Can Dogs Have Honey? What Vets and Experts Say

Is it best to steer clear of letting your dog have a little taste of honey, or can you rest easy knowing that this sweet treat is safe for your dog in moderation? While honey is not poisonous to dogs and can even have some beneficial properties when used in small amounts, it is also high in sugar and calories and can cause health problems if your dog consumes too much. As with many things, the key to giving your dog honey is to do so in moderation.

Although there is a lot of anecdotal information on both the benefits and dangers of giving dogs honey, we will look at the scientific evidence from veterinary nutritionists and other animal health experts to determine the real facts. Their studies cover everything from the nutritional content of honey to the potential downsides and safe amounts for dogs to eat. After reading what they have to say, you will be well-equipped to decide whether or not honey should be part of your dog's diet.

What Are the Health Benefits of Honey for Dogs?

Honey is a superfood that is full of nutrients and can provide a number of potential health benefits for dogs. It is a good source of vitamins, including vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K, and minerals, such as zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Honey is also packed with antioxidants and other compounds, including flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties.

The antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties of honey can help with a variety of canine health issues. Its antimicrobial properties can help with infections, while its anti-inflammatory properties can help with skin conditions, such as hot spots, eczema, and insect bites. Honey can also be beneficial for digestive health and wound healing because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

In addition, raw local honey contains small amounts of pollen that can help with immunity and environmental allergies in dogs when given in small doses over time. The antioxidants in honey can also help with immune system health.

While honey can be beneficial, it's important to work with your vet to make sure you're using it in a way that is safe and effective. You should also introduce honey to your dog's diet slowly and in the right amounts to avoid potential negative side effects, which will be covered in the next section.

Potential Dangers and How to Safely Feed Honey to Your Dog

Although honey is safe for most dogs, there are some potential dangers and precautions to keep in mind. The sugar in honey can lead to weight gain, obesity, and dental problems if consumed in large amounts. Pumpkin® says that puppies, diabetic dogs, obese dogs, and dogs with weakened immune systems should either avoid honey or only have it in small amounts.

In addition, honey can cause botulism in dogs, especially puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems. The American Kennel Club also says that some dogs may be allergic to honey or have an upset stomach after eating it.

Raw vs. Processed Honey for Dogs

Raw honey is often preferred to processed honey for dogs because it has more of the good stuff. Per the Pecan Grove Veterinary Hospital, raw honey has more vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes, which can offer more benefits.

The antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties of raw honey are also thought to be stronger than those in processed honey. Moreover, local, raw honey can be especially good for dogs with environmental allergies, because it has small amounts of local pollen in it.

How to Give Honey to Dogs

Honey should be given slowly and in small amounts as a treat, not as a regular part of a dog's diet. Pumpkin® notes that the daily serving size of honey for dogs depends on their weight, with small dogs needing as little as a teaspoon and large dogs needing up to 2 tablespoons.

Honey can be given to dogs on its own, added to their regular food or treats, or mixed with other dog-safe ingredients like cinnamon or yogurt. It's also important to make sure that dogs are being watched for any signs of a reaction and that the serving size is adjusted as needed, as some dogs may be more sensitive to honey.

Honey and Cinnamon: A Dog Remedy?

Honey and cinnamon are often combined as a home remedy to help dogs with respiratory issues and to improve their overall health. Cinnamon also has potential health benefits for dogs, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. According to a recipe on KeyIngredient.com, a mixture of honey and cinnamon can be made by dissolving 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in 1/2 cup of boiling water and then stirring in 1 tablespoon of honey. This mixture can be given to dogs as a supplement, added to yogurt, or given directly to sick or weak dogs.

Cinnamon should be given to dogs in small amounts, however, because the American Kennel Club says that it can cause digestive upset and other problems in large doses. The recommended dose is typically 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for medium to large dogs, and less for smaller dogs. This natural remedy combines the potential benefits of honey and cinnamon and may help dogs with certain health issues, but it's best to talk to a vet before giving it to your dog.

Propolis: The Bee Product That Could Be a Superfood for Dogs

Propolis is a resinous substance that bees collect and is often found in honey in small amounts. A study published in PMC found that propolis has a number of therapeutic properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects. The study's authors also discovered that the topical application of propolis paste increased wound contraction and decreased the amount of time it took for the wounds to heal in dogs, which led them to believe that propolis could be a natural and effective treatment for a variety of wounds.

In addition, Volhard Dog Nutrition explains that propolis, which is found in honey, has been used by people as a natural antibiotic for thousands of years, helping to control infections and even prevent the growth of cancer cells. The article suggests that giving dogs propolis in their diet could help treat infectious diseases like the canine flu and kennel cough.

Although most of the research on the medicinal uses of propolis has been conducted on people, Animal Bliss points out that there's no reason to believe that the same benefits wouldn't apply to dogs. Propolis has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years, and its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties make it seem like a safe and effective addition to honey as a natural supplement for dogs.

Conclusion: Use Honey for Dogs in Moderation

Although honey has some potential health benefits for dogs, it should be used in moderation because of its high sugar and calorie content. The right amount of honey for dogs depends on their size and health status, and smaller amounts are suggested for puppies, diabetic dogs, and dogs with weakened immune systems.

Raw, unprocessed honey and honey with propolis may have some advantages, but further studies are needed to determine their impact on dogs. It’s best to talk to a vet, especially for dogs with preexisting health issues, before using honey or honey-based products as part of their diet.