Is Energy drinks 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 energy drink cans vary by more than 3x in caffeine content, and it is always stated on the can's Supplement Facts panel. Bang Energy's 16 oz can states 300 mg of caffeine per can on the brand's own site -- one of the highest mainstream figures on the market. Widely reported figures from independent caffeine-content trackers put Monster Energy's original 16 oz can at about 160 mg and a standard 8.4 oz Red Bull at about 80 mg, though Monster's and Red Bull's own sites could not be directly re-verified (both blocked automated access). Against the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists' dog threshold of about 140 mg/kg (63 mg/lb), even half a can of Bang is enough caffeine to threaten a dog under about 20 lb, and a full can is a risk for dogs well into the 40-lb range. Read the can's own Supplement Facts panel for the exact number rather than assuming -- energy drink formulations and caffeine levels vary by product line. If a dog gets into an energy drink, do not wait for symptoms -- call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately.
Facts and examples
- Bang Energy (16 oz can) contains 300 mg of caffeine per can (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