Overview
No, dogs must not eat Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. This German black forest cake contains chocolate, alcohol (Kirschwasser), and sugar, all of which are toxic and dangerous for dogs, leading to vomiting, tremors, or worse.
Can dogs eat Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte?
Risks
- Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, known in English as Black Forest Cake, is a classic German dessert made of layers of chocolate sponge cake with ingredients that are not suitable for dogs.
- Black forest cake is not safe for dogs to eat due to multiple toxic ingredients. This German cake contains cocoa powder, Kirsch schnapps (cherry brandy), sugar, preserved cherries, and whipped cream.
- Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. It’s metabolized slowly which allows it to build up to toxic levels in the canine system. Theobromine affects the central nervous system and the kidneys.
- Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive panting, increased thirst, and racing heart rate. In severe cases, dogs can go into seizures.
- Another key ingredient in black forest cake is Kirsch schnapps, which is a fruit brandy made from cherries. It has an alcohol content of 40-50% alcohol by volume. Even in small amounts, alcohol is dangerous to dogs.
- The high sugar and cream content can cause digestive upset, obesity, and metabolic issues in dogs if consumed in large amounts.
