Should You Be Feeding Your Dog Honey?

Is Honey Safe For Dogs?

So, can dogs have honey? Yes! Honey is not only safe for dogs, it can be beneficial for them, too! 

Honey is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which make it just about the healthiest sugar alternative out there. Eating local honey has been effectively used to help treat the symptoms of allergies in humans, which suggests the possibility of the same benefits for canines, and honey has even been used topically in clinical settings on dogs to treat wounds and protect the skin. 

While studies on the long-term benefits of adding honey to your dog’s diet are sparse, it is perfectly safe to give your dog a little bit of honey, and they could even enjoy a health boost!

Nutritional Value of Honey

Source: @ASpoonFullOfHope

Because it is mostly sugar, honey isn’t a particularly nutritionally dense food, though it does contain a variety of valuable compounds that can make it a beneficial part of your dog’s diet. The naturally occurring antioxidants in honey are the biggest reason to give your dog honey, and can help to:

• Enhance wound healing
• Reduce allergy symptoms
• Boost energy
• Soothe gastrointestinal distress

How Much Honey Can My Dog Have?

The amount of honey you can safely feed your dog each day depends entirely on their size. 

Size (in pounds)	Honey Per Day
<10 lbs	¼ tsp
10–20 lbs	½ tsp
20–50 lbs	½ – 1 tsp
50–75 lbs	1 – 1 ½ tsp
75+ lbs	1 ½ – 2 tsp

Note that not all dogs can safely eat honey. Dogs that are diabetic, immunocompromised, or suffering from an underlying condition should not be given honey without first consulting with a veterinarian. 

Likewise, puppies should not be given honey, since it can contain botulism spores that their developing immune system may not be able to process.

Common Types of Honey

Here are the most common types of honey you’ll find at your local grocery or pet store and whether or not they’re safe for dogs to have. 

Type of Honey	Safe for Dogs?	Key Features
Clover Honey	Yes–in moderation	Made by bees who collect nectar exclusively from clover flowers
Comb Honey (honeycomb)	Yes–in very small quantities	Honey that has not been extracted from the waxy comb
Creamed Honey (whipped)	Yes–in moderation	Honey that has been processed to create a creamy, spreadable texture
Hemp Honey	Yes–follow dosing instructions	Honey infused with cannabinoids (typically CBD) and beneficial compounds from the hemp plant
Hot Honey	NO–can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and discomfort	Honey infused with chili peppers to create a spicy/sweet flavor. Contains capsaicin.
Manuka Honey	Yes–in moderation	Made by bees who collect nectar exclusively from mānuka trees. Considered especially healthy and beneficial.
Raw Honey	Yes–in moderation	Honey that has only been extracted from the comb and strained with no additional processing.
Unfiltered Honey	Yes–in moderation	Honey that has only been extracted from the comb with no additional processing.
Wildflower Honey	Yes–in moderation	Made by bees who collect nectar exclusively from mixed wildflower varieties.

Banana & Honey Dog Treat Recipe

Created by TheBritishBaker for her Cocker Spaniel puppies Brie and Henri, this recipe features honey and banana as the key flavors and utilizes whole wheat flour to create a crispy, crunchy dog biscuit. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water
• 2 medium bananas, mashed
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp honey of your choice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 4 ½ cups whole wheat flour + more for dusting

Supplies:

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Stand mixer (or a hand mixer + a large bowl)
• Wire cooling racks

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Combine water, bananas, egg, honey, and vanilla extract in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix thoroughly on a medium setting to combine.
4. Add baking powder and mix to combine.
5. Add the flour ½ cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. A rough, slightly sticky dough should form.
6. Dust a clean surface lightly with flour and dump the dough out onto it. 
7. Knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes or until the dough is no longer sticky. Dust lightly with more flour as needed. 
8. Roll the dough into a ¼-inch thick rectangle and cut. Gather scraps and repeat the process until you have used all of the dough. 
9. Place the cut dough pieces onto the prepared baking sheets and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown or about 20 minutes. Cook time will vary depending on the size of your cookie cutters. 
10. Turn off the oven but leave the treats inside. Allow the treats to dry and become crisp for 30-40 minutes.
11. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking trays for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. 

Can Dogs Have Honey? The FAQ

Looking for more answers to your honey-related questions? Here’s everything dog owners like you are asking. 

Can honey be toxic to dogs?

No! Honey does not contain anything that is toxic to dogs, but you can feed them too much. Too much honey could cause vomiting, diarrhea, elevated glucose levels, and upset stomach. 

Can dogs have raw honey?

Yes. Dogs can have raw honey.

What should I do if my dog licks some honey?

Nothing! Your dog just enjoyed a sweet treat, and as long as they didn’t eat a large amount of honey, they will be completely fine. 

What are the benefits of honey for dogs?

Honey can offer a number of benefits to dogs when regularly added to their diet including:

• Anti-inflammatory benefits
• Reduced allergy symptoms
• Boosted wound healing

Can I give my dog honey for a cough?

It’s not a good idea to treat a dog’s cough with honey. While it may ease some discomfort, it won’t treat the root cause of anything. Additionally, dogs with compromised immune systems should not eat honey, so it’s best to get your dog checked by a vet if they are coughing. 

What is topical honey?

Topical honey products are used to treat external wounds, irritation, rashes, etc. Many dog skincare products contain honey as a key ingredient, but there are also varieties of honey sold specifically for topical use.