Mate

What is mate?

Mate is a plant that is native to South America. The leaves are dried, crushed and infused with hot water to make a tea. This is traditionally drunk from a calabash (a hollowed-out gourd) with a metal straw (a bombilla). The taste of mate is tart and slightly bitter.

Mate contains various active ingredients that have a stimulating effect. These include:

• Caffeine: An alkaloid that stimulates nerve cells and dispels tiredness.
• Theobromine: An alkaloid that is also found in cocoa and has a vasodilating and diuretic effect.
• Theophylline: An alkaloid that dilates the bronchi and facilitates breathing.
• Chlorogenic acid: A phenolic compound that has an antioxidant effect and can lower blood sugar levels.
• Saponins: Vegetable glycosides that are foam-forming and can promote the absorption of other active ingredients.

Mate therefore has a similar effect to coffee or green tea, but with a higher antioxidant content.

Is mate healthy for dogs?

Mate can have both positive and negative effects for dogs. The possible benefits of mate for dogs include

• Improved blood circulation and oxygen supply to the organs
• Increased alertness and learning ability
• Increased fat burning and weight control
• Stronger immune defenses and cell protection

However, there are also some risks and side effects associated with mate consumption. These include:

• An overdose of caffeine and other stimulants, which can lead to nervousness, tremors, palpitations, cramps or even poisoning
• Irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Impairment of iron and calcium absorption, which can lead to anemia or bone loss
• An increase in blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease

How much mate can a dog drink?

The question of the correct dosage of mate for dogs is not easy to answer, as it depends on various factors. These include:

• The size and weight of the dog
• The dog's sensitivity to caffeine and other active ingredients
• The quality and preparation of the mate tea
• The frequency and duration of consumption

In general, however, dogs can only tolerate very small amounts of mate. Even one cup of mate tea can be too much for a small dog. Mate should therefore only be fed to dogs in exceptional cases and under supervision. You should also make sure that the dog drinks enough water to compensate for the loss of fluids.