Can My Dog Eat Honey? Benefits, Risks & a Dog-Friendly Recipe
Wondering if dogs can eat honey? Discover the benefits, risks, and safe serving sizes for your dog. Learn when to avoid honey, the best types to use, and try our healthy honey dog biscuit recipe.
Not just as a natural sweetener but also as a traditional remedy for wounds, coughs, and inflammation. But while we enjoy drizzling it on porridge or stirring it into tea, many dog owners wonder: is honey safe for dogs?
The short answer: yes, most healthy adult dogs can enjoy honey in moderation. But like all foods outside of your dog’s main diet, there are important caveats. Puppies, diabetic dogs, and overweight dogs may face more risks than benefits, and the sugar content of honey means portion control is key.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down the science of honey in your dog’s diet, covering:
What honey actually is (and how it’s produced)
The nutritional profile of honey
The potential health benefits for dogs
Risks and when honey should be avoided
Whether puppies can eat honey
How much honey is safe for your dog
Different types of honey (raw, manuka, processed) and their relevance
A vet-nutritionist perspective on honey for allergies
A homemade honey dog biscuit recipe you can bake at home
Let’s dive in.
What Exactly Is Honey?
Honey is produced by honeybees from the nectar of flowering plants. Bees collect nectar, partially digest it with enzymes, and store it in the hive’s wax cells, where it ripens into honey. This sticky, golden liquid is made up of around:
80% natural sugars (mainly fructose and glucose)
17–18% water
2–3% other compounds, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes
While it’s often considered “just sugar,” honey is more complex than refined table sugar thanks to these bioactive compounds. Its composition varies depending on the type of flower the nectar came from (e.g., clover honey vs. manuka honey).
Nutritional Breakdown of Honey for Dogs
Here’s what’s in a typical teaspoon (7g) of honey:
Calories: ~21 kcal
Sugar: ~6g (fructose and glucose)
Protein: trace
Fat: none
Micronutrients (in tiny amounts):
B vitamins (riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid)
Vitamin C
Minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and manganese
Bioactive compounds: antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids
For dogs, the nutritional benefits are marginal compared to complete foods, but the