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With a deep green color that’s impossible to ignore, matcha is found as an ingredient in everything from smoothies to ice cream to lattes. If you’re a dog owner sold on the health benefits of matcha, you might wonder if it’s okay for your pup to partake in this food as well. Unless suggested by your veterinarian, dogs shouldn’t eat matcha due to the high caffeine content, as well as the theobromine that it contains.
In this article, you’ll learn more about matcha and the health benefits it provides for humans. We’ll also discuss why eating matcha could be dangerous for dogs and answer some frequently asked questions too.
What Is Matcha?
Matcha is a powder made from ground green tea leaves. It contains concentrated quantities of caffeine and other substances found naturally in green tea. Matcha powder can be used in a variety of ways.
For humans, matcha may provide several health benefits. The powder is packed with antioxidants, which may help decrease inflammation, promote heart health, and improve brain function.
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Dogs and Matcha
Although research is limited, it’s thought that the antioxidants in green and black tea may be helpful for dogs undergoing cancer treatment. Although matcha is made from green tea, you shouldn’t feed your dog the powder unless you discuss it with your veterinarian first.
As we mentioned, matcha powder contains higher levels of caffeine than plain green tea. Caffeine is toxic to dogs in high enough doses. Because animals are more sensitive to caffeine than people, even a small amount of matcha powder could cause a problem for your dog, especially smaller pups.
Theobromine is a sister chemical to caffeine and is found in chocolate as well as matcha. It is only found in small quantities in matcha (0.27mg/g), and the toxic dose in dogs is anything over 20mg/kg, so a dog would have to consume an awful lot of matcha to be in danger of theobromine toxicosis. However, it is worth being aware of.
Frequently Asked Questions
If Dogs Can’t Eat Matcha, How Can I Give My Pet Antioxidants?
Just like in humans, antioxidants can be beneficial for dogs. Although we have only limited studies on the use of these supplements in dogs, antioxidants are believed to help in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis or allergies. If your vet suggests your dog take antioxidants, matcha is probably not the best option.
Instead, ask your vet to suggest a safe antioxidant supplement. You may have the option to give your pet antioxidant tablets, chews, or even liquid.
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Can Dogs Eat Foods That Contain Matcha?
Matcha can be used as an ingredient in baked goods, smoothies, and even ice cream. While these items may only contain a small amount of matcha, you still shouldn’t feed them to your dog. The amount of caffeine in these foods might not impact you but it could be enough to harm your dog.
In addition, ice cream and baked goods often contain a lot of sugar, fat, and other ingredients that could be toxic to your dog, such as chocolate or raisins.
What Do I Do If My Dog Eats Matcha by Accident?
If your dog consumes matcha or a food containing matcha, call your veterinarian. Depending on your dog’s size and how much matcha they ate, your vet may suggest calling the Pet Poison Control Helpline.
Signs of caffeine poisoning to watch out for include:
In high enough doses, caffeine ingestion can be life-threatening to dogs. Store your matcha powder safely out of reach of your pet.
Conclusion
Matcha powder may pack a nutritional punch for humans, but dogs typically shouldn’t eat this supplement or any foods that contain it. Unfortunately, the high caffeine content of matcha poses more of a health risk than a benefit to dogs.
Before adding any type of supplement to your dog’s diet, be sure to check with your veterinarian first.
Featured Image Credit: In Green, Shutterstock
