Beverages
Can dogs and cats eat tea?
Short answer on tea: safe only with care for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.
One food, two pets
What changes between dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats both have a caution verdict.
The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line, named hazard, and signs to watch for your pet below.
- Bottom line differs
- Named hazard differs
- Signs to watch differs
Tea safety for dogs
Caffeinated teas (black, green, white, oolong) contain caffeine and theobromine and can become toxic to dogs in sufficient quantity, so only herbal, decaffeinated teas with no additives are reasonably tolerated, and even then only in small amounts.
Toxic principle: Caffeine and theobromine in caffeinated teas
Watch for
- Restlessness
- Rapid breathing
- Heart palpitations
- Tremors
Tea safety for cats
Cats are highly sensitive to caffeine, so regular and green teas should be avoided, and even decaffeinated tea retains trace caffeine; only plain, caffeine-free herbal tea in very small amounts is reasonably tolerated, and it is best to avoid tea altogether.
Toxic principle: Caffeine in caffeinated and decaffeinated teas
Watch for
- Restlessness
- Rapid breathing
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle tremors
Questions owners ask about tea
Can dogs eat tea?
Caffeinated teas (black, green, white, oolong) contain caffeine and theobromine and can become toxic to dogs in sufficient quantity, so only herbal, decaffeinated teas with no additives are reasonably tolerated, and even then only in small amounts.
Is tea safe for every dog?
Not necessarily. Caffeinated teas (black, green, white, oolong) contain caffeine and theobromine and can become toxic to dogs in sufficient quantity, so only herbal, decaffeinated teas with no additives are reasonably tolerated, and even then only in small amounts. Ask your veterinarian first if your dog has an existing health condition or you are unsure.
What symptoms should I watch for with tea and dogs?
Restlessness, Rapid breathing, Heart palpitations, Tremors. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
Can cats eat tea?
Cats are highly sensitive to caffeine, so regular and green teas should be avoided, and even decaffeinated tea retains trace caffeine; only plain, caffeine-free herbal tea in very small amounts is reasonably tolerated, and it is best to avoid tea altogether.
Is tea safe for every cat?
Not necessarily. Cats are highly sensitive to caffeine, so regular and green teas should be avoided, and even decaffeinated tea retains trace caffeine; only plain, caffeine-free herbal tea in very small amounts is reasonably tolerated, and it is best to avoid tea altogether. Ask your veterinarian first if your cat has an existing health condition or you are unsure.
What symptoms should I watch for with tea and cats?
Restlessness, Rapid breathing, Heart palpitations, Muscle tremors. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
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