Can dogs eat honey?

Dogs can eat anything, right? Well, they might try to, but that doesn’t mean everything is good for them—or safe!

Dogs are notorious for chowing down on anything and everything that resembles food, and sometimes this means they eat things that aren’t so good for them. And then there are other times where a well-meaning pet parent feeds a food that seems harmless, but ultimately has poor consequences for their pup pal. 

For this reason, it’s important that you know what foods are safe for your dog, and which ones it’s best to keep her away from. Fortunately, there’s a huge selection of ‘human’ foods that are also beneficial for dogs—and perfectly safe for them to eat.

You might be wondering whether honey is one of those foods. Honey is a sweet, sticky substance that we humans love to eat. Bees collect floral nectar from plants and use a special process to turn that nectar into honey. In fact, honey has been used as both food and medicine since ancient times. But is honey good for dogs?

Can dogs eat honey?

Yes, honey is safe for dogs—but only in small amounts. After all, honey is still sugar! Too much honey can lead to unnecessary weight gain in dogs, especially if they are not active enough. And although honey is a natural sugar, it can still lead to tooth decay. Vets recommend brushing your dog’s teeth if she has eaten honey. 

Honey does contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, but these are only trace amounts. 

Raw honey should not be fed to puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems, as it may contain the presence of botulism spores. Honey should also not be given to diabetic or obese dogs.

Honey for dogs: What type is healthiest?

Most honey sold in supermarkets has been filtered in a process that removes most of its pollen. This makes it impossible to determine the botanical origin. It also destroys every beneficial living nutrient in the honey, which means it really is just sugar. That’s not good for your dog!

The best type of honey for both humans and dogs is raw, organic honey. Raw honey contains all of its natural nutrients. This includes many important antioxidants, such as organic acids and flavonoids. 

Manuka honey is also highly beneficial for dogs. This special honey is produced exclusively from the nectar of the manuka tree, which grows in New Zealand and Australia. 

Benefits of feeding honey to your dog

The benefits of honey are plenty. Raw honey harbors many beneficial plant compounds and offers several health benefits. It contains a variety of enzymes that can help to accelerate certain chemical reactions within the body. 

Honey is also a source of minerals such as zinc, iron, manganese, phosphate, calcium, copper, sodium, magnesium, and potassium. Some of the vitamins in honey include the eight B vitamins, along with vitamins C, D, E, and K. It’s also been suggested that the pollen grains in honey may be helpful in combating environmental allergies in dogs. And antioxidants help to protect your dog’s cells from harmful free radical damage.

Manuka honey contains methylglyoxal, which has many healing properties. It is an antibacterial substance that can be applied to wounds to keep infection at bay. Manuka honey also provides valuable prebiotics that support the friendly bacteria in your dog’s gut. This can help her immune system to combat viral infections such as kennel cough, which is one of the most common canine infections in the world. 

How much honey can dogs eat?

Your vet will be able to tell you how much honey is safe for your dog. In general, small amounts are best, especially if your dog is a smaller breed. It’s best to limit your dog’s honey intake to a teaspoon or less per day.

Dogs that are overweight or have health issues such as diabetes should not eat honey. 

Can honey be dangerous for dogs?

Raw honey should not be fed to puppies, elderly dogs, or dogs with compromised immune systems. Honey contains bacterial spores. These are great for healthy dogs but can be dangerous for those with immature or compromised immune systems. It’s the same case for human babies who are under a year old. 

Dogs with bee allergies should also not be fed honey, as it can trigger an allergic reaction.

Ways to feed your dog honey

You can sweeten a piece of fruit or freshly-chopped vegetable by spreading a thin layer of honey over it. Honey is especially good with cucumber, apple, banana, or other dog-friendly treats. 

Mixing a little honey with plain yogurt or pumpkin is also a yummy energy booster. You can even just let your dog lick a little honey off of a spoon. 

If your dog has a skin infection or wound, you can apply a little honey as a natural ointment. Just make sure to fit him with an E-collar so he can’t lick it off!

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