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Pets

Is honey good for dogs?

It’s safe for most dogs in small amounts
Racheal Ede
By | May 21, 2024 Medically reviewed by Emma Ryan, DVM
Dog and dripping honey - can dogs have honey

Key takeaways

  • Honey is safe for most dogs in small amounts.

  • It can be dangerous for puppies, dogs with compromised immune systems, diabetes, or obesity.

  • Always consult your vet before feeding your dog honey or any other human food.

In this article:

For humans, honey has many health benefits. It can soothe a cough and can contain valuable vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamins B2 and B3, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and calcium. But do these wellness perks extend to your four-legged friend? Or is it dangerous if your pup sneaks a taste? In moderation, honey can be beneficial for your dog’s health—except for puppies and canines with certain health conditions because of its high sugar content. Before you share a spoonful of the sweet stuff, it’s always a good idea to seek advice from a veterinarian. Here’s what you should know about feeding honey to your pet.

Is honey safe for dogs?

Honey is safe for dogs when consumed in small quantities. No more than 1 teaspoon of honey should be given at a time due to its high calorie and sugar content, said Liza Cahn, DVM, a veterinarian in Seattle, Washington State.

However, it’s always important to check with your veterinarian. Honey is unsafe for puppies (due to the risk of botulism) and for dogs with certain health conditions, including:

  • Diabetes or high blood sugar levels
  • Obesity
  • Immune system issues
  • Bee allergies

“Contact your vet before introducing new foods. Each dog is unique, so your vet can consider your pet’s health history and advise if honey (or, the amount of honey) is appropriate,” says Sara Ochoa, DVM, associate veterinarian at The Animal Hospital of West Monroe in Louisiana. What’s more, honey contains allergens from bee pollen contamination. In rare cases, this can trigger reactions like hives, coughing, and shortness of breath (particularly in humans). Check with your vet if you notice any unusual allergic reactions in your dog after honey consumption.

Benefits of honey for dogs

Honey has many nutritional benefits. It’s a source of protein, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids, nutrients that may benefit your dog’s health.

Throughout history, honey has been recognized for its medicinal properties;  it has been used to treat inflammation, stomach problems, sore throat, cough, and fever in humans. Additionally, honey is chock full of antioxidants, which reduce the damaging effects of free radicals. But, no scientific evidence suggests that the same results apply to dogs. “Honey has certain health benefits for humans, but the same is not necessarily true for dogs. As long as your dog is eating a WSAVA-compliant diet (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) that is complete and balanced for their life stage, they will be getting all the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that they need,” Dr. Cahn says.

However, dog owners may use honey as a home remedy for wounds. Studies suggest that honey helps with wound healing because of its antifungal and antimicrobial properties and its viscous nature, which acts as a protective shield when applied over an injury, thus preventing infection. Though there are many types of honey, manuka honey is preferred for wound dressing because its antibacterial properties (which otherwise would have been removed during pasteurization) are intact. “Manuka honey has shown particular benefits for treating minor wounds, kennel cough, or ear infections when used properly under veterinary supervision,” says Dr. Ochoa.

Risks and side effects of honey for dogs

Certain dogs should not eat honey. “Honey should not be given to young puppies, immunocompromised dogs, those with bee allergies, diabetic dogs, or obese dogs,” says Dr. Cahn. “It may be given in moderation to other dogs, but due to the high natural sugar content, it can be associated with risks like weight gain, diabetes, tooth decay, and gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea or vomiting.” 

She also adds that you should always check the packaging to ensure there are no harmful ingredients such as xylitol, an artificial sweetener that causes dangerously low blood sugar for pets. Avoid feeding unpasteurized honey or raw honey to puppies or even adult dogs because it may contain botulism spores or bacterial toxins that cause botulism—a fatal condition that causes paralysis in dogs.

How much honey can you feed your dog?

You should only feed your dog about about 1 teaspoon of honey at a given time. “Honey should only be given as an occasional treat, for example, to add flavor to homemade dog biscuits. In general, treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s calorie intake,” says Dr. Cahn. However, it’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian. This is particularly important if your dog has metabolic conditions like diabetes or other underlying health issues. Your vet will determine if honey is a safe treat for your dog. Otherwise, it may be best to avoid it completely.

The bottom line? This sweet treat has minimal benefits for dog nutrition compared to humans. So, making it a regular part of your dog’s diet is not a good idea. Instead, focus on healthy and appropriate dog treats and food.