Dog-Safe, Faux-Chocolate to Share

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Barbara K., reader copyright on file
Buddy and His Owner
Enjoy Fun Photo Poses Like this Special Occasion One

Thanks to my friend Barbara for providing this adorable photo of her best friend, Buddy. Buddy is here to share our Mock Chocolate candy recipe with you--the one that is so decadent you'll be making it for all your friends and family come Christmas. And why not? It's a perfect gift, and so easy to prepare. 

What's more, it's safe for your dog. There's no chocolate in it, an ingredient that is highly toxic to our fidos. The chocolate flavoring in this recipe comes from carob, and you're likely to be as delighted as my dogs and I were when we first tried it. As Mary Poppins would say, "Supercalifragilisticexpialadocious!" (Did I spell that right?)

© Carrie Boyko
Now, Go Make Your Own!

Mock Chocolate Carob-Nut Bark*

(for dogs and people!)

Ingredients:

• 4 cups carob chips
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup  chopped dry roasted peanuts 
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (surprise!)

Instructions:

1. Prepare an edged cookie sheet by lining it with recycled tin foil. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
2. Melt carob chips in a glass bowl in the microwave for about 30 seconds. 
3. Stir and repeat process.
4. Stir in the peanut butter and microwave for another 15 seconds. 
5. Stir a bit more to combine.
6. Now add the nuts and cinnamon, hand stirring these in until evenly distributed.
7. Pour this mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet, spreading evenly.
8. Chill for 15 minutes in a freezer or 30 minutes in your refrigerator.
9. When ready, break up the bark into 1 to 2 inch pieces--smaller if you have a toy-sized dog that is watching his figure!
10. Store bark in a sealed container in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
11. Recipe makes about 70 one to two-inch pieces of deliciousness that you can delight your party guests and their dogs with.

*Adapted from a recipe in Family Fun Magazine. All ingredients are available in all-natural or organic, making for a healthier snack for both you and Fido. Here's more:

© Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved

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© copyright Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved

NOTE:  Checking in with one of the vets that has written for our site from time to time, I have learned that while walnuts are acceptable, BLACK Walnuts are poisonous to dogs. Since we often do not know the difference, please steer clear of Walnuts and use Peanuts in this recipe instead.