Pastry Ingredient Safety

Can dogs eat sprinkles and decorations?

Use caution

Short answer: Only a few: sprinkles are sugar, chocolate sprinkles carry theobromine, and inedible decorations can block the gut.

Also called or found in: nonpareils, jimmies, chocolate sprinkles, cake toppers, edible glitter

Why it matters

Chocolate sprinkles and chocolate decorations contain theobromine like any chocolate (Merck).

Sugar-free candies are a common xylitol source (FDA). Non-food cake decorations, picks and wires aren't food at all.

If your dog ate some

If your dog ate a lot of it, or seems unwell afterward, call your veterinarian or an animal poison line: ASPCA (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.

In the kitchen

Remove toppers, candles and picks before a dog gets near the cake.

Sources

  1. Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals, Merck Veterinary Manual. Checked October 22, 2026.
  2. Paws Off Xylitol; It's Dangerous for Dogs, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Checked October 22, 2026.
  3. Household hazards, American Veterinary Medical Association. Checked October 22, 2026.

Last checked against these sources: October 22, 2026.

Related guides

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Written by VanillaGoods from the cited sources. Not reviewed by a veterinarian. Not a substitute for veterinary advice.