Bark-Worthy Homemade Carob Dog Treats
We all know that chocolate is a big no-no for our pups, but have you ever heard of carob? I actually first noticed this ingredient while browsing a dog boutique on vacation. I asked the owner what the treats were made from and she answered, “oh that’s carob!”
Carob is a dog-friendly alternative that tastes just as good without the harmful effects of chocolate. When I got home from vacation, I decided to make homemade carob dog treats for my dogs, Maverick and Lacy. I wasn’t sure how they would react because they had never had this flavor profile before but they absolutely loved them.
Benefits of Carob for Dogs
Carob offers several benefits, making it an excellent ingredient for homemade dog treats:
- Safe Alternative: Free from theobromine and caffeine, unlike chocolate.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins A and B, calcium, and magnesium.
- High Fiber: Aids digestion and promotes gastrointestinal health.
- Naturally Sweet: Provides a sweet taste without harmful sugars.
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Homemade Carob Dog Treat Recipe
Ingredient List
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (xylitol free peanut butter. Also lookout for the word birch sugar as well. This is toxic to dogs).
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
- 1/2 cup carob powder (Carob powder can be hard to find at stores, I ordered mine from Amazon)
- 1/2 cup water
Materials
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
How to Make the Homemade Carob Dog Treats
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, eggs, oat flour, carob powder, and water. Mix until well combined.
4. Chill the dough in the fridge for about 15 minutes to make it easier to work with.
5. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
6. Use cookie cutters to cut out your dog treats.
7. Bake the carob dog treats in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
8. Remove the treats from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
9. Once cooled completely, store the treats in an airtight container.
Related: [Homemade Blueberry Dog Treats]
Homemade Carob Dog Treats
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (xylitol free, no birch sugar)
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
- 1/2 cup carob powder
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, eggs, oat flour, carob powder, and water. Mix until well combined.
- Chill the dough in the fridge for about 15 minutes to make it easier to work with.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out your dog treats.
- Bake the carob dog treats in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
- Remove the treats from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Once cooled completely, store the treats in an airtight container.
FAQs for Homemade Carob Dog Treats
1. Can I use other types of flour instead of oat flour?
Yes, you can substitute oat flour with other dog-safe flours like coconut flour or almond flour. Just ensure they are suitable for your dog’s dietary needs. The recipe will also need to be adjusted.
2. How many carob treats can I give my dog at a time?
Treats should make up only about 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. For small dogs, 1 treat at a time is sufficient, while larger dogs can have a bit more, but it should always be in moderation.
3. How should I store homemade carob dog treats?
Store the treats in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can also refrigerate or freeze them for longer shelf life.
4. Can I use carob chips instead of carob powder?
Yes, you can use carob chips, but you may need to melt them down to incorporate them smoothly into the dough. Carob powder is more convenient for mixing.
5. Why is carob a safe-alternative for dogs?
Carob does not contain theobromine and caffeine (both are in chocolate), which are toxic to dogs. It provides a safe, naturally sweet alternative that dogs can enjoy without health risks.
6. Is there a limit to how often I can give my dog carob treats?
While carob is safe, treats should still be given in moderation. Too many treats can lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalances. Stick to these being TREATS only.
7. Can I substitute anything for the eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with alternatives like unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg), or mashed banana (1/4 cup per egg). These substitutes help bind the ingredients together.
I hope your dogs love carob as much as mine did. I will definitely be testing out new treats with this new-to-us ingredient. If you make our recipe, tag us on Instagram @thedogdarling. We love to see our readers enjoying our yummy dog treats.
