Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Carob
Ceratonia siliqua
Carob is a Mediterranean evergreen tree known for its edible pods, which are commonly used as a chocolate substitute. It is considered safe for pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Ceratonia siliquaLocust BeanSt. John's Bread
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Tree
- Care
- Low
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Carobis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Carob is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted scientific name and distribution data for Ceratonia siliqua.
Questions about Carob
Is carob toxic to cats?
Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) is considered non-toxic to cats. Unlike chocolate, which carob is often used to substitute, it does not contain theobromine or other compounds harmful to cats.
What happens if my cat eats carob pods?
No toxic symptoms are expected from carob ingestion. However, the pods are fibrous, and eating a large amount may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the bulk of plant material in your cat's digestive tract.
How much carob is safe for a cat to eat?
Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any problem, but carob is not nutritionally appropriate for cats and large quantities can trigger GI upset from the fibrous material. Non-toxic does not mean it is good for them to eat regularly or in significant amounts.
Should I call the vet if my cat ate carob?
A small amount of carob is generally not a concern, but if your cat ate a large quantity and is showing persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian. You can also reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you are unsure.
Is carob toxic to dogs?
No, carob (Ceratonia siliqua) is considered non-toxic to dogs. Unlike chocolate, which it is often used to substitute, carob does not contain theobromine or caffeine, making it generally safe for dogs to eat.
What happens if my dog eats carob pods?
Most dogs will experience no symptoms at all. However, carob pods are fibrous, so if your dog eats a large quantity, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the high fiber content rather than any toxic compound.
How much carob is safe for a dog to eat?
Small amounts are generally fine, but carob is not a recommended treat — non-toxic does not mean it belongs in your dog's diet. Large ingestions of the fibrous pods can cause GI upset, so keep quantities minimal and monitor for vomiting or diarrhea.
What should I do if my dog ate a large amount of carob?
Watch for signs of digestive upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. Because carob is generally non-toxic, serious harm is unlikely, but if your dog is showing distress or you are unsure how much was eaten, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Caroba
Jacaranda procera
Caroba is a tropical flowering tree known for its fern-like foliage and clusters of trumpet-shaped purple flowers. It is considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
American Chestnut
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The American Chestnut is a deciduous tree known for its historical significance and edible nuts. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cinnamon
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Mulberry Tree
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The Mulberry tree is a deciduous plant widely recognized for its edible fruit and rapid growth. While generally considered safe for pets, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
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Bottlebrush
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Uncertain for cats.
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Castor Bean
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Honey Locust
Gleditsia triacanthos
The Honey Locust is a large, deciduous tree known for its feathery foliage and long, flat seed pods. While it is considered non-toxic, the fibrous nature of the plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats.
Not yet rated for dogs.
Mesquite
Prosopis limensis
Algaroba is a leguminous tree known for its hardy nature and feathery foliage. While it is not considered toxic, the fibrous nature of the plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats.
Not yet rated for dogs.