Can Dogs Eat Mocha? (Solved & Explained!)

The smell of mocha is fabulous, enough to bring your dog over to see what you’re brewing up. They may beg and plead and give you the cutest puppy eyes but, should you serve your dog mocha?

Mocha is a mix of chocolate and coffee, typically blended together with a bit of milk. Can dogs eat mocha? The truth is, while they can in limited amounts, you should refrain from making it a habit, as caffeine and chocolate are among two things that are harmful to dogs.

Below, we’ll go into more details about serving your dog mocha, along with a look at some typical tasty treats that come packed with mocha powder. Before feeding your dog any mocha, read this.

Is Coffee Harmful to Dogs

Sometimes you can’t help but feed your pup some of your favorite treats. They beg and then wag their tail when you give in, making it impossible to not give in. While some treats are okay, you may want to watch out for caffeine, one key ingredient typically mixed in with mochas.

Caffeine is poisonous to dogs, especially in high doses. Ingesting too much could lead to caffeine toxicity, which comes with symptoms ranging from barely there to severe. Because there are so many caffeine-free options on the market, you should go for those instead of products packed with caffeine.

Can A Dog Eat Mocha Cake?

There has been a small trend popping up among dog owners involving mocha cake for special occasions. Dogs will enjoy mocha cake, with all its creamy, sweet, and bitter notes. However, just like other human foods, moderation is key.

Even mocha cake that’s free from caffeine can come packed with things like sugars, fats, and grains, all of which can give your pup an upset stomach or worse. A bite here and there is not going to hurt, but don’t make it a habit. 

What To Do If Your Dog Eats/Drinks Mocha

Dogs can get into a number of things, including a sweet-smelling mocha. If you noticed that your pet indulged and took a sip of your coffee, here is what you’ll need to do.

Step 1: Give your Vet a Call

If you saw your dog ingest your mocha, you should let your vet know. If you saw them ingest it, try and give your vet an idea of just how much your dog ingested so they can provide accurate advice. Like most foods, just a little will not hurt your dog and may just cause a bit of discomfort in the process.

Step 2: Watch for Symptoms

Several symptoms can come up when dogs indulge in mocha, including those from caffeine toxicity. If you know or suspect that your dog drank coffee, here are some key signs that you need to look out for.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive panting
• Sudden increase in thirst
• Seizures

Keep in mind that symptoms can range from mild to severe and generally present themselves in as little as 30 minutes after digestion depending on the amount ingested. Symptoms can last up to 12 hours.

Step 3: Hydrate

Your dog may be extra thirsty if they ingest too much caffeine, making them drink more. Do what you can to keep them drinking water, especially if you notice any symptoms start to come about. This will make them urinate more, which will take out any excess caffeine in the process.

Step 4: Take Them In

If you suspect that your dog had too much caffeine and they are acting out of the norm, then you may need to take them to the vet immediately. In cases where you know your dog has ingested more than it should have, it’s better to be safe than sorry, making sure they are not at risk for caffeine toxicity.

Safe Coffee Alternatives for Dogs

If you have a pup that just can’t get enough of a warm cup of jo, you can look for a healthy, dog-friendly alternative instead. Not only will your pup love the taste but, they’ll experience better digestion and more energy too.

Decaffeinated Coffee

If it’s coffee that they love, go ahead and give them a bit, just make sure that it’s decaffeinated. You can serve your dog decaf coffee as long as it’s in moderation.

Green Tea

Green tea is a great alternative for a mocha that is warm and tasty. On top of that, it’s packed with antioxidants and lots of other health benefits for your dog, making it an all-around winner.

Herbal Tea

Herbal teas that have flowers, herbs, and spices are usually okay for your dog. Just like with mocha, make sure that you avoid those with caffeine, choosing alternatives that are caffeine-free. These you can serve without a worry, though don’t overdo it, sticking to once a day at most.

Matcha

Though you might not think of it, matcha is a great mocha alternative for dogs. It’s tasty and has a fun texture, both of which your pets will love. On top of that, matcha packs a number of benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, cancer-fighting ingredients, and more.

Ginger Tea

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, working to aid dogs in fighting off disease. One cup of warm ginger tea a day can replace a mocha and comes with a wide range of benefits that will keep them living longer and healthier too. 

Final Thoughts

The sweet smell of mocha is enough to bring your dog sprinting your way, begging for a taste. While a bit of mocha is okay, you shouldn’t make it a habit, as it contains ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Caffeine, chocolate, and sugar are key ingredients in a mocha, all of which are toxic for your pups.

If they do ingest mocha, have a plan in place to avoid discomfort or severe symptoms. There are plenty of mocha substitutes that your dog will love, all of them with health benefits that make it good for both you and your pet.