Is honey good for dogs?

Honey is by no means a cure-all, and should only be used in specific cases. Because of this, and the fact that the sugar in honey can be detrimental for your dog, we would always advise against using honey for allergy cases. The sugar in honey can be detrimental for your dog. If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, it’s always best to speak to your vet first before giving honey as treatment, as they will be able to advise you on appropriate treatment and, more importantly, this will help to rule out any alternative – and potentially more serious – underlying medical conditions. If you think your dog may be having gut problems, it’s best to speak to your vet. If you are concerned your pet may suffer from an allergy, it’s best to speak to your vet for further advice.

Yes, honey is good for dogs. Honey, a familiar household staple for many, is not only a delightful treat for humans but also holds several health benefits for our furry friends. In moderation, it can indeed be a beneficial addition to your dog's diet, as a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Honey is a natural source of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Just as we prioritise a balanced diet for ourselves, adding a small amount of honey to your dog's meals can contribute to their overall well-being. The natural sugars present in honey provide a quick and easily digestible source of energy. Honey's soothing properties extend to the respiratory system, making it a popular choice for managing symptoms of kennel cough in dogs. However, it's essential to control the portion size, as too much honey can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential weight gain.

Honey is known for being an excellent source of flavonoids and contains anti-cancer properties. Raw honey contains vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamins C, D, and E. It also contains calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and manganese. The live enzymes in honey make it antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic and antifungal. A dog with environmental allergies can benefit from a daily dose of raw local honey. The honey works by exposing the dog to a very low level of the substance causing an allergic reaction which will help the dog develop an immunity over time. Honey contains live digestive enzymes so it facilitates proper digestion. It is soothing for the digestive tract. Since honey is antibacterial it will help dogs with gastritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, colitis and other GI issues resulting from an overgrowth of bacteria.

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.