There’s nothing quite like honey on toast for breakfast, and the smell alone is enough to get most pups excited, too. But before you toss a piece of that golden goodness to your canine companion, you may be wondering: Can dogs have honey?
In short, real honey is safe for dogs to eat — but that doesn’t mean you should share it with your pup all the time.
Too much of this sugary treat can cause health problems, and non-natural “honey” products can do a lot more harm than good.
So, before you share your favorite honey-sweetened snacks with your dog, read this guide to learn how honey affects our pups.
Wondering if your pup can enjoy a little sweet treat? You’re not alone! Many dog owners like me have asked can dogs lick honey? The short answer is yes dogs can have honey in moderation. But as with most human foods, there are some important things to know before letting your furry friend indulge in this golden goodness.
I’ve researched extensively and consulted multiple reliable sources to bring you this comprehensive guide on honey for dogs. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about letting your dog lick that sweet sticky substance!
The Quick Answer: Yes, But With Cautions
Yes, dogs can have honey in moderation. However, honey is high in sugar and calories, so you should only give it to your dog as an occasional treat. Importantly, you should avoid giving raw (unpasteurized) honey to dogs with compromised immune systems, like those on chemotherapy, and puppies under the age of 1.
Potential Benefits of Honey for Dogs
Honey isn’t just tasty—it actually offers several potential health benefits for your canine companion
1. Allergy Relief
Raw, local honey contains trace amounts of flower pollen, which may help your dog build antibodies against seasonal allergies. The quercetin (a bioflavonoid) in pollen has natural antihistamine properties that can help reduce watery eyes and itchiness.
As veterinarian Jay Brekke DVM explains, “I recommend raw, unfiltered honey to strengthen dogs’ immune systems, so they won’t suffer reactions to seasonal and environmental allergens.”
2. Soothing for Coughs and Sore Throats
Just like it works for us humans, honey can soothe irritated throats in dogs. If your pup has kennel cough or throat irritation, a small amount of honey might provide some relief.
3. Wound Healing and Skin Issues
Honey has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that make it beneficial for treating minor skin issues:
- Hot spots
- Eczema
- Insect bites
- Minor cuts and scrapes
The low moisture content in honey makes it difficult for bacteria to grow, and unpasteurized honey produces hydrogen peroxide, which acts as a natural antiseptic.
4. Digestive Support
Honey contains both prebiotics and probiotics that can support healthy digestion. It may help with:
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
5. Weight Management Support
Interestingly, honey may help with weight control in dogs. Studies suggest honey can slow down the hunger response since it breaks down differently than regular table sugar, requiring less insulin and being absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream.
Risks and Precautions
While honey offers benefits, there are some important risks to consider:
1. Not for Puppies
Never give honey to puppies under 1 year of age. Raw honey may contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which can be dangerous for puppies with undeveloped immune systems.
2. High Sugar Content
Honey is primarily sugar, which means:
- It’s high in calories
- Can contribute to obesity if overused
- May cause tooth decay
- Can lead to digestive upset if given in large amounts
3. Not for Diabetic Dogs
If your dog has diabetes, honey can be problematic due to its sugar content. While some research suggests honey may have anti-diabetic effects for type 2 diabetes, most dogs get type 1 diabetes, meaning their pancreas doesn’t produce insulin properly.
Always consult with your vet before giving honey to a diabetic dog.
How Much Honey Can Dogs Have?
The amount of honey you can safely give your dog depends on their size:
| Dog Weight | Recommended Daily Amount |
|---|---|
| Up to 10 lbs | ¼ teaspoon |
| 10-20 lbs | ½ teaspoon |
| 20-50 lbs | 1 teaspoon |
| Over 50 lbs | Up to 2 teaspoons |
As with any new food, start small—perhaps with just a drop mixed into their food—and gradually increase to the appropriate amount based on your dog’s weight.
What Type of Honey is Best for Dogs?
Not all honey is created equal! For maximum benefits, look for:
- Raw, unfiltered honey (contains more beneficial compounds)
- Local honey (especially good for allergies)
- Organic honey when possible (fewer pesticides)
- Pure honey (avoid products with added sugars or syrups)
A good tip: genuine raw, unfiltered honey will be darker in color and will crystallize when chilled. If it doesn’t, it’s likely been processed and won’t contain the beneficial pollen and propolis.
How to Give Honey to Your Dog
There are several ways to let your dog enjoy honey:
- Direct consumption: A small lick right off the spoon
- Mixed with food: Stir into their regular food
- Frozen treats: Mix honey with dog-safe fruits and freeze
- Topical application: For skin issues (cover with bandages to prevent licking)
- Training reward: Used sparingly as a high-value treat
Raw vs. Pasteurized Honey
When giving honey to your dog, it’s important to understand the difference between raw and pasteurized honey:
Raw honey is unfiltered and unpasteurized, retaining more nutrients, pollen, and beneficial compounds. However, it carries a slightly higher risk of containing bacteria and other microorganisms.
