Carob is made from the dried pods of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) and is sold as powder, chips, bars, and syrup. It is a cocoa-free flavor ingredient with a naturally sweet taste and is often used in baked goods, coatings, and snack treats. Carob is non-toxic, but products made with it can still be high in sugar and calories.
Carob is also common in pet products. It appears in some dog biscuits, training treats, bakery-style cookies, chew coatings, and frozen dog treats as a chocolate substitute. These products often combine carob with fats, flours, peanut butter, molasses, or honey. The carob itself is not the only issue. Added sweeteners and rich ingredients can still make a treat heavy.
Human carob desserts may include sugar alcohols or flavor blends that are not ideal for pets. Carob chips and syrups are also more concentrated than plain powder. For pets, the lowest-risk option is a tiny amount of plain, unsweetened, xylitol-free carob used occasionally.
