Honey is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. It contains natural sugars and small amounts of vitamins and minerals. It is also used as a sweetener in many foods and beverages.
While honey is not toxic for dogs, we would advise against feeding it to your pooch. The reason for this is that honey has an extremely high sugar content (it’s basically pure sugar), and this can cause your dog to gain weight, or may even make them unwell if they are suffering from an underlying medical condition such as diabetes.
Because of this, we advise you to give your dog healthy treats as an alternative. You can buy healthy dog treats from your local pet shop or online, or you can offer your dog certain chopped-up vegetables as a reward, such as green beans or green peas.
Another option is to treat your pet with their normal kibble, as many dogs will be happy with this owner will often be surprised to find that their dog actually values your praise and attention over the treat itself!
Is Honey Good for Dogs?
As long as you’re not emptying the squeezy bear all over the kibble, there are some potential scenarios when honey is safe for dogs.
Wuellner says raw honey has excellent natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. “This means it can be very helpful in wound healing.
If your pup ever has an open wound or injury, your veterinarian may consider using clinical-grade honey to help expedite the wound healing process,” she adds.
If you want to really deep-dive into this concept, there’s even an extensive study that compares clinical-grade honey and Manuka honey for dogs’ wound treatment and warding off infection. It’s also sometimes helpful for comforting and healing dry skin and hot spots.
Of course, topical applications mean poor poochie will have to sport the cone of shame for a while to let honey work its magic and not lick it away!
There are other possible health advantages. “Raw honey is believed to have several anecdotal health benefits, from minimizing seasonal allergies to soothing a sore throat, and more,” Wuellner says.
Some veterinarians have even used it to ease kennel cough. Again, she recommends that before you attempt to build up a tolerance to pollen or soothe a sore throat, it’s best to discuss a complete medical plan with your veterinarian.
Health Benefits of Feeding Honey To Dogs
Honey can provide dogs with small amounts of natural sugar, vitamins, and minerals. Natural sugar can cause weight gain in dogs which is why it is recommended to only feed dogs honey in moderation.
Other benefits of giving honey to your dog range from helping improve their allergies to helping improve their immune system.
Low levels of manganese are found in honey and this can help with stress relief and energy production. The high amounts of potassium have been shown to lower blood pressure levels as well as boost the immune system function.
The benefits of honey are two-fold: they can provide energy during walking or other exercise sessions by having an increased blood sugar level post-exercise; as well as help heal wounds because of its antibacterial properties.
If you plan on giving your pup some sweet treats this summer (or anytime!), make sure their diet stays balanced so they do not put on too much weight from eating sugary foods like honey.
How much honey can your dog safely eat?
Honey contains high amounts of sugar. Even though it’s a natural sugar, it can still cause problems for diabetic, obese, or immunodeficient dogs. For these dogs, honey isn’t safe to eat. You should check with your vet if you’re considering giving some to your dog.
One teaspoon of honey contains 17 grams of sugar and 70 calories. Most dogs can tolerate and benefit from 1 teaspoon of honey per day. The following are guidelines according to the weight of your dog:
| Dog Size | Honey Consumption |
| Small (10 lbs) | ¼ teaspoon per day |
| Medium (10-20 lbs) | ½ teaspoon per day |
| Large (20-50 lbs) | one teaspoon per day |
| Larger (over 50 lbs) | 2 teaspoons per day |
Yes, dogs can have honey, it is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities.
It’s possible for dogs to consume too much honey. If your dog has eaten too much, it may have elevated blood sugar levels, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. If you observe these symptoms, talk to your vet.
How to Feed Your Dog Honey
You can let your dog lick some honey off a spoon, but there are other ways that are a bit more exciting.
1. Baked Into a DIY Doggy Treat
Honey is a safe ingredient for homemade dog treats and meals. If you want to go all-out and spoil your dog, cook them some pork meatballs with a honey glaze.
2. Frozen Into a KONG Toy
Mix a little honey into some peanut butter, stuff it into a KONG toy, and let it freeze overnight. It’s not only a tasty treat, but it’s a great way to keep your puppy occupied!
3. Blended Into a Doggy Smoothie
Honey makes a great additive to a doggy smoothie. Just add a bit with some dog-safe fruits and veggies, plus some plain, sugar-free, xylitol-free Greek yogurt, and blend. The smoothie can be served on its own in a bowl or as a topper for your dog’s regular food.
What Kind Of Honey Can I Give My Dog?
As with many products these days, not all honeys are equal. Many grocery store products have little to no real honey in the container. Others are farmed using pesticides or fume boards. So you want to find the right kind of honey.
To make sure your dog gets all the goodness he can, look for honey that is pure, raw unfiltered, and organic if possible.
Local beekeepers can be a great option.
