You may have heard of matcha, a type of green tea that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This powerful tea is high in antioxidants and contains essential vitamins and minerals — but can dogs have matcha?
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of matcha tea and why it isn’t suitable for your four-legged friend.
Can dogs have matcha?
You may have heard about the health benefits of matcha, a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves. But can dogs drink matcha?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. While there are some non-caffeinated teas that are safe for dogs to consume, matcha should be avoided due to its high caffeine content.
Matcha is a diuretic, which means it can cause your dog to urinate more often than usual.
Matcha contains high amounts of caffeine, which can lead to caffeine toxicity in dogs. Symptoms of caffeine toxicity include panting, vomiting, agitation, restlessness, and hyperactivity.
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms after consuming matcha (or anything else containing caffeine), it’s important to contact your vet immediately.
Read More: Can Parrots Eat Potatoes?
Why Is Caffeine Harmful for Your Dog?
The fact is dogs and even cats are more sensitive to caffeine than humans. Caffeine raises blood pressure, increases heart rate, causes cardiac arrhythmia, and can lead to seizures or death if consumed in large quantities.
Even small amounts can cause restlessness, nervousness, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst or urination, abnormal heart rhythm or decreased coordination — all symptoms that should prompt you to seek medical attention right away!
Therefore caffeine should be avoided when it comes to feeding your furry companion.
Is There a Non-Caffeinated Tea That’s Safe For Dogs?
The good news is yes! Non-caffeinated herbal teas such as chamomile or ginger tea are actually beneficial for your dog’s health.
These teas can help soothe an upset stomach or promote healthy digestion. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce swelling from injuries or arthritis pain in older dogs.
Just make sure you give them the tea without any added sugar or milk!
Tea for dogs:
Matcha may be harmful for your dog but there are also some teas are available that are safe for your dog. So, we’re gonna talk about some tea that are safe for your dog.
Ginger Tea:
Ginger tea has long been used as an herbal remedy to treat skin diseases in humans and animals alike. It also helps with digestion and can reduce inflammation in the body.
When giving ginger tea to your pup, make sure it is caffeine-free and mix it with a bit of warm water before serving.
Here is some ginger teas:
#3. Twinings Lemon & Ginger Herbal Tea
Chamomile Tea:
Chamomile tea is another popular variety that is safe for dogs. This caffeine-free herbal tea helps to soothe anxiety and aids in digestion, making it a great choice for your pup.
Here is some chamomile teas:
#1. Organic Chamomile Tea Bags
#2. U.S. Wellness Naturals Chamomile Tea
#3. Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile
Peppermint Tea:
Peppermint tea is another variety that is suitable for both humans and dogs alike, however proper dosage should be monitored when giving to pets.
The cooling effect helps relieve pain and reduce vomiting, plus it freshens breath! Start with small doses when introducing peppermint tea to your pet, as too much could cause stomach upset or other side effects.
Here is some peppermint teas:
#1. Traditional Medicinals Organic Peppermint Tea
#2. Bigelow Peppermint Herbal Tea
#3. US Wellness Peppermint Tea
In summery:
It’s clear that there are certain risks associated with giving your dog matcha—even if they seem tempted by the delicious flavor!
While occasional treats are fine, it’s important not to give too much human food to our pup pals since many foods can be toxic or unhealthy for them in large doses.
If you want to treat your pup with something special now and then, stick with pet-friendly snacks then you can give them some dog treats! Your pup will thank you!