A chocolate substitution, safe for dogs… is Carob! We all want to share our treats with our dogs, but we also know that some treats aren’t good for dogs, like chocolate, but there is a safe alternative and thats Carob. So, what is carob and how can you introduce it to your dog? DDG is here to help answer that question and give you a tasty treat you can make.
What is Carob & How is it Safe for Dogs?
The Carob is an eastern Mediterranean evergreen tree of the pea family and originates as seeds from within the carob pods. Carob doesn’t contain caffeine, phenylethylamine or fromamide, and only a minute, harmless amount of the stimulant theobromine.
Carob Health Benefits for Humans and Dogs
Carob is made from the bean pods of the carob tree; is 100% natural and 100% healthy for dogs and gives them great health benefits. Carob is high in vitamin B2, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Carob also contains vitamin B1, niacin and vitamin A. Most fruit and veg we have in our daily diets are nutritious, and carob is no exception!
Carob is also a great source of fiber and pectin, helping to eliminate toxins. This super food improves digestion, lowers cholesterol, and can be used to treat diarrhea. It also allows for better absorption of calcium.
Other Names for Carob: Sugar Pod, Locust Pods, Algaroba, Carob Tree Kharoub, Beans
Scientific Name: Ceratonia siliqua
Easy Carob Cookie Recipe Your Dog Will Love (and you will too!)
Ingredients List
- 1 cup white rice flour
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup carob chips
- 1 small/medium egg
- 2 tbsp warm butter
- 2 tsp chia seeds
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325F; line baking tray with parchment paper
- Add oat flour, rice flour, carob chips and chia seeds into a large bowl. Stir and mix well
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg and butter
- Make well in center of dry ingredients and pour in egg & butter mixture. Stir to mix thoroughly
- Add water until all ingredients combine and dough is formed
- Turn dough out onto lightly floured wax paper, roll out to 1/2″ thickness
- Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutter or sharp knife
- Bake treats at 325F for 20 – 25 minutes
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. You can store these carob treats in the frig for up to seven days.
(here’s a list of items dogs cant have) If you try this recipe, please let us know in the comments section below how it turned out and if you’re dog loved them! More information about carob here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carob