Can Dogs Have Milk Tea?

It’s breakfast time, and everyone’s ecstatic.

The sweet scent of that delicious milk tea fills the entire dining room.

Your dog is wagging its tail in ecstasy, hoping you’ll share the delectable breakfast with them but wait, can dogs even have milk tea?

We are here to set the record straight for a more informed decision.

Can dogs have milk tea?

No, you shouldn’t give your dog milk tea as this may result in gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and vomiting.

Apart from the toxic caffeine, too much sugar in the tea may also result in health problems like obesity and diabetes.

However, you can make decaffeinated herbal tea as a healthier alternative for your dog.

This article will cover everything you need to know about feeding your dog milk tea, including the possible risks and benefits and what kind of tea is best for them.

Read on for a detailed look at this topic.

Milk tea dog A nutritional guide

How can I prepare safe milk tea for my dog?

To make a safe and healthy cup of tea for your dog, start by boiling water and adding an herbal tea bag.

Allow the tea to steep for 5-10 minutes, then remove the tea bag.

Add a small amount of milk – almond milk is a good choice – and sweeten it with only a little sugar or honey if desired.

Let the tea cool to a drinkable temperature (around 38 degrees centigrade) before giving it to your pooch.

You can also use lactose-free milk, such as soy or coconut milk, if your dog is especially lactose intolerant.

These are preferred to cow’s milk, as they are easier for dogs to digest.

Add only minimal additives if you want to make the tea more appealing for your pup.

Good additives to include are ginger, cinnamon, or lemon.

These are preferable as they are safe for your dog in small quantities.

Don’t add toxic substances to your dog, such as chocolate, cocoa, coffee, and xylitol (artificial sweetener).

Milk tea

Which type of tea is suitable for my dog?

If you want your furry friend to enjoy a lukewarm beverage, I recommend offering them decaffeinated herbal tea.

Chamomile, ginger, lavender, and peppermint are also great options for your pup.

These teas are rich in antioxidants and provide benefits like reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation.

Moreover, they are safe for dogs to consume in small quantities.

You can also prepare your pup’s tea from commercial tea bags.

However, with these, check the label and choose a decaffeinated product that doesn’t contain toxic substances like chocolate, cocoa, coffee, or xylitol.

It’s not advisable to give your dog black or green tea as they contain toxic caffeine.

Caffeine is known to cause health problems like restlessness, panting, increased heart rate, and vomiting in dogs.

Benefits of herbal tea for your dog

Some notable potential benefits to giving your dog herbal tea include:

  • Relief from stress and anxiety – Chamomile tea will effectively reduce stress and anxiety in your dog. It can also help to promote relaxation.
  • Improved digestion – Ginger tea is a good choice for dogs suffering from digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also help to improve appetite.
  • Pain relief – Peppermint tea is a good choice for dogs experiencing pain, inflammation, or joint stiffness.
  • Respiratory support – Lavender tea can help soothe coughing and congestion in dogs.
  • Boosted immune system – Herbal teas are rich in antioxidants and can help boost the dog’s immune system.

Possible risks of giving your dog milk tea

There are some potential risks to be aware of when giving your dog milk tea.

The most significant concern is that many dogs are lactose intolerant; thus, consuming milk can result in gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and vomiting.

If your dog doesn’t have a history of taking milk products without problems, it’s best to avoid giving them milk tea.

Another potential concern is caffeine toxicity.

Caffeine is a stimulant and can be toxic to dogs in large quantities.

It’s important only to give your dog decaffeinated herbal tea to avoid health problems.

If you choose to give your dog milk tea, do so in tiny amounts and keep an eye on them for any health concerns or symptoms like gastrointestinal upsets.

If you notice any adverse effects, stop giving them the milk tea and seek veterinary care.

Milk tea alternatives for dogs

The best drink to hydrate your pup is always water.

However, if you want to offer them something special, then other than herbal tea, the following will be great alternatives:

  • Vegetable broth – You can make your dog’s broth using vegetables like carrots, celery, and sweet potatoes. Mix the vegetable with chicken or meat broth to enhance their taste and make them more appealing to your pup.
  • Dog soup – Dog’s soup is ideal for giving your pup a nutritious drink. While preparing the soup, don’t add toxic substances like onions or garlic.
  • Fruit juice – Make your dog a nutritious fruit juice using fresh fruits. However, avoid citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits as they can cause stomach upset or toxicity to your dog. Canned and commercial fruit juices are also unsafe as they contain added sugar, preservatives, and sweeteners toxic to your dog.
  • Sports drinks – Sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes and fluids lost during exercise or in hot weather. Give your dog a sports drink moderately as it may contain high sugar levels, which is unsuitable for them. Remember also to provide your dog with fresh water to ensure hydration.
  • Coconut water – Coconut water is a good source of electrolytes and minerals. It’s also low in calories and fat. You can give your dog coconut water as a refreshing treat or mix it with their regular water bowl to encourage them to drink more.

More beverages that your dog will enjoy are ideal for them too.

Contact your veterinarian for suggestions on what drinks are best for your furry friend.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can puppies drink milk tea?

It’s best to avoid giving puppies milk tea as they are more likely to suffer from toxicity that the ingredients would cause.

Can I give my dog bubble tea (boba)?

No, you shouldn’t give your dog bubble tea as it contains tapioca pearls that can be a choking hazard.

The tea also contains milk and sweeteners that can harm your dog.

Should pregnant dogs drink milk?

Yes, pregnant dogs can drink milk as it’s a good source of nutrition.

However, you should only give them pasteurized milk to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

If your dog is lactose intolerant, give them lactose-free milk or other alternatives.

Is there a specific dog tea?

Yes, there is a specific dog tea called Tailwaggers with safe ingredients for dogs.
It doesn’t contain caffeine or other stimulants.
It’s an excellent option to give your dog something special to drink.

To conclude

Giving your dog milk tea is not recommended due to the potential toxicity and health problems it can cause them.

However, you can do so in little amounts if your dog can tolerate it without any issues.

Otherwise, it’s in order if you provide your pup with decaffeinated herbal tea, which is safe and offers several health benefits, including medicinal values.

Megan Turner

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *