This decadent canine dessert was created by Vetstreet’s own Arden Moore, author of the best-selling Real Food for Dogs.

The tasty treat is made with carob, a dog-safe alternative to chocolate. Whip up a batch and cut it into bite-size pieces to reward your dog for good behavior — like keeping his paws off the presents under the tree. For added holiday flare, use a bone-shaped cooking pan and mix up a bowl of the optional Bow-Wow Brownie Frosting.

Bow-Wow Brownies

Ingredients
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 cup whole wheat flour
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup carob chips
¼ cup carob powder
1 teaspoon baking powder

1. Preheat the oven to 350°.

2. In a medium-size bowl, blend the oil and honey thoroughly using a wooden spoon.

3. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.

4. Pour onto a greased 15-by-10-inch baking sheet.

5. Bake 30 to 35 minutes.

6. Let cool and then frost if desired (see optional frosting recipe).

7. Cut into bite-size squares. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Bow-Wow Brownie Frosting

Ingredients
12 ounces fat-free cream cheese
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla

1. In a small mixer, blend all three ingredients.

2. Use a spatula to spread the frosting over cooled brownies.

Note: Keep in mind that if you feed your pet anything that strays from his regular diet — especially in large quantities — it may cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. If your pet has a pre-existing medical condition or if he’s on a hypoallergenic diet, you should not feed him any treats or new foods until you have discussed it with your veterinarian.