What is Carob and is it safe for dogs?

With Easter around the corner it's hard to walk into any store without being bombarded by chocolate goodies in all sorts of bunny and egg shapes. As most dog owners know, these chocolate goodies aren't safe for dogs but many treats, including some of Petit Four Legs', offer up carob as an alternative. So what exactly is carob and why is it safe for dogs?

Like chocolate, carob grows on trees and it is the seed pod which is edible. Native to the Mediterranean, carob has an illustrious history. It was eaten in Ancient Egypt and is mentioned in both the Talmud and the New Testament. Today it is most commonly used as a sweetner or chocolate substitute. Carob is also believed by many to boost nutition and actually be healthier for humans than chocolate but no scientific studies have confirmed this yet.

For dogs, the reason that carob in moderation is a safe alternative is that carob does not contain theobromine, an alkaloid found naturally in chocolate. Theobromine, in amounts as small as 50g for small dogs, can cause tremors, dehydration, and even seizures and death. For this reason treats that use carob are a safe alternative for dogs who are hoping for their own Easter basket this time of year.