Red: poisonous or dangerous
No, chocolate is taboo for horses. The horse nutritionist Dr. Juliet Getty lists it as one of the things you shouldn't give a horse. The reason is theobromine, to which horses and dogs are sensitive.
Why the traffic light is red
Theobromine is found in cocoa beans. According to PetMD's vet-approved guide, it stimulates the nervous system, heart and skeletal muscles, increases urination and relaxes smooth muscles. According to them, too much chocolate can cause diarrhea, liver damage, internal bleeding, heart problems and neurological disorders. There is no fixed amount of poison for horses like there is for dogs. The horse veterinarian Dr. Tracy Turner says at PetMD: No one knows how much a horse has to eat to get sick. A single piece of chocolate probably won't cause much damage, but veterinarians recommend against any amount. Dark chocolate is more toxic than milk chocolate because it contains more theobromine.
What you should pay attention to
- Competition horses: According to PetMD, theobromine and caffeine can be detected in doping tests; both are banned substances. A positive result can lead to disqualification.
- Detectable for a long time: According to Prof. Richard Sams from Ohio State University, both substances remain in the horse's body longer than in humans. His advice to trainers: Don't feed racehorses chocolate.
- Hidden chocolate: Cookies, muesli bars and cakes with chocolate are often found in jacket pockets and cleaning boxes. It's best to consistently separate treats for humans and horses.
- Cocoa in treats: Even homemade horse biscuits should not contain cocoa. According to the Rutgers Equine Science Center, cocoa is one of the ingredients that can lead to a positive doping test in competition horses.
What to do if your horse has eaten chocolate?
If your horse has eaten a lot of chocolate, according to PetMD, call the vet immediately. Say what kind it was, approximately how much and when. Treatment can include removing the chocolate from the stomach using a nasogastric tube or adding oil; severe cases require a horse clinic. If it has only stolen a piece, ask the practice what you should pay attention to. If there is a tournament coming up, tell the vet.
If poisoning is suspected or if there are signs of colic, go to a veterinarian or emergency veterinary service immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Is chocolate poisonous to horses? Yes. It contains theobromine, which can cause diarrhea, heart problems and neurological disorders in horses, among other things, according to PetMD. A fixed amount of poison is not known.
Is a piece of chocolate bad for a horse? A single piece probably won't cause much harm, according to PetMD. Veterinarians still advise against any amount.
Is chocolate doping for horses? Theobromine and caffeine are substances banned in equestrian sport and can be detected in doping tests.
Read more
- Are horses allowed to eat sugar cubes?
- Are horses allowed to eat bread?
- What can horses eat? The overview with traffic lights
- Horse weight calculator: How to estimate your horse's weight
- Buying a horse: the checklist
Quellen, abgerufen am 05.11.2026: EquiMed, Dr. Getty's Tip on Treats: Which are safe and which are not? (Dr. Juliet Getty, Pferdeernährungswissenschaftlerin); PetMD, Can Horses Eat Chocolate? (geprüft von Jennifer Rice, DVM; mit Dr. Tracy Turner, DVM); The Ohio State University, Chocolate treats bad for horses (Prof. Richard Sams); Rutgers Equine Science Center, Making Horse Treats with Lord Nelson
