Can dogs eat
Nutella?
No
No. Nutella contains cocoa and a lot of sugar, and it is not a safe treat for dogs, although a tiny lick is unlikely to cause serious harm in a large dog.
Why it’s unsafe
Nutella is a sweet spread made largely of sugar and fat, with hazelnuts and cocoa. Cocoa contains theobromine and caffeine, which are methylxanthines that can cause vomiting, tremors, an abnormal heart rhythm and seizures in dogs. Darker chocolate is riskier, and baking chocolate and cocoa powder have the most methylxanthines. One veterinary source puts the cocoa in Nutella at a low share of the product, so a small lick is unlikely to cause severe signs in a healthy dog, but it is still not a food to offer.
The risk of cocoa poisoning rises with the amount eaten relative to body size, so a small dog that finishes a jar is in a very different position from a large dog that licks a knife. The sugar and fat can also cause vomiting, diarrhea and, in some dogs, pancreatitis.
Hazelnuts are not toxic, but they are fatty. Some sugar-free spreads may contain xylitol, so check the label of any spread.
Risks
- Contains cocoa, which has theobromine and caffeine and can poison dogs in larger amounts
- Very high in sugar and fat, which can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis
- Eating a large amount, especially by a small dog, can become an emergency
- Some sugar-free spreads may contain xylitol, so check labels
What to give instead
Do not feed Nutella or similar chocolate spreads. Instead, offer something sweet and safe: a little plain peanut butter with no xylitol (see peanut butter), a few blueberries, or a slice of banana.
Spread plain dog-safe peanut butter in a lick mat or hollow toy if you want an activity treat that lasts.
Related forms
| Food | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Nutella on toast or crepes | No | The bread adds carbs, but the cocoa and sugar are still the issue. |
| Hazelnuts (plain) | With caution | Not toxic, but rich in fat. |
| Chocolate (general) | No | See the chocolate page. |
| Peanut butter without xylitol | In moderation | A far safer spreadable treat. |
If your dog already ate it
If your dog licked a small amount, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness and unusual thirst. Larger amounts can bring a fast heart rate, tremors and seizures, with signs often starting within a few hours and lasting up to a day.
Call your vet, an emergency clinic, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply) if your dog ate more than a lick, if your dog is small, or if you are unsure of the amount. Have the product label and your dog's weight ready. Use the chocolate toxicity calculator for a guide, and do not wait for symptoms. Do not try to make your dog vomit at home.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nutella toxic to dogs?
It contains cocoa, so it can be harmful in larger amounts, especially for small dogs. A tiny lick is unlikely to poison a large dog, but it is still not safe to feed.
How much Nutella is dangerous for a dog?
It depends on your dog's weight and how much cocoa was eaten, so there is no single safe figure. Contact your vet or a poison line with the amount and weight.
Can dogs eat hazelnuts?
Plain hazelnuts are not toxic, but they are fatty, and too much fat, sugar and hazelnut together can trigger pancreatitis. Flavored or salted nuts are worse.
What should I do if my dog ate a whole jar?
Treat it as urgent. Call your vet or a poison line right away and share the dog's weight and the product label.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy