monitor for symptoms: Report changes to your vet

Do NOT:

Try to induce vomiting (horses can’t vomit)
Wait to see if symptoms develop before calling
Assume a small amount is safe

Competition Implications

Beyond toxicity, chocolate contains substances banned in competition:

Theobromine is a controlled substance in horse sports
Can result in positive drug tests
Disqualification and penalties
This is another reason to keep horses away from chocolate

Why Do Some People Think Chocolate Is OK?

You may have heard of horses eating chocolate without obvious problems. This happens because:

Small amounts may not cause visible symptoms
Toxicity can be cumulative
Damage may occur without obvious signs
“Getting away with it” doesn’t make it safe

Safe Alternatives to Chocolate

If you want to give your horse a special treat:

Safe Treat	Why It’s Good
Carrots	Nutritious, crunchy, loved by horses
Apples	Sweet, nutritious (cut into pieces)
Peppermints	Sweet treat in moderation
Watermelon	Hydrating, sweet
Horse treats (commercial)	Formulated to be safe

Preventing Accidental Exposure

Never leave chocolate in the barn
Educate visitors about the danger
Keep Halloween candy away from horses
Don’t feed horses from your snack bag
Check commercial treats for cocoa ingredients

The Bottom Line

Chocolate is toxic to horses—period. The theobromine and caffeine can cause serious heart and nervous system problems, and in severe cases, death. There is no safe amount. If your horse eats chocolate, call your vet immediately. Stick to safe treats like carrots, apples, and commercial horse treats designed to be safe.

Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, American Association of Equine Practitioners, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine