Is honey good for dogs?

Honey is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. It contains natural sugars and small amounts of vitamins and minerals. The high sugar content of honey can lead to obesity in dogs if owners feed them too much honey and do not provide adequate exercise and balanced nutrition. Sugars can also cause tooth decay, so it might be a good idea to brush your dog’s teeth if you do feed them honey. For people and dogs, honey is purported to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties, reduce inflammation, sooth stomach ulcers and sore throats, and cure allergies. Regardless of the lack of conclusive research, feeding your dog a small amount of honey likely won’t harm them, even if it is not guaranteed or even likely to help with allergies. If your dog has a sore throat, and you have already seen your veterinarian to determine the cause and followed treatment instructions, then feeding a little honey could help soothe any lingering inflammation. Honey should not be given to diabetic or obese dogs. Raw honey should not be fed to puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems, as it may contain the presence of botulism spores.

Yes, honey is a natural sweetener that does offer some health benefits to dogs—but you don’t want to give them too much. Yes, dogs can have honey in moderation. However, honey is high in sugar and calories, so you should only give it to your dog as an occasional treat. Honey isn’t just nontoxic and completely safe for healthy, fully developed dogs in small quantities, it has some health benefits, too. Honey is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your pet’s body cells from damage. Honey can help with wound care. Certain types of honey, such as manuka honey, which is higher in antimicrobial compounds than other honey, can even help with wound care because the compounds inhibit bacterial growth. Honey is filled with vitamins and minerals.