Can Dogs Eat Honey?

While honey is not toxic to dogs and is one of the healthiest natural sugars out there, it’s still pure sugar, so it’s not recommended as part of a dog’s diet. Many dog owners read about the incredible health properties of honey and use it to treat coughs and colds in dogs, but unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way!

Honey is amazing and one of the best natural remedies for sore throats and coughs—but only for people, not for our dogs! It’s not toxic, so if your dog eats some honey, they’ll be absolutely fine. But it’s still sugar, and sugar should not be a part of your dog’s diet.

Dogs can metabolize sugar, but we shouldn’t give them any

While dogs can metabolize sugars like honey and maple syrup perfectly fine, it’s not recommended to give them sugar due to potential health risks. Consuming a lot of sugar can lead to dental issues and obesity, as sugar is very high in calories. In addition, eating too much sugar can lead to diabetes. The main cause of diabetes in dogs is excessive caloric intake, and that risk can increase with dogs eating sweets and sugar.

Sugar also retains water!

What happens when a dog eats sugar? ASPCA warns about this because sugar is what we call “osmotically active,” which means it pulls water toward it. So, if a dog eats a large amount of sugar, it can cause a buildup of water in the stomach as the body tries to balance things out. This extra water can lead to trouble if the dog isn’t drinking enough or is vomiting. In these cases, electrolytes—especially sodium—can become imbalanced, which can make your dog feel even worse.

Can dogs eat raw honey?

As I said, dogs can eat honey—it’s not toxic to them—but it should always be a special treat for special occasions. Those special occasions can be seasonal allergies, a sore throat, or a cough. However, there are other remedies that you can buy from your local pet shop that are designed specifically for dogs, so it’s always a better idea to talk to your vet than to try things at home.

Raw honey is the best, as it’s pure, unprocessed, and often has pollen and propolis since it’s taken directly from beehives. It has unique health benefits for immune support. While your dog won’t have any problems eating honey, it’s not something you should give them too often!

Can honey be used to treat wounds in dogs?

There are several studies out there that compare honey as a remedy for wounds and other medicinal remedies your vet may recommend, and I have to tell you—the studies are always in favor of real medication.

The most famous type of honey used to make medical honey is manuka honey. Similar to other types of honey, dogs can eat manuka honey, but only in moderation—a small lick here and there, as manuka honey is still sugar!

One study compared using a medical product vs. manuka honey for treating wounds in dogs and cats, and the results strongly favored conventional medicine over honey. While manuka honey helped reduce wound area size, it did not achieve the same cosmetic or clinical results as the medical product.

Can dogs eat honeycombs and is honey safe for dogs?

Yes, dogs can eat honeycombs, but honeycombs are sticky and can be very hard for dogs to chew, swallow, and digest. They will also make them super thirsty afterward. The sticky wax clings to their teeth, which can cause some discomfort. Plus, eating too much honey and honeycomb can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as honey is still sugar.

While honeycombs aren’t toxic to dogs, you shouldn’t give them any to eat. This is more to provide you with peace of mind in case they steal some.

Overall, honey is safe for dogs, but it’s not recommended as a treat. Lots of sugar can cause health problems like weight gain, obesity, and dental issues. Even though honey has health benefits, there’s really little scientific evidence to support these claims for dogs.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat clover honey?

Yes, dogs can eat clover honey, and it’s perfectly safe in small amounts! Like all types of honey, it’s high in natural sugars, so it’s best kept as an occasional treat. Clover honey isn’t toxic to dogs, but since it’s pure sugar, giving them too much can lead to weight gain and dental issues.

Can dogs eat wildflower honey?

Dogs can eat wildflower honey, and just like other types of honey, it’s safe in moderation. Wildflower honey has a unique blend of floral sources, which gives it a slightly different taste, but it’s still loaded with sugar. Keep it as an occasional treat and only give a tiny bit to avoid the risks associated with too much sugar.

Can dogs eat honey and oats?

Yes, dogs can eat honey and oats, and together they make a nice treat! But remember, honey is pure sugar, so keep it minimal. If you’re adding honey to plain-cooked oats, make sure it’s just a tiny drizzle to keep the sugar content low.