Can Dogs Eat Honey? What All Must Know

Honey is a simple and delicious sweetener that contains natural sugars that are said to have a variety of therapeutic properties. It’s also known to get in our dogs’ jaws from time to time. Perhaps your dog got caught in the honey pot, or you are considering giving your dog honey for therapeutic purposes. Either way, you surely want to know if Can Dogs Eat Honey? And whether there are any health benefits to feeding your dog honey.

CAN DOGS EAT HONEY WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS?

Honey can be consumed by dogs in small amounts if properly prepared. It contains natural sugars and traces of vitamins and minerals and is used as a sweetener in a variety of products. Is honey healthy for dogs?

Honey can be consumed by dogs in small amounts if properly prepared. Containing natural sugars and trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, it is used as a sweetener in a variety of foods and beverages, including coffee and tea.

But this sweetness also has its price. When dogs are overfed honey and not given proper exercise and a balanced diet, honey’s high sugar content can contribute to canine obesity. Sugar can also promote tooth decay. So if you feed your dog honey, be sure to brush his teeth afterward.

Raw honey should not be fed to puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems as it may contain botulinum spores which are harmful to the animals. Honey should also not be given to diabetics and overweight dogs.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF HONEY FOR DOGS

Consuming honey is safe for dogs and in many cases even beneficial for them. Here are some of the top holistic benefits for your dog.

ALLERGIES HEALING

Honey can help pets with seasonal allergies. The bee pollen found in honey can help your dog’s immune system develop antibodies that prevent an autoimmune reaction to airborne pollen. Pollen also contains quercetin, an antihistamine polyphenol that can help with itchy, watery eyes.

Use raw, unfiltered honey to boost your pet’s immune system. Even local honey contains pollen, which can affect your dog.

ITCHING AND WOUNDS

Beeswax can be used to treat minor wounds (like cuts and scrapes). Insect bites and eczema are also relieved. Unpasteurized honey is antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial. Apply a small layer of honey to the injured area and cover it with a bandage to avoid licking it and soiling your home. For deeper, more serious wounds, you should take your pet to the doctor for proper closure and treatment.

KENNEL COUGH

Honey can help relieve kennel cough and other respiratory illnesses in dogs. You can use local honey or Manuka honey which is known for its high antibacterial activity.

STOMACH PAIN

Small bouts of diarrhea or stomach irritation resulting from your pup eating grass can be relieved with honey. It can also help with gastrointestinal disorders such as colitis, gastritis, bacterial overgrowth, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Honey’s natural antibacterial properties can help eliminate microorganisms that could be causing the ulcer. If this is the case, you should consult a veterinarian to determine the best course of action.

SPOILER

The sugar in honey provides an instant boost of energy. Honey’s natural sugar breaks down more slowly than man-made sweets and provides a healthy source of energy. It is given to athletes and geriatric dogs to restore vitality and endurance. Honey’s anti-inflammatory properties can also help arthritis-prone joints move more smoothly.

HONEY CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS IN THESE DOGS

• Dogs who are allergic to bee stings may also be allergic to honey. If you are going to give them honey, start with one drop per day and gradually increase the amount, watching for any allergic reactions.
• The immune system of puppies is still developing. You should avoid raw honey because of the possibility of botulism spores. These spores can cause gastrointestinal problems in puppies.
• Diabetic dogs should not be given honey. Your blood sugar levels can get dangerously high due to high sugar levels.
• Overweight or obese dogs don’t need the extra sugar in honey. There are many other healthy snack options. Here are some suggestions for healthy snacks.

HOW MUCH HONEY CAN YOUR DOG EAT?

Honey contains a high sugar content. Although it is natural sugar, it can cause complications in diabetic, obese, or immunocompromised dogs. Consuming honey is not safe for these dogs. If you are considering giving honey to your dog, you should consult your veterinarian first.

A teaspoon of honey contains about 17 grams of sugar and 70 calories. Most dogs are able to tolerate and benefit from 1 teaspoon of honey per day. The following recommendations are based on your dog’s weight:

• 14 teaspoons per day for small dogs under 10 lbs.
• 12 teaspoons per day for medium dogs 20 lbs.
• One teaspoon per day is sufficient for larger dogs 50 lbs.
• 2 tablespoons per day for large breed dogs approximately 50 lbs.

It is possible for dogs to consume too much honey. If your dog has consumed an excessive amount of food, their blood sugar levels may be elevated, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. See your vet if you notice any of these symptoms.

WHICH HONEY CAN I GIVE MY DOG?

As with many other products these days, not all products are created equal when it comes to honey. Many supermarket products contain little or no honey. Others are grown with pesticides or using hoods. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the right type of honey.

To ensure your dog gets the maximum benefit from it, opt for pure, raw, and unfiltered honey, preferably organic.