Can Dogs Eat Carob? Best Alternative of Chocolate?

As a dog parent, you should know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs.

But there is a chocolate-like alternative that is safe for your pup.

Yes, we are talking about Carob which looks like chocolate but offers different flavors and sweetness.

So, Can Dogs Eat Carob? Why Carob Instead of Chocolate? Is It Safe For My Dog?

Don’t worry, all of your concerns have been answered in this guide.

Can Dogs Eat Carob? Is It Safe For My Dog?

Yes, you can feed your dog with carob as it is a safe substitute for chocolate and is widely used in dog cookies and treats.

But it should be always fed in moderation. You should not give a handful of carob chips to your dog to eat.

However, you can sprinkle carob chips or carob powder in your dog’s food as a special treat. If you are buying carob cookies or carob treats, make sure to read all the ingredients as companies do add sugar sometimes although carob is naturally sweet.

Why Carob Instead of Chocolate?

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that makes chocolate toxic for dogs. The digestive system of a dog works slower than the human body, that’s why they can not digest this compound and it ultimately starts building up in the dog’s body. If you give chocolate to your dog in larger amounts it can lead to muscle tremors, internal bleeding, and seizures.

The amazing fact about carob is that it does not contain any theobromine. It is also free from formamide, phenylethylamine, and caffeine. Carob beans are similar to cocoa beans and can also be ground into carob powder or made into carob chips. It is also a good source of fiber and pectin.

Can Dogs Eat Carob: Why Is It Good For Dogs?

For all the canine friends who love chocolates, carob is a healthy and safe substitute as it is free from theobromine and caffeine. Let’s have a look at why carob is good for dogs.

  • Rich source of calcium: Carob contains 21 grams of calcium which is actually twice the amount of calcium in cocoa. Plus it does not contain the harmful form of calcium oxalate.
  • High in fiber: Being rich in dietary fiber, helps to keep blood sugar and blood cholesterol level within normal ranges. Also prevents constipation.
  • Low in sugar and fats: Carob is safe for dogs with diabetes as it contains a low glycemic index and doesn’t cause blood sugar spikes.
  • Protein source: Carob has proteins that can make an excellent addition to the overall protein intake for your dog.
  • Antioxidant boost: High level of antioxidants present in carob helps to prevent oxidative stress and prevents cancer.
  • Contains vitamins: Carob contains vitamin A which helps to support the vision of dogs and ensure reproductive health.

How Can I Feed Carob To My Dog?

There are different forms of carob including powder, chips, dietary pills, syrup, and extract.

But it’s best that you feed your dog with carob chips or powder. The other forms can be toxic for your dog as they are too intense and contain ingredients that are harmful to your pouch.

How Can Excess Carob Be Bad For Dogs?

Carob can be bad if it is given in large amounts or too frequently. Here are the reasons why overfeeding carob can be bad for dogs.

  • Allergies: Dogs with nut and legume allergies are at a higher risk of being allergic to carob.
  • Choking and irritation: If carob chips and carob powder are accidentally inhaled they can irritate the upper respiratory system and can also cause a choking hazard.
  • Can cause diarrhea: Excess amounts of carob can cause upset stomach and diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Carob: Recipe Guide

Want to make a delicious treat for your dog? We have got you some easy and fun recipes to try this weekend that your furry friend will surely enjoy.

Carob & Peanut Butter Dog Treat

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup of carob powder;
  • 1/2 cup of mashed banana;
  • 1 tbsp of coconut oil;
  • 1 tbsp of maple syrup;
  • 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter;
  • 1 cup of oat flour.

Procedure:

  1. In a bowl mash bananas. then add peanut butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup.
  2. Mix these ingredients properly until a smooth mixture is formed.
  3. Now shift oat flour into the mixture and stir well.
  4. Add carob powder and stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
  5. Make a dough and by using a rolling pin roll dough out to 1/4 thickness.
  6. Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into the desired shapes.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes at 300F.
  8. Take them out of the oven and serve.

Carob Chips Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup of carob chips;
  • 1/2 cup of unsweetened and unsalted peanut butter;
  • 4 cups of whole wheat flour;
  • 2 cups of quick-cooking oats;
  • 2 cups of warm water.

Procedure:

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, peanut butter, and water and mix well.
  2. Make a dough and roll it to about an inch of thickness.
  3. Using the cookie cutter, cut out the shapes.
  4. Now bake for 40 minutes and side by side melt the carob chips in a double boiler.
  5. Once the cookies have been baked, dip them in the melted carob.
  6. Wait for 10 minutes and then serve.

Did You Know?

  1. The carob tree usually has a time span of 100 years.
  2. Carob syrup has various health benefits as it is a natural source of calcium.
  3. Carob helps to lower cholesterol levels and heart diseases.
  4. The carob tree is gluten-free and caffeine free.
  5. The carob plant is used in many cosmetics.

Wrapping Up!

For all the canine friends who love chocolates, carob is a healthy and safe substitute as it is free from theobromine and caffeine. There are different forms of carob including powder, chips, dietary pills, syrup, and extract. But it’s best that you feed your dog with carob chips or powder. But it should be always fed in moderation.

FAQ’s

Can dogs eat carob?

Yes, dogs can eat carob but if fed in moderation.

What is another name for carob?

Carob is also called locust bean or St. Johns Bread.

Is carob good for diabetics?

Yes, carob is a safe option for diabetic patients.

Can dogs eat carob chips?

Yes, dogs can but in a very small amount.

We hope this article ‘Can Dogs Eat Carob?’ helped you. You can also check out our other articles to know more about dog food.

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Maha Ahmed
Maha Ahmed

Maha is a dog-lover and proud mom to Max, her mischievous but lovable Golden Retriever. She's always had a passion for animals, and after years of volunteering at local animal shelters, she's developed a wealth of knowledge about what it takes to keep dogs healthy and happy.

When she's not busy researching and writing about dog food, Maha enjoys spending time with Max, trying out new dog-friendly recipes, and planning their next big adventure together. She's passionate about helping other dog owners find the perfect food for their furry friends and can't wait to share her expertise with you!

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