Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My 7 kg dog licked a spoonful of chocolate hazelnut spread that had a bit of white mold on the jar's rim — is the mold or the chocolate the bigger worry?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

The chocolate is the immediate emergency. Even a small amount contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and requires a call to the ASPCA poison line at 888-426-4435. The mold on the rim is a secondary concern — some molds produce toxins, but the primary risk right now is the chocolate. Watch for restlessness, vomiting, or a racing heart over the next several hours. Do not try to induce vomiting unless the poison control expert or your vet tells you to.

Chocolate hazelnut spread — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Chocolate plus hazelnut plus sugar — the chocolate makes it an emergency.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Chocolate hazelnut spread should not be given to dogs at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Why these cautions matter

Theobromine is the part that hurts. Pets clear it far more slowly than people do, so it builds up and reaches the heart and nervous system.

Added sugar brings empty calories, and over months that means weight gain and dental disease — both far harder to undo than to avoid.

Chocolate hazelnut spread has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Chocolate hazelnut spread food facts page.

Open the full food page: Chocolate hazelnut spread food facts →