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Can Dogs Eat Honey?

Can Dogs Eat Honey?

Updated on July 18, 2024
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team
honey

While honey is generally considered safe for healthy, adult dogs to consume in small quantities, there is little to no benefit in offering it to your canine companion. Honey should never be provided to dogs with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, and raw honey should never be provided to puppies or immunocompromised dogs.  Always consult your veterinarian before adding new foods to your dog’s diet to ensure it’s an appropriate option for your pet. 

Honey has a naturally sweet flavor and has been a favorite of humans and many animals since the dawn of time. If you happen to be spreading honey on your morning toast while your dog is watching, it might be natural to ask, “Can dogs have honey?” For healthy, adult dogs, the answer is yes. Honey is safe to eat in small amounts on rare occasions. There is nothing toxic in pasteurized honey. There are important considerations to keep in mind before letting your dogs eat honey.   

The health benefits of honey for dogs

While the actual science behind its healing powers is still inconclusive, honey may be beneficial for some dogs. The natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties of honey are famed for helping to heal humans and may have some of the same effects on dogs. Honey may help with ailments such as inflammation, stomach ulcers and allergies, but it is best to discuss these health concerns and your pet’s specific treatment regimen with your vet.  

We also need to consider the question “Is honey bad for dogs in any way?” The answer to this is also yes—especially if it’s fed to them too regularly, or in large amounts.  

Honey contains a lot of sugar, which is not good for dogs. While sugar is not toxic for dogs, it can negatively affect animals with underlying health conditions or healthy dogs if eaten frequently or in excess. It can lead to obesity or health problems associated with obesity such as diabetes.   

When feeding your dog honey—and all treats in general—the key is moderation. A small amount of honey on a special occasion for a healthy, adult dog shouldn't be a problem. It is also important to ensure you’re feeding them real honey and not a substitute. Substitute honey is often nothing more than honey-flavored sugar syrup, which is unhealthy for your dog. Artificial honey could contain the sweetener xylitol, which is a sugar substitute often found in products like toothpaste, breath mints, peanut butter and baked goods. It is generally safe for humans but is toxic to dogs. 

To avoidxylitol poisoning, always check the label of the honey or any other food you plan on feeding to your dog and keep xylitol products out of your dog’s reach. If you think your dog has consumed xylitol, contact your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include weakness, collapse, staggering, lack of coordination and seizures. 

How to feed your dog honey

With your vet’s consent, a small amount of honey can be smeared inside bones.   or used as an extra binding agent with other dog-safe food you might use to hide medication or deliver supplements to your pup.  

Remember that honey should be considered an extra special treat and not offered in large quantities nor on a regular basis. And like all treats—Also keep in mind that, unless otherwise directed by your vet, snacks and treatsshould make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake. Ask your veterinarian or consult an online tool to estimate the healthy caloric intake for your dog. Be sure to remove other treats from your dog’s diet on days you offer honey to compensate for those extra calories. Honey should only be a rare treat and should never amount to 10% of their daily caloric intake even if no other treats are provided that day.

If you decide to reward your pup with honey, it’s best to give your dog’s teeth a good brushing. Sugars from honey can contribute to periodontal disease and tooth decay.  

FAQs about dogs and honey

Imagine you’re pouring Honey Nut Cheerios into a bowl and you accidentally spill the cereal all over the floor. Suddenly, your dog gobbles it up before you're even able to get a broom.  Should you be concerned about your dog eating Honey Nut Cheerios?  If your dog is healthy and didn’t eat too much, everything should be fine. However, Honey Nut Cheerios should not be considered a regular snack for your dog. The cereal contains a lot of sugar and other ingredients that are not ideal for dogs to eat frequently or in high quantities. As long as they only eat a small amount on occasion or when they clean up your accidents, there should be little cause for concern.  

Some dogs can eat raw honey, but itshould not be fed to puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems. Raw honey may contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which are especially dangerous for puppies or immunocompromised dogs.  Signs of botulism in dogs include weakness, paralysis of the hind legs and becoming unresponsive.

If you suspect your dog has botulism, take them to your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian right away. Botulism can be cured if effectively treated.  

Puppies can have a small amount of pasteurized honey, but it’s not ideal for them. For one, they are young and still growing. It’s important for them to get proper nutrition to ensure their young bodies grow up strong and healthy. The best food to give them is high-quality dog food specially formulated for puppies.  

Remember that raw honey may contain botulism spores. Adult dogs with a healthy immune system are generally able to fight off the small amount of botulism that might be found in honey, but a puppy is more susceptible. 

No. While honey is safe for many dogs in moderation, if your dog has any health issues such as diabetes, honey is not an appropriate treat. 

If your dog appears to have a cough, consult your veterinarian on the best course of action. There might be a more serious problem than just a scratchy throat. They may have something caught in their throat or a more serious medical condition that requires treatment through your veterinarian.  

While honey is unlikely to make your dog’s upset stomach worse, it probably won't make it better either. The best course of action would be to consult your veterinarian and eliminate all food outside of your dog's regular dog diet until things go back to normal.  

If you do decide to give your dog honey, it’s recommended that you only give them a small amount (a few drops) and on rare occasions. Consult your veterinarian for specific instructions.

If your dog is sick—unless your veterinarian recommends something different—it’s best to keep them on a simple diet of their regular dog food and nothing more. Make sure they have access to plenty of water and always follow your veterinarian’s treatment instructions precisely.  

While it’s not a given that honey will give your dog diarrhea, it’s certainly possible. If you notice your dog develop diarrhea after eating honey, discontinue feeding it to them immediately and contact your veterinarian for guidance.  

No. If your dog has a health condition such as diabetes, it’s important to consult your veterinarian before providing any new food. Honey is not recommended for diabetic dogs due to its high sugar content.

No, allowing your dog to eat honey every day is not recommended. High-quality dog food will always be the healthiest option for your pet.  

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