Can Dogs Drink Tea? Chai, Iced, Green & Matcha Safety (NZ)
No — black, green, chai, iced and matcha tea all contain caffeine, which is toxic to dogs. Herbal tea is not automatically safe either. What to do if your dog drank tea.
Quick answer
No. Dogs should not drink tea as a treat. Black tea, green tea, iced tea, matcha and many energy-style tea drinks can contain caffeine, and sweetened or milky tea can bring extra problems.
Which teas are the problem?
| Drink | Caffeine? | Notes for dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Black tea (hot, iced or sweet tea) | Yes | Caffeine is toxic to dogs; sweetened versions add sugar |
| Chai and chai lattes | Yes | Black-tea base, plus milk and sugar |
| Green tea and matcha | Yes | Matcha is concentrated powdered green tea, so a little goes further |
| Milk tea and bubble tea | Yes | Caffeine plus sugar, milk and sweeteners |
| Herbal teas (rooibos, chamomile, peppermint) | Generally no | Still not automatically dog-safe — skip sweeteners and additives, and check with your NZ vet first |
The amount matters: a quick lick of weak, milky tea is a much smaller exposure than a bowl of cold chai or iced tea, but there is no good reason to offer any. Pet Poison Helpline lists tea among the common caffeine sources for pets.
Why
Pet Poison Helpline has a caffeine poisoning page, and ASPCA lists coffee and caffeine among people foods to avoid for pets. The NZ exposure is usually a mug left on the coffee table, a dog licking a keep cup, iced tea, sweet chai, bubble tea, matcha baking or tea with sugar, milk or sweeteners.
If your dog ate it
Contact your NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.
Safer alternatives
Use fresh water. If you want a food reward, use your dog's normal complete food, a dog-safe treat, or a tiny amount of plain prepared produce that your dog already tolerates.
Related reading
References
- Pet Poison Helpline, Caffeine, checked 2026-06-13: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/caffeine/
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, checked 2026-06-13: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
Important notice
*General food-safety information for NZ pet owners, reviewed against ASPCA/VCA guidance (June 2026). For any suspected ingestion or illness, contact a NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.*
Free PetMall tools
Related guides
petmall.co.nz
Shop at PetMall
The products below are practical support items for your pet. PetMall ships across New Zealand.
- Dog FoodStart with food that matches your dog's life stage and activity level — and change brands slowly over 7–10 days.
- Dog TreatsTraining rewards and everyday treats — small, soft pieces work best for consistent reinforcement.
- Dog ToysA small rotation of chew, fetch, and puzzle toys usually works better than buying a large variety at once.
- Dog GroomingA gentle brush and the right shampoo make maintenance easier — especially for dogs that get muddy on walks.
- Leads & HarnessesComfort matters: padded contact points and adjustable fit help reduce rubbing on longer walks or tramping weekends.
- Flea & Worm TreatmentFor NZ conditions, look for protection that fits your routine (monthly vs longer-lasting) and your dog's weight range.