I am posting this as a seperate thread so people can read the science behind this and make an informed decision themselves. It is in no way a critisism of anyone.
"I would never give any of my animals Chocolate as most chocolate contains Theobromine.
Chemistry of Theobromine
An article that I copied from somewhere states (relating to animals in general ;
Chocolate contains theobromine (a compound similar to caffeine) which is poisonous to animals. A dose of 50 mg/lb can be fatal.
Milk chocolate contains 45 mg of theobromine per ounce and unsweetened baking
chocolate contains 400 mg per ounce. Just one ounce of unsweetened baking
chocolate can kill small animals.
Theobromine when ingested causes release of epinephrine (adrenaline) which causes the heart to race and serious cardiac arrhythmias to develop. Signs of chocolate poisoning in some include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination, hyperactivity followed by depression and coma, seizures, and death.
Emergency care for an animal ingesting chocolate includes inducing
vomiting (not in the case of a rabbit) and administration of charcoal to reduce absorption of the chocolate remaining in the stomach and intestines. Drugs to stabilize the heart are needed as well as intravenous fluids and drugs to prevent shock.
Mortality is high and care for these cases is intensive and expensive.
Owners should be prudent to prevent animals from finding and consuming
chocolate.
Theobromine is also present in cocoa beans, cola, and tea. If you suspect
your animal has ingested chocolate, call your veterinarian immediately.
With their instruction you may be able to induce vomiting greatly
increasing the odds of your pet surviving. Time is of the essence in these
cases - seek emergency care immediately if chocolate has been consumed.
Keep chocolate and other products containing theobromine out of reach from
your animals. Instruct children and visitors to not feed your pets
chocolate as a "treat". "
"I would never give any of my animals Chocolate as most chocolate contains Theobromine.
Chemistry of Theobromine
An article that I copied from somewhere states (relating to animals in general ;
Chocolate contains theobromine (a compound similar to caffeine) which is poisonous to animals. A dose of 50 mg/lb can be fatal.
Milk chocolate contains 45 mg of theobromine per ounce and unsweetened baking
chocolate contains 400 mg per ounce. Just one ounce of unsweetened baking
chocolate can kill small animals.
Theobromine when ingested causes release of epinephrine (adrenaline) which causes the heart to race and serious cardiac arrhythmias to develop. Signs of chocolate poisoning in some include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination, hyperactivity followed by depression and coma, seizures, and death.
Emergency care for an animal ingesting chocolate includes inducing
vomiting (not in the case of a rabbit) and administration of charcoal to reduce absorption of the chocolate remaining in the stomach and intestines. Drugs to stabilize the heart are needed as well as intravenous fluids and drugs to prevent shock.
Mortality is high and care for these cases is intensive and expensive.
Owners should be prudent to prevent animals from finding and consuming
chocolate.
Theobromine is also present in cocoa beans, cola, and tea. If you suspect
your animal has ingested chocolate, call your veterinarian immediately.
With their instruction you may be able to induce vomiting greatly
increasing the odds of your pet surviving. Time is of the essence in these
cases - seek emergency care immediately if chocolate has been consumed.
Keep chocolate and other products containing theobromine out of reach from
your animals. Instruct children and visitors to not feed your pets
chocolate as a "treat". "