Simple and sweet, honey contains natural sugars that are reported to have a wide variety of medicinal properties for humans. It also, occasionally, finds its way into the mouths of our dogs. But is honey safe for dogs and does it have any health benefits?
In This Article
Is Honey Safe for Dogs?
Honey is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. It contains natural sugars and small amounts of vitamins and minerals. It’s also used to sweeten many foods and beverages.
Are There Benefits to Feeding Dogs Honey?
For people and dogs, honey is purported to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Many also believe that honey can help reduce inflammation, soothe stomach ulcers and sore throats, and cure allergies. However, there haven’t been many conclusive scientific studies validating these claims, so many of these allegations are anecdotal.
One of the most common claims made about honey is that it can cure seasonal allergies. While the scientific evidence is lacking, there is some reason to believe that raw honey could help reduce allergic reactions to flower pollen — assuming, of course, that your dog is allergic to one of the pollens in the honey and not another environmental allergen. Regardless of the lack of conclusive research, feeding your dog a small amount of honey likely won’t harm them. However, it isn’t guaranteed or even likely to help with allergies.
Humans also use honey to soothe sore throats and upset stomachs. If your dog has a sore throat, first visit your veterinarian to determine the cause. Along with following their treatment advice, feeding a little honey could help soothe any lingering inflammation. At the very least, it will give your dog a tasty distraction.
Risks of Feeding Honey to Dogs
The high sugar content of honey can lead to obesity in dogs if owners feed them too much honey and don’t provide adequate exercise and balanced nutrition. Sugars can also cause tooth decay, so it might be a good idea to brush your dog’s teeth after feeding them honey.
Raw honey shouldn’t be fed to puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems, as it may contain the presence of botulism spores. Honey also shouldn’t be given to diabetic dogs.
How Much Honey Can You Feed Your Dog?
If you want to feed your dog honey, talk to your veterinarian about how much is okay to feed them. In general, less is usually more when it comes to dog treats, especially for smaller breeds. If your dog has a health condition, such as diabetes, talk to your veterinarian about whether or not honey is safe to feed your dog, and consider offering a treat lower in sugar, like cucumbers, instead.
For further answers about what you can feed your dog or potential changes to your dog’s diet, consult your veterinarian.