Tea Time with Fido: Can Dogs Have Tea?

Tea Time with Fido: Can Dogs Have Tea?
Dogs are more than just pets, they are companions. It makes sense, then, that we would want to share every aspect of our lives with them, including tea. But can dogs have tea? Let’s take a look at the relationship between your pooch and pu’erh, your pup and peppermint, your mutt and maté.

Can Dogs Have Tea With Caffeine?


Many of our most beloved teas contain caffeine, which gives most humans a great burst of energy. Dogs can get a burst of energy from caffeine as well. Unfortunately, in too high of a quantity, caffeine can prove toxic to dogs. More than five cups of caffeinated tea would prove very dangerous to small or medium size dogs. So, if you’re serving your dog tea, it’s best to stick to non-caffeinated brews such as herbals and tisanes.
The most caffeinated teas are black teas, pu’erh, oolong, maté, and guayusa. So, can dogs have green tea? Green tea, white tea, and decaf black teas still contain trace amounts of caffeine, so be cautious when sharing these teas with your dog.

What if My Dog Sneaks a Sip of My Black Tea?


Most likely, a small sip or two of your tea will not be enough to harm your canine companion. However, you can keep an eye out for signs of caffeine poisoning, and contact your vet if you are concerned about their behavior.

Can Dogs Have Tea if It is Herbal?


Herbal teas, or tisanes, that do not come from the camellia sinensis plant come in a myriad of combinations. Many do not contain caffeine, but some, such as maté and guayusa, do. When it comes to sharing herbal tea with your dog, it’s really a case-by-case basis. It’s good to be mindful of your tea ingredients in general, but you will want to be extra vigilant when you are brewing for a pet.
Stay away from any tisanes that contain chocolate or cocoa nibs. Chocolate is not safe for dogs. Similarly, you should avoid sharing any teas containing cherries or chamomile. If you are uncertain about an ingredient in your tea, give it a quick search on the internet, or contact a vet.
There are many herbs and fruits that are safe for dogs, though. Peppermint can be enjoyed by dogs in small quantities. Cinnamon is known to help with bad breath. Apples and citrus fruits are safe in moderation as well.
When serving tea to your pup, remember that dogs tend to be very enthusiastic about trying new things offered by their humans. Be sure to cool the tea to a drinkable temperature so that your furry friend doesn’t burn their tongue.

What Blends Should I Share With My Dog?


Does your cabinet feel a bit barren of dog-safe teas? Stock up on herbals like Pears and Cinnamon for a cozy experience you can share with your best friend. Some other dog safe herbals include our refreshing mint tea and our lemon ginger herbal tea.
Having a tea party with your pets, and want to get the cats involved too? Read more about cats and tea here. Once you’ve done your research and brewed some pet-safe teas, you’re ready to share a cozy, tasty time with your furry friends.

Elora Powell

Elora is a writer, comic-book lover, and all around geek. She loves pairing records from the 1960s with great cups of tea, and is currently becoming the kind of person that will ask you if you've ever tried Pu Erh.
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