Can dogs eat Nutella? You may be asking this because your dog got into this popular spread, and you’re worried about their health. Humans can eat Nutella, so is it also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is no, Nutella is not safe for dogs to eat. Nutella is a hazelnut spread that contains cocoa powder, which is toxic to dogs due to the theobromine content.
While a tablespoon of Nutella contains significantly less theobromine than a chocolate bar, it’s best to keep your dog away from this food.
If your dog has eaten Nutella, you should contact your veterinarian for guidance. Here’s why Nutella is bad for dogs.
Why Is Nutella Bad For Dogs?
Nutella is a hazelnut spread that contains trace amounts of cocoa powder. While some may think cocoa powder is a primary ingredient in this paste, it’s pretty far down the list of ingredients that give Nutella its chocolaty coloring.
Nutella primarily contains hazelnut, sugar, and fatty oil, the latter two of which are not good for your dog. In actuality, your dog is more likely to suffer tummy upset from the fat and sugar content in Nutella than the cocoa powder.
Still, it’s possible that your dog can suffer theobromine poisoning from consuming this product. Signs of theobromine poisoning include hyperactivity, vomiting, and seizures.
What Should I Do If My Dog Ate Nutella?
If your dog ate a small amount of Nutella — about two tablespoons or less — they will most likely be fine. Still, you should seek veterinary guidance to take the best course of action for your pupper.
If your dog ate a significant amount of this hazelnut spread, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. Although Nutella contains less cocoa than a chocolate product, it can still cause theobromine poisoning in certain dogs. All pups are different, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you want to feed your pup something of similar consistency to Nutella, xylitol-free peanut butter is safe for dog consumption and provides some health benefits. While it’s not as dangerous as some might think, you should still keep Nutella to yourself.
Has your dog ever accidentally eaten Nutella? Did they feel sick? Let us know in the comments below.
