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Food & Diet

Can My Dog Eat Honey?

At A Glance

If you've never given your dog honey, you might have inquired, "does dog die after eating honey?" In reality, honey is safe as long as you watch the honey dosage for dogs, and ensure that it isn't too much.

In reality, honey is safe as long as you watch the honey dosage for dogs, and ensure that it isn't too much.

Last Updated on: May 26, 2022




Honey is rich in various minerals and vitamins as well as natural sugars. It frequently serves as a health supplement for pets and humans. You might have thought to yourself, can my dog eat honey? Indeed, you can feed your dog honey, but you must be careful.

Remember that it comprises fructose and glucose. These sugars aren’t constituents of your dog’s diet, so you should only feed them, honey, sparingly.

dog with honey

Is Honey Good for Dogs?

Although it might surprise you, honey is good for your pet. However, you must ensure that you only feed it to your dog in limited amounts. When selecting the kind of honey to serve your pet, it’s preferable to choose raw honey because it’s the purest form without pasteurization, processing, or heating.

It’s worth noting that highly pasteurized honey has fewer benefits. Pasteurized honey will usually seem more watery with a clear color.

When given in moderate quantities, honey can positively affect your pet’s health. The superfood is full of vital nutrients besides being rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.

 

How Much Honey to Give to Your Dog

Now that you know that honey is safe for dogs, you might be wondering, how much honey can I give my dog? If you wish to feed your dog honey, you should ideally consult your veterinarian regarding the suitable amount.

A teaspoon of honey comprises 17 grams of sugar and approximately 70 calories, so you might want to restrict your pet’s consumption to a teaspoon per day. If you want to make sure you don’t feed your pet excess honey, follow these guidelines:

  • Dogs below 10 lbs- 0.25 tsp / day
  • 10-20 lbs- 0.50 tsp / day
  • 20-50 lbs- 1 tsp / day
  • Over 50 lbs- 2 tsp / day

Like other new foods, you should introduce honey into your dog’s diet in small amounts and watch for adverse reactions. You can start by adding a drop of it to your pet’s food until they become accustomed to the smell and taste.

If a puppy consumes a teaspoon of honey occasionally, it shouldn’t do any harm. However, if they eat more than a full tablespoon, watch for symptoms of enhanced blood sugar, like vomiting, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.

Benefits of Honey for Dogs

Alleviate Skin Allergies

Honey can help combat environmental allergies. If your pet gets seasonal allergies, honey might prove beneficial. It comprises traces of flower pollen. When ingested, it introduces pollen gradually into your pet’s body. This helps your pet develop antibodies.

Once warm weather sets in, the antibodies prevent an autoimmune reaction to airborne pollen. Pollen also comprises Quercetin which can help reduce itchiness and watery eyes.

Cough

You’ll be glad to know that you can feed honey for dogs’ coughs. In particular, you’ll find Manuka honey for dogs ideal. Manuka honey comprises the highest antibacterial content compared to other kinds of honey.

However, it’s the most expensive kind available and might cost 3-4 times the cost of local honey. If your pet has kennel cough or breathing irritations, honey offers a great means of offering relief.

Energy Boost

Like other simple carbohydrates, honey can boost your dog’s energy. As the sugars contained in it break down in your dog’s digestive system, your pet will experience an energy boost. This is excellent for athletic and agile dogs before a competition or training session.

Gastrointestinal Issues

If you’re wondering, how can you give dog honey for an upset stomach? Fortunately, honey can offer a soothing feeling for an upset stomach. For instance, it can prove beneficial after your pet consumes excess fresh grass or a treat that causes an adverse reaction.

If you’ve fed honey to a dog with upset stomach and it causes an unfavorable reaction you should discontinue feeding it honey altogether. If the upset stomach persists, consult your vet at the earliest.

Honey with spoon

When to Avoid Feeding Honey

Like other foods, honey isn’t appropriate for all dogs. It can be dangerous if consumed in huge quantities. You shouldn’t feed your pet honey under the following circumstances:

Diabetic Dogs

Honey has a high glycemic index and could produce a spike in your dog’s blood sugar levels. If your pet is diabetic, consult your veterinarian about the safety of feeding it honey and consider offering it low-sugar treats, like cucumbers and others, instead.

Senior Dogs and Puppies

Honey comprises bacteria that can be useful for healthy dogs. However, the reverse is true for dogs with immature or compromised systems. Seniors, puppies, and dogs with compromised immune systems should avoid consuming it.

Make sure you consult your vet about the appropriate time to begin incorporating honey into your pet’s diet.

Overweight Dogs

Honey comprises sugar, so it’s very high in calories. Excess honey can produce weight gain, obesity, as well as tooth decay.

Honey ice cream with fruits

Top Honey Recipes for Dogs

Honey biscuits

Home-cooked food is better for your pet and helps you save on buying treats and snacks. The best means of learning how to cook for dogs is by preparing simple snacks like honey biscuits. This recipe is suitable for adult dogs and young dogs as well.

Banana and Honey Treats

This treat is bound to get your pet’s attention from its smell itself. Owing to the mixture of bananas and honey, these treats will certainly please your pet’s taste buds. The recipe will take you 1 hr 15 minutes in total to prepare.

If you’ve never given your dog honey, you might wonder, does a dog die after eating honey? Honey is safe as long as you watch the dosage, and ensure that it isn’t too much.

Check out this article on Can Dogs Eat Pineapple.

 

author-image

Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.


Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.