Is Coffee and caffeine safe for cats and dogs?
| Species | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Cats | Toxic |
| Dogs | Toxic |
Severity: Severe
Read the full first-aid guide: what to do if your pet ate something toxic
US kitchens carry caffeine in denser, more concentrated formats than a cup of drip coffee. A Keurig K-Cup runs roughly 75-150 mg of caffeine per 8 oz brew per Keurig's own support documentation -- in range for a strong cup, but the pod itself, chewed whole and dry, delivers that same load in one bite. A tablespoon of used coffee grounds pulled out of the trash carries about 60-100 mg. A single NoDoz Maximum Strength caplet, an over-the-counter alertness aid sold in nearly every US pharmacy, is 200 mg of caffeine per its FDA drug label on file with DailyMed, and a bottle of 5-hour Energy is 200 mg regular strength or 230 mg extra strength per the manufacturer's own caffeine fact page. The American College of Veterinary Pharmacists puts the toxic threshold at about 140 mg per kg (roughly 63 mg per lb) of dog body weight -- meaning one caplet or one energy shot is a real threat to a dog under about 7 lb, and a chewed pod or a mouthful of dry grounds adds up fast for any size dog. If a dog gets into any concentrated caffeine source, call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away.
Facts and examples
- NoDoz Maximum Strength contains 200 mg of caffeine per caplet (FDA drug facts label) (source, verified 2026-07-26)
- 5-hour Energy contains 200 mg caffeine regular strength, 230 mg extra strength (source, verified 2026-07-26)
Verdict re-verified against petpoisonhelpline.com, 2026-07-26 — confirmed unchanged. Source
This page is for general information only and is not veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet is showing symptoms, or you think they ate or touched something dangerous, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison-control hotline immediately.
Last verified 2026-07-26