Our canine buddies staying happy and healthy is our top priority. So we always like our furry friends to eat foods that improve their health. Since green tea is so good for us, you may consider giving some to your dog. But the problem with most tea types is that they contain caffeine, a stimulant that is toxic to dogs. Hence, it is wise to research whether dogs can have green tea.
Yes, dogs can drink green tea, but it’s permitted to a small amount, even though it contains caffeine. Small quantities of green tea contain caffeine in amounts that won’t hurt dogs. If you give dogs too much green tea, caffeine overdose can cause nervous system overexcitement. Such overexcitement can result in hyperactivity, arrhythmias, and potential damage to the liver, heart, lungs, kidney, and central nervous system.
This article includes information about the safe amounts of green tea and caffeine-free tea for your furry companion. You will also learn what tea types are safe for your furry friends and how to make tea for your dear Fido. But before that, let’s learn more about green tea and why we recommend only small amounts for dogs.
Can Dogs Drink Green Tea?
Yes, dogs can drink green tea. But only in small amounts because tea contains a little caffeine. A small amount of green tea contains a small caffeine serving that is safe and non-toxic to dogs.
In general, green tea is relatively safe for dogs, as it contains less caffeine compared to black and oolong teas. The leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant are the main ingredients of many teas, including green tea. Green tea is one of the least oxidized teas (exposed to less oxygen), so it is higher in antioxidants and lower in caffeine.
Can Dogs Have Sweet Tea?
No, dogs should not have sweet tea with table sugar or artificial sweeteners. These sugars can cause obesity and diabetes in dogs because they affect their blood sugar levels.
On the other hand, you can give doggies caffeine-free tea with small amounts of honey. Honey is safe for our furry companions when given in little amounts. When preparing their tea, ¼ of a teaspoon of honey is okay for doggies.
How Much Green Tea Can I Give My Dog?
Your doggie’s size determines the amount of green tea you should give your canine friend. For a large dog, ½ cup of non-caffeinated green tea is appropriate. For a medium-sized dog, ¼ of non-caffeinated is ideal. Lastly, a small dog only requires ⅛ of a cup of non-caffeinated green tea.
The next section reviews how to prepare non-caffeinated green tea.
How To Make Non-Caffeinated Green Tea For Doggies
To make caffeine-free tea for dogs, use the following ingredients and materials:
- One teaspoon or a bag of non-caffeinated green tea
- 4.25 cups of water
- A bowl that can contain 4.25 cups of water
Here are the steps to make caffeine-free tea for doggies:
- Pour one teaspoon of non-caffeinated green tea into the bowl. Alternatively, you can dip the bag of non-caffeinated green tea into the mug.
- Wait for 15 minutes and let the green tea dissolve in the 4.25 cups of water.
- Remove the tea bag after waiting for 15 minutes. If you pour the green tea leaves into the bowl directly, use a strainer to decant the tea leaves.
How Much Caffeinated Green Tea Can I Give My Dog?
Generally, the amount of caffeinated green tea that is safe for pooches does not exceed ½ cup of caffeinated green tea.
The American College of Veterinary Pharmacists states that an amount above 63 mg per pound of caffeine for a doggie is toxic.
Therefore, it is only appropriate to give dogs much less than 63 mg per pound. We recommend not giving more than 30 mg of caffeine per pound weight to your furry friend.
One cup of caffeinated green tea has 40 mg of caffeine on average. Hence, a value close to our recommended 30 mg per pound is ½ cup of caffeinated green tea. This cup size is safe for doggies.
What Tea Is Safe For Dogs?
Non-caffeinated tea is the safest tea for dogs. Examples of non-caffeinated teas for doggies are herbal teas such as chamomile and peppermint tea. These teas are safe and have many health benefits for doggies.
Caffeinated tea is not recommended for doggies. It should be given to doggies only when there are no other available options. Caffeinated tea is only safe for doggies in very small amounts.
What Teas Are Toxic To Dogs?
Caffeinated teas are toxic to dogs because they contain caffeine. Caffeine is toxic to our canine friends when given in large amounts above the recommended level.
Also, caffeine-free teas served in higher-than-recommended quantities cause diarrhea and other stomach upsets. Caffeine-free teas are also toxic in excess amounts.
Examples of caffeinated teas, in order of decreasing caffeine content, are:
- Black tea (64 to 112 mg per 8 ounces of tea)
- Oolong tea (29 to 53 mg of caffeine per 8 ounces of tea)
- White tea (32 to 37 mg of caffeine per 8 ounces of tea)
- Green tea (24 to 39 mg of caffeine per 8 ounces of tea)
Most importantly, ensure you only give caffeine-free tea to your doggies. Only give doggies small amounts of caffeinated tea when there is no possibility of getting non-caffeinated tea. In this situation, only give dogs a very small and safe amount of caffeine.
Best Herbal Teas For Dogs And Their Benefits
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea reduces gas, vomiting, indigestion, and other stomach disturbances in doggies. Also, it’s antimicrobial and used for the mild treatment of itching, rashes, and inflammation when applied to the skin.
Ginkgo Biloba Tea
Ginkgo Biloba tea contains flavonoids and terpenoids. Flavonoids provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers to the body. In addition, terpenoids increase circulation within the body.
Green Tea
Green tea for dogs can calm and relax their moods. They also aid digestion and have the potential to fight off cancer cells and speed cellular metabolism.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea plays a similar role to chamomile tea by relieving gastrointestinal disturbances in our canine buddies.
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos plants have low tannin levels; their tea could help fight cancer and gene mutations. Rooibos tea also prevents diabetes and treats itching when applied topically.
Licorice Root Tea
Doggies can also eat licorice. Like many herbal teas listed here, licorice has antioxidant powers. However, licorice tea also regulates cortisol levels in your doggie’s body.
Hence, it controls stress and reduces inflammation, particularly in the knee joints. In other words, it is helpful for arthritis conditions in doggies.
Echinacea Tea
Echinacea tea enhances the immune system’s performance by speeding up the response to bacteria and viruses. Further, it assists with eliminating toxins from your pooch’s body.
Lemongrass Tea
Your furry friend will benefit from lemongrass tea, which is rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants combine with free radicals and remove them, thereby preventing their free circulation within your pooch’s body.
In addition to its antioxidant properties, lemongrass tea alleviates stomach aches, inflammation, and nausea in our four-legged furry friends.
