Kombucha has become a very popular drink these days, especially for those who love all things fermented! But can it make your dog sick?
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What is in Kombucha?
Kombucha is a bubbly drink that is made with tea. It’s said to be great for anyone who has certain health issues. This fizzy, fermented drink has been around for about 2,000 years. It was first developed in China and then became popular in Japan, and Russia. It’s only in the 20th century that kombucha has really become a big hit in Europe and the US.
Kombucha is made of very simple ingredients, which includes yeast, sugar, and black (or green) tea. Once mixed together, the drink is set aside for about a week or more and is allowed to ferment. During this process, a “symbiotic culture of acetic acid (vinegar), bacteria and yeast develops. This is called a SCOBY. The fermentation process increases the acid in the drink, which keeps other organisms from growing. A small amount of alcohol also develops during this process. Fermentation also works to create healthy probiotics in the drink.
After the fermentation process, the drink has a fruity/sour taste that’s somewhat fizzy.
Kombuchas is said to help improve health and benefit some conditions including:
- Boosts the immune system
- Aids digestion
- Rids body of toxins
- Increases energy
- Weight loos
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- And more
Kombucha & Dogs
If your fur baby has one lick of kombucha, chances are he should be just fine. However, if your dog has a large amount of kombucha, this may not be too good for him. This is because of the additional ingredients that kombucha could include such as high amounts of sugar. Each mix you buy or recipe you make could potentially have ingredients that are toxic for dogs. These can include not only sugar, but caffeine, alcohol, and more.
Homemade kombucha, if not prepared correctly, could also harbor mold. Mold can be bad for dogs, too, when ingested.
So, if your fur baby has had a large amount of kombucha, it’s a good idea to go ahead and call the vet for advice. They will be able to provide the best guidance on next steps, symptoms to watch for, and more.
And if you’d like to add kombucha do your dog’s diet, it’s a good idea to ask the vet first. Some dogs who have sensitive stomachs or suffer from acid reflux may not tolerate this fizzy drink very well. So, before making any change to your fur baby’s diet, be sure to ask the vet first.
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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