Pasteurized honey has been heat-treated to kill bacteria and extend shelf life. While this makes it somewhat safer, the process also destroys some of the beneficial compounds.
For most healthy adult dogs, raw honey offers more benefits than risks. But for puppies or immunocompromised dogs, the risks may outweigh the benefits.
Beyond Honey: Other Bee Products for Dogs
The beehive offers more than just honey! These other bee products can also benefit your dog:
- Bee Pollen: Rich in nutrients and helps fight free radicals
- Propolis: Natural antibiotic with cancer-inhibiting properties
- Royal Jelly: May improve endurance and help with anxiety
- Beeswax: Can be used in salves for dry paws or elbow calluses
Common Questions About Dogs and Honey
Can honey help my dog’s allergies?
Possibly! Local, raw honey contains local pollen that may help your dog build immunity to seasonal allergens.
What if my dog eats too much honey?
If your dog consumes a large amount of honey, watch for signs of digestive upset like diarrhea or vomiting. The main concern is the high sugar content, which could cause temporary hyperactivity followed by lethargy.
Can I use honey to treat my dog’s wounds?
Yes! Honey’s antibacterial properties make it useful for minor wounds and skin irritations. However, deep or serious wounds should be seen by a veterinarian.
Is honey safe for all breeds of dogs?
Generally yes, though some breeds prone to obesity or diabetes may need to be more careful with honey consumption.
Can honey help with my dog’s bad breath?
While honey might temporarily mask bad breath, it’s high in sugar which can actually contribute to dental issues. Better options for bad breath include dental chews or regular teeth cleaning.
Final Thoughts
Honey can be a wonderful, natural supplement to your dog’s diet when used properly. The key is moderation and knowing your dog’s specific health needs.
I’ve personally given my Golden Retriever small amounts of local honey during allergy season, and I’ve noticed he seems to have fewer symptoms. But every dog is different, and what works for one might not work for another.
Before introducing honey or any new food into your dog’s diet, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has existing health conditions or is on medication.
Remember, while honey offers many potential benefits, it should never replace proper veterinary care or a balanced diet. Use it as a supplement and treat, not as a primary food source or medical treatment.
Have you tried giving your dog honey? What was your experience? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
High sugar content
Honey is high in natural sugars, which makes it a treat that should be shared sparingly.
Diabetic dogs should avoid honey entirely. When diabetic dogs consume honey, the high sugar content can raise their blood sugar levels too high. This can lead to side effects like thirst, weight loss, or even life-threatening conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
While honey may have anti-diabetes effects for people with type 2 diabetes, dogs almost exclusively have type 1 diabetes. If your dog has a health condition and you’re considering feeding them honey, talk to your veterinarian first.
Pet Pro Tip:If you have a dog that is prone to ‘snacksidents’ – you should consider getting a dog insurance plan as soon as possible. It can help you afford the best care in the future by covering eligible vet bills for digestive illnesses, toxic ingestion, and more.
You might think you know everything about your pet. But if your dog has never tried honey before, you never know how they will react.
The first time you share a new food with your dog, watch for symptoms of an allergic reaction:
- Itchy skin
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Hives or welts
- Vomiting
- Puffy face, ears, or lips
- Excessive sneezing
Overweight or obese dogs don’t need the extra sugar in honey.
There are plenty of other healthy, natural snacks available. Some ideas include:
Dogs with compromised immune systems should stay well away from honey as it can harbor botulism spores (a rare but dangerous condition caused by bacteria). Dogs with auto-immune diseases, cancer, lupus, or diabetes fall into the “at-risk” category.
Soothes irritation
Humans often turn to warm honey drinks to soothe their sore throats, but did you know this solution can also work for dogs?
Some types of honey have anti-inflammatory properties due to their high number of nutrients such as flavonoids and polyphenols. This means small amounts of honey can help alleviate some symptoms of mild “kennel cough” for dogs. Its thick, viscous texture can also help soothe irritated throats.
Of course, your honey home remedy shouldn’t be a replacement for treatment recommended by a veterinarian.
Is your pooch suffering from indigestion, constipation, or diarrhea?
In humans, honey helps rid the gastrointestinal system of bad bacteria that can cause diarrhea and stomach upset. It may have a similar effect on dogs. Plus, its a good source of prebiotics that support a healthy gut biome. And when honey is added to plain yogurt, which is also healthy for dogs, it can preserve the probiotics, which also helps with healthy digestion.
