Can Dogs Drink Green Tea?
Do you ever catch your pup stealing a sip of your green tea? Dogs can get curious and impulsive about new smells and tastes, but is drinking green tea safe for them?
What Is Green Tea?
Green tea is a type of tea that is made from camellia sinensis leaves and buds that have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process used to make oolong teas and black teas. Green tea leaves are steamed, pan-fired or steamed and then roasted. This process preserves the rich green color and results in a tea with a delicately herbaceous flavor and sometimes sweet taste.
What Are the Benefits of Green Tea?
Green tea is high in antioxidants which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. It’s also rich in flavonoids, which have been proven to reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases. Drinking green tea can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Can Dogs Drink Green Tea?
Green tea has great health benefits for us, but is it safe for dogs to drink it? Yes and no. Green tea can be beneficial for dogs if served in small amounts, but it should be limited. Green tea contains caffeine, which dogs metabolize more slowly than humans, and too much can be toxic.
What’s the Safe Amount for Dogs?
The amount of green tea that’s safe for your dog will depend on their size and weight. For small dogs one cup of green tea a day is usually considered safe, while large dogs can tolerate up to two cups. It’s best to check with your vet on the recommended amount before giving it to your pup.
Are There Other Ways to Give Dogs Green Tea?
If you’d like to give your pup the benefits of green tea, but don’t want to risk giving them too much caffeine, you can try these options:
- Green Tea Extract: Green tea extract is the best way to give dogs the benefits of green tea without any risk of caffeine. It’s available in powder, liquid and capsule form, and you can adjust the dosage according to your dog’s size.
- Green Tea Leaves: Steep a teaspoon of green tea leaves in boiling water and then let it cool before giving it to your pup. This is also a great way to give them some variety in their meals, but be sure to only use small amounts.
- Green Tea Dog Treats: There are many dog treats on the market that are made with green tea. These are a great way to give your pup the benefits of green tea without worrying about caffeine or dosage. Just read the ingredients and follow package instructions.
Conclusion
Green tea can be safe for dogs in small doses, but it’s important to talk to your vet about the best way to give it to them. If you’d like to give your pup the benefits of green tea without any risk, try using green tea extract, leaves or treats.
