About Carob Chip Cookies for Dogs

Carob chips are a doggie-friendly alternative to chocolate.
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If your doggie is enviously staring at you as you relish a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie, instead of feeling bad that you can't reward her with one, think about what you can offer her instead. Carob chip cookies make a yummy and totally safe occasional treat for canines.

Hazards of Chocolate

Chocolate chip cookies are in no way appropriate for canine consumption. The ASPCA warns that chocolate is poisonous not only to dogs, but also to cats. Since chocolate's cacao seeds include a type of heart stimulant known as theobromine, it can lead to various unpleasant and severe consequences in pets, such as increased thirst, panting, diarrhea, restlessness, throwing up, convulsions, shivering, frequent urination, unusual heart rhythm and hyperactive behavior. In some cases, consumption of chocolate can even bring upon deadly results in animals. Because of the risk factor, it is crucial to never allow a dog to eat chocolate, even in small chocolate chip form. If for any reason your dog accidentally eats chocolate, call for urgent veterinary attention immediately.

Carob

If you want to provide your pet with a yummy treat that provides all of the taste of chocolate but none of the danger, the ASPCA recommends carob as a healthy and non-toxic cocoa alternative. Carob is derived from evergreen trees that originate in the Mediterranean region -- from Spain and Italy to Greece. The trees are notable for their deep brown pod fruit, which is packed with minerals and B vitamins. Carob is known for having a comparable flavoring to chocolate, but with significantly fewer calories.

Carob Chips

Although the ASPCA advocates carob chips in place of chocolate chips for dogs, the organization notes that dogs may display signs of slight tummy distress after eating especially large amounts of the stuff. To avoid your poor dog experiencing diarrhea or belly ache, make sure to keep carob chip portions on the small side. Think two to three chips rather than a whole handful, for example.

Cookie Recipes

If you're preparing to whip up your little cutie a few delicious carob chip cookies, make sure you have all of the ingredients ready. Some commonly used components for doggie-safe carob chip cookies are oatmeal, wheat germ, vanilla, brown sugar, molasses and peanut oil. As for the carob chips, use them either melted or cut up. Again, remember to keep any chocolate chips out of the equation.