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Social media can be dangerous because people share what they feed their dogs, and others do the same without asking if it's safe. Recently, the topic of making kombucha for dogs was raised, which caught my attention because I drink kombucha regularly. But is kombucha safe for dogs?
What is Kombucha?
Kombucha, a fermented tea beverage known for its probiotic properties and numerous health benefits in humans, has recently been gaining attention as a potential supplement for dogs. This fizzy drink offers a range of nutrients that may support a dog's digestive health and overall well-being. In this article, we will delve into the advantages of feeding kombucha to dogs, discuss the essential nutrients found in kombucha, provide a guide on how to make kombucha at home, and highlight potential risks that pet owners should consider before sharing this drink with their dogs.
Benefits of Kombucha for Dogs
The benefits Kombucha brings to humans will also extend to their dogs. The main reason I would consider kombucha for dogs is to support their gut health, reduce inflammation, and build a strong immune system. But there's more…
Probiotics: Kombucha is rich in probiotics, containing beneficial bacteria and yeast that can promote healthy gut flora in dogs. A balanced gut microbiome is essential for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and a robust immune system.
Antioxidants: Kombucha is packed with antioxidants, such as polyphenols and vitamin C, which can help reduce inflammation, protect cells from damage, and support the body's defense against diseases in dogs.
Detoxification: The enzymes and organic acids present in kombucha may aid in detoxifying the liver and improving the body's ability to eliminate toxins. This can benefit dogs exposed to environmental pollutants or consuming processed foods.
Nutrients in Kombucha: Kombucha contains various essential nutrients that can benefit dogs, including B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12), vitamin C, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria.
Homemade Kombucha for Dogs
If you have a friend who brews kombucha, making kombucha for dogs is a simple process that requires only a few ingredients and equipment. The following is an example to show what it takes to brew kombucha at home; for a detailed recipe, please do more research, as I'm not an expert.
Ingredients for Homemade Kombucha
- black or green tea (alternatives listed below)
- sugar
- kombucha culture (SCOBY)
- starter tea (previously brewed kombucha)
SCOBY is an acronym for “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast” and is the culture used to transform tea into kombucha.
Brewing Process for Homemade Kombucha
Boil water, steep tea, dissolve sugar, cool tea, add SCOBY and starter tea to a sterile glass jar, cover with a cloth and secure with a rubber band, ferment for 7-14 days, bottle, and store in the refrigerator.
Making Kombucha without Black Tea
I love the idea of making kombucha for dogs, but the caffeine content is a concern. I've read that the best tea for kombucha is usually a blend of black and green teas. Green tea is low in caffeine, but it's also low in the tannins (naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants) the SCOBY needs.
Decaffeinated black can be an alternative because while it doesn't have caffeine, I read that black tea contains the proper amount of tannins the SCOBY needs.
While some herbal teas can be used to make kombucha, they may not contain the necessary tannins for the SCOBY.
Making Kombucha without Sugar
While it's possible to make Kombucha with sugar alternatives, I think natural sugar is better because the SCOBY needs sugar to survive. Sugar is essential for the creation of kombucha. The yeast and bacteria that form the SCOBY need sugar to reproduce and form a new SCOBY. They also use sugar to process tea into acids, vitamins, and carbonation. Without sugar, the SCOBY will not have any food, and kombucha will not be able to form.
The reason commercial kombucha may be high in sugar is because of added sugar for flavoring. But if you're still concerned about the sugar, you can try starting with half the amount of sugar recommended to start.
Lowering the Alcohol Content of Kombucha
Pet owners often worry about the alcohol content in kombucha for dogs. To reduce the alcohol content, home brewers can follow certain steps such as brewing at a lower temperature, ensuring that the brew is exposed to oxygen until fermentation is complete, filtering to remove the majority of microorganisms, and limiting flavorings or additional sources of sugar that can be converted into ethanol.
SCOBY Dog Treat Recipe
A SCOBY should be replaced if it develops mold, discoloration, an unpleasant odor, or green, slimy, or soft spots on its surface. However, you can replace the SCOBY before it turns bad, saving the one being replaced for your dog. It's a natural treat that supports gut health.
- Cut the SCOBY into strips.
- Dehydrate at 95 degrees F until dry.
- Store in a Rubbermaid container until the dogs devour their treats.
Warning About Kombucha for Dogs
While kombucha can offer health benefits to dogs, there are some risks and considerations that dog owners should be aware of:
Caffeine and Sugar Content: Kombucha brewed from caffeinated tea and containing high sugar levels may not be suitable for dogs, especially those with specific health conditions like diabetes. Store-bought kombucha may be higher in sugar, making it unsuitable for pets.
Alcohol Content: During fermentation, kombucha may contain trace amounts of alcohol, which can be harmful to dogs. It is important to control the fermentation process and limit the alcohol content in homemade kombucha for pets. Store-bought kombucha may be higher in alcohol, making it unsuitable for pets.
Allergies and Sensitivities: Some dogs may be allergic to certain ingredients in kombucha or may experience digestive upset when introduced to new foods. Monitor your dog's response when incorporating kombucha into their diet.
Will I Make Kombucha for Dogs?
The short answer is “no.” Kombucha can be a beneficial addition to a dog's diet, offering probiotics, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that support their health. And, while I love kombucha, the risks associated with making it for dogs are too high. I worry that I may do something wrong. However, I don't mind sharing a healthy SCOBY with my dogs by turning it into dehydrated dog treats.
As with any dietary change, it's recommended to consult with a veterinarian before introducing kombucha to your dog's diet to ensure it aligns with their specific health needs.
This winter, I plan to start a regular Kombucha brewing habit along with getting back into fermenting vegetables.
I have been making Kombucha for years, too. I make batches with green tea just for the dogs seem to be better for them.. Mine is mixed black n green tea. I do mix with their food according to size.