Can Horses Eat Chocolate?

There are many special snacks we give to horses that are safe for them to eat. A fresh peppermint stick, a crunchy apple, or a mouth-watering sugar cube are all horse-approved treats in moderation. But what about the more decadent sweets we like to enjoy… can horses eat chocolate?

Can Horses Eat Chocolate?

The short answer is no, horses can’t eat chocolate. Now, let’s go over why it’s so dangerous for them to consume it.

Horses are herbivores. In the wild, they graze on native grasses and shrubs. Domesticated horses also eat a plant-based diet of forage like grass, alfalfa, and hay and a limited quantity of high-quality grain such as barley.

What horses don’t eat is chocolate. That’s because the main compound of cocoa beans is theobromine, which is toxic to them even in small amounts. Their sensitive digestive system is also not set up to properly pass foreign foods, which is why it’s important to keep horses on a strict diet.

That chocolate chip granola bar you’re munching on at the barn between rides? This is one of those times when it’s acceptable not to share!

Especially if you happen to have a snack that contains dark chocolate, be aware that it has a higher concentration of theobromine than milk chocolate does. The smartest choice is to avoid bringing chocolate around your horse, period.

But sometimes mistakes happen and it’s good to know what to expect if your horse happens to take a bite out of something they shouldn’t have.

What Happens if a Horse Eats Chocolate?

Chocolate is toxic to horses and other mammals like dogs, even in small quantities partially because they metabolize theobromine much more slowly than humans do.

If a horse ingests chocolate, the reaction with their digestive system can trigger colic or cause internal bleeding. Their cardiovascular and nervous system is also affected, which can lead to a heart attack or seizures. They might appear restless and anxious due to the caffeine in chocolate as well.

Call your veterinarian immediately if you see your horse eat a forbidden food or if they’re not acting quite right. The sooner they get there, the quicker a diagnosis will happen so you can potentially save your horse from serious illness.

Time is of the essence if your horse eats even a small amount of chocolate. The effects of theobromine poisoning in horses arise even with a low dose and, unfortunately, fatalities can occur if a horse ingests too much chocolate.

But how much is too much exactly?

How Much Chocolate is Toxic to Horses?

The average 1,000-pound horse will develop serious complications after eating around 500 oz (almost four gallons) of milk chocolate. This amount is even less if it’s dark chocolate or 100% cacao.

It’s best to stay away from feeding your horse chocolate altogether though. They have a sensitive digestive system and no way to throw up foreign foods that don’t sit right with them. Because of this, keep the chocolate to yourself and stick to treats like carrots, oats, or molasses.

Might not sound the most appetizing to you, but horses love it!