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. 

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. 

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. 

Rocky Kanaka

Rocky Kanaka is an entrepreneur, pet rescue advocate and dog dad to a rescue boxer named Flip, a blind Cane Corso called Kobe, and a terrier mix named Zoey. He's also a pet chef and owner of The Dog Bakery, which specializes in dog birthday cakes and fresh baked dog treats. His three dogs can't get enough of the dog cakes and treats!

Lorna Ladd

Lorna Paxton Ladd is a passionate dog lover and enthusiast of The Dog Bakery. She loves spoiling her 3 rescue dogs with dog cakes and jerky. A 15 year veteran in the pet industry, her aim is to educate pet parents on the best recipes, products, tips and tricks to optimize the human/canine bond. Her favorite product at The Dog Bakery are the customizable dog birthday cakes.