When my Beagle-Lab mix, Max, licked a smear of Nutella (available at Whole Foods) off a spoon, I panicked and called my Seattle-based vet, Dr. Emily Carter. She confirmed that Nutella is unsafe for dogs due to theobromine, high sugar, and fat content. From tiny Chihuahuas to sturdy German Shepherds, here’s my guide, blending my experience with Max and Dr. Carter’s expertise, to explain why dog owners should avoid Nutella and what to do if their pup gets into it.
Can Dogs Eat Nutella?
No, dogs should not eat Nutella, says Dr. Carter. Its cocoa (theobromine), sugar (56g/100g), and fat (31g/100g) are harmful, risking toxicity or upset. Max is banned from it [1].
Is Nutella Toxic to Dogs?
Yes, Nutella’s theobromine (~0.4–0.6 mg/g) and high fat/sugar content are toxic, says Dr. Carter. Even small amounts risk upset in Pugs; larger doses are dangerous for Chihuahuas. Max avoids it [2].
Is Nutella Good for Dogs?
No, Nutella offers no benefits for dogs, says Dr. Carter. Its nutrients (e.g., trace protein from hazelnuts) are negligible compared to risks. Max gets better nutrition from kibble [3].
Can Dogs Eat Hazelnuts in Nutella?
Hazelnuts alone are safe in tiny amounts but not in Nutella, says Dr. Carter. Nutella’s cocoa and sugar outweigh any hazelnut benefits for Labs. Max skips them [1].
Can Puppies Eat Nutella?
No, puppies’ sensitive stomachs make Nutella especially risky, says Dr. Carter. Theobromine and sugar cause severe upset in young Beagles. Max’s puppy days were Nutella-free [2].
Can Dogs Eat Nutella Ice Cream?
No, Nutella ice cream combines theobromine, sugar, and dairy, risking toxicity and lactose-related upset in Yorkies, says Dr. Carter. Max avoids it [3].
Can Dogs Eat Nutella Granola Bars?
No, granola bars with Nutella (e.g., Nature Valley) contain cocoa and sugar, risking toxicity in Border Collies, says Dr. Carter. Max sticks to plain oats [1].
Can Dogs Eat Nutella Cookies?
No, Nutella cookies (e.g., homemade or store-bought) have cocoa and sugar, risking upset or toxicity in Golden Retrievers, says Dr. Carter. Max gets dog-safe treats [2].
Can Dogs Eat Nutella Chocolate Cake?
No, Nutella cake has high theobromine and sugar, risking severe toxicity in Labs, says Dr. Carter. Symptoms like seizures are possible. Max stays away [3].
Can Dogs Eat Skimmed Milk Powder in Nutella?
No, skimmed milk powder in Nutella risks lactose-related upset in lactose-intolerant Pugs, says Dr. Carter. It adds no benefits. Max avoids dairy [1].
Can Dogs Eat Nutella Per Day?
No, dogs should not eat any Nutella, says Dr. Carter. Even a teaspoon (~5g, ~0.2 mg theobromine) risks mild upset in Chihuahuas; larger amounts are toxic. Max gets none [2].
Can Nutella Kill a Dog?
Yes, in rare cases, large amounts of Nutella (e.g., ~100g for a 10-lb dog, ~40–60 mg theobromine) can cause fatal theobromine poisoning, says Dr. Carter. Immediate vet care is critical. Max is kept far from it [3].
What Do You Do if Your Dog Licks Nutella?
Dr. Carter’s steps for Max:
- Small Lick: Monitor for 24 hours for vomiting or restlessness; offer water.
- More Than a Lick: Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately.
- Symptoms: Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, or seizures.
- Vet Care: May need induced vomiting, fluids, or activated charcoal.
Max’s lick required monitoring [1].
Nutritional Value of Nutella for Dogs
Dr. Carter says Nutella (~100g) contains:
- Calories: ~540 kcal, high and risky.
- Sugar: ~56g, harmful for blood sugar.
- Fat: ~31g, risks pancreatitis.
