Carob for Dogs: The Ultimate Pup-Friendly Guide

Shell & Katy Pretty Fluffy Editors

Katy and Shell are two style-savvy dog mums who celebrate the best in pet-friendly living. A professional pet photographer and dog lifestyle writer, together they bring dog-friendly inspiration, pet product recommendations, dog treat recipes, pet expert advice and the best in emerging and designer dog brands into the homes of discerning pet parents around the world.

What is carob for dogs you ask…? It looks just like chocolate, but it’s not! And dogs sure do love the taste of it. 

Most of us know chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs. So have you ever seen a delicious-looking ‘chocolate’ dog treat and wondered what the heck is going on? Well, we’re going to clear up the confusion for you.

While you certainly can’t give your dog ‘human’ chocolate, you can give them a perfectly dog-safe chocolate substitute (just remember, all treats in moderation!)

So if you have plenty of questions about carob chocolate for dogs, we’ve put together this handy guide with everything you need to know.

We’ve also included some yummy carob dog treat recipes at the end of the post for you and your dog to enjoy!

RELATED: Peanut Butter & Carob Dog Treats Recipe

Carob for Dogs: The Ultimate Pup-Friendly Guide 

Why is chocolate toxic to dogs?

When it comes to what human foods are safe for dogs to eat, chocolate is top of the no-no list.

The reason why chocolate is toxic to dogs is because it contains caffeine and theobromine. While these two compounds in chocolate are used in ‘human’ medicine as heart stimulants, blood vessel dilators and muscle relaxants – if a dog ingests them, they can suffer from severe symptoms.

The reason being that dogs are unable to process these compounds as effectively as people can. Ultimately, this causes dogs to be much more sensitive to their physical effects.

So, if your dog eats chocolate you should monitor them closely, and seek veterinary attention if any symptoms develop such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, panting or a racing heart rate.

What is carob made from?

While chocolate comes from cocoa beans, carob originates from the pod of a carob tree, named the Ceratonia siliqua. The tree’s fruit is a legume that takes a full year to mature.

Carob trees produce brown, leathery pea-like pods around 6-12 inches long. After harvest, the whole pod is dried or roasted before it is used in a wide range of recipes. This is quite different to how chocolate is made, which only uses cacao seeds.

While carob is similar to chocolate (especially in colour) it does have its own distinct flavour. Carob is naturally sweet, although its overall flavour is more earthy and nutty than chocolate.

Still, their close similarities are why carob is a popular chocolate substitute in many beverages and baked treats like cupcakes, brownies and even fudge!

Is carob good for dogs?

You might be thinking, ‘if carob and chocolate look so similar, what actually makes carob a dog-safe alternative to chocolate?’

Carob is safe for dogs simply because it is free of all the allergenic and addictive effects of caffeine, as well as free of oxalic acid, theobromine, thenylthylamine and tyramine – all of which are common in chocolate. Carob also contains less fat, and doesn’t have added sugar. 

When it comes to the health benefits of carob for dogs, there are plenty! That’s because carob is packed with a variety of healthy nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and protein.

Carob also contains antioxidants, while being a great source of fibre and promoting good gut health.

Are you beginning to see why carob is known as the ‘healthy’ chocolate? Not only is it perfectly safe to use carob in dog treats, it’s a great sugar-free chocolate alternative for us pet parents too.

What does carob look like?

In its natural form, carob looks like a brown, dried out version of your average green pea pod (just much bigger).

But when you’re shopping around for carob dog chocolate, there are a few different options you’ll find including:

• Carob powder for dogs
• Carob drops for dogs (also known as carob chips, or carob buttons for dogs)
• Carob chocolate blocks

While the most common versions of carob you’ll find on the shelves are drops and powder, you might also come across pre-made carob chocolate blocks too.

Where to buy carob for dogs?

The easiest way to purchase carob treats for your dog is through an online stockist, or visiting your local pet supplies store. 

Here in Australia, many pet stores sell packets of pre-made carob drops.

Online Australian stockists include:

• 1kg Carob Drops – Australian Pet Treat Company
• Carob Buttons – Healthy Dog Treats

Online stockist in U.S.A:

• Organic Carob Chips – Essential Organics
• NOW Carob Powder on Amazon

While perfectly safe for your pup to enjoy, we strongly recommend you read the label of any store-bought carob dog treats. Unfortunately some carob treats for dogs contain sugar and other additives, so always check the label before purchasing.

We recently bought 100% natural carob powder from our local health food store, and you can also purchase it here on Amazon.

Want more healthy homemade dog treat recipes?

Check out our eBook 52 Weeks of Treats – Simple & Healthy Dog Treat Recipes for Every Season.

Now in it’s 2nd edition, 52 Weeks of Treats has over 30 healthy DIY dog treat recipes – including everything from summer ‘Blueberry Pupsicles’ to hearty winter ‘Beef Bites’.

With a handy allergies guide, quick references for grain and dairy free recipes AND a whole section just for special occasions (Doggie Birthday Cake anyone?) 52 Weeks of Treats is the ultimate dog treat recipe book.