Tag: Chocolate poisoning

According to the ASPCA, chocolate is one of the most common causes of poisoning in pets, with baking chocolate posing the highest risk due to its concentrated levels of theobromine. The experience of this toxicity is distressing and can range from mild digestive upset to severe, life-threatening cardiovascular and neurological complications.

While famously dangerous for pets, theobromine poses a minimal risk to humans under normal consumption, with a lethal dose of approximately 1,000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. The vast difference in toxicity is a fascinating case of comparative physiology and metabolic function. This article delves into the science behind why humans can safely enjoy chocolate while other species cannot.

Chocolate contains a compound that is harmless to humans but can be deadly for pets. The poisonous substance in chocolate is theobromine, a bitter alkaloid found naturally in the cacao plant.