- Protein: ~6g, negligible benefit.
- Theobromine: ~40–60 mg, toxic.
Max’s nutrition comes from kibble (e.g., Blue Buffalo, available at Petco) [2].
Health Benefits of Nutella for Dogs
None, says Dr. Carter. Nutella’s nutrients are outweighed by risks from theobromine, sugar, and fat. Claims of benefits are baseless. Max gets no health perks from it [3].
Potential Hazards Associated with Nutella for Dogs
Dr. Carter lists risks for Max:
- Theobromine Poisoning: Causes vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, or heart issues in Chihuahuas.
- Pancreatitis: High fat (~31g/100g) risks inflammation in Pugs.
- Obesity: High calories (
540 kcal/100g) and sugar (56g/100g) cause weight gain in Beagles. - Digestive Upset: Sugar and fat cause diarrhea in Labs.
- Allergies: Rare but possible in Golden Retrievers.
Max had mild gas from a lick [1].
Possible Side Effects of Nutella for Dogs
Dr. Carter details symptoms:
- Mild: Vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness in Border Collies.
- Severe: Rapid heartbeat, tremors, seizures, or coma in Yorkies.
- Long-Term: Obesity or dental issues in German Shepherds.
Max showed no severe signs [2].
Allergic Reaction to Nutella in Dogs
Dr. Carter says allergies are rare but possible:
- Symptoms: Itching, swelling, or breathing issues in Border Collies.
- Action: Stop exposure, call vet if severe.
Max had no allergies [3].
Dog with Diabetes and Nutella
No, Nutella’s high sugar (~56g/100g) risks dangerous spikes in diabetic Labs, says Dr. Carter. Even a tiny amount is unsafe. Max’s diabetic friend, a Beagle, avoids it [1].
How to Feed Nutella to Your Dog
Don’t, says Dr. Carter. Nutella is unsafe; offer dog-safe treats like peanut butter (xylitol-free). Max gets no Nutella [2].
How Many Spoons Can a Dog Eat Nutella?
None, says Dr. Carter. Even 1 tsp (5g, ~0.2 mg theobromine) risks mild upset; 2 tbsp (30g, ~1.2–1.8 mg theobromine) is toxic for small Chihuahuas. Max gets zero [3].
Nutella-Based Recipes for Dog Treats
Dr. Carter advises against Nutella. Instead, try:
- Peanut Butter & Oat Bites (makes 12 small treats, ~1-day serving for a 20-lb dog):
- 1 tbsp xylitol-free peanut butter (e.g., Teddie, available at Whole Foods).
- 2 tbsp mashed carrots.
- 1/4 cup oats (e.g., Quaker).
- Preparation:
- Mix ingredients, form 1-inch balls. Bake at 350°F for 15 min. Serve 1–2 treats/day, per size.
- Notes: Safe for Labs. Store in fridge, use within 5 days.
Max loves these [1].
FAQs
- Is Nutella Toxic to Dogs? Yes, due to theobromine and sugar.
- Is Nutella Good for Dogs? No, it offers no benefits.
- Can Puppies Eat Nutella? No, it’s especially risky.
- Can Dogs Eat Nutella Ice Cream? No, it’s toxic.
- What If My Dog Licks Nutella? Monitor; call vet if more than a lick.
Key Takeaways
- Nutella Is Unsafe: Theobromine, sugar, and fat are harmful.
- Risks Include Toxicity: Even small amounts cause upset.
- Monitor and Act Fast: Call vet for any ingestion.
- Vet Approval: Essential for any concerns.
Final Thoughts
Max’s Nutella lick taught me to keep it out of reach, thanks to Dr. Carter’s advice. Dog owners can find Nutella at Whole Foods but should lock it away from any breed, from Pomeranians to Mastiffs. Choose safer treats like peanut butter bites, monitor for issues, and consult your vet for a healthy pup!
References:
[1] PetMD, “Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs”.
[2] AKC, “Foods Toxic to Dogs”.
[3] AVMA, “Pet Nutrition and Safety”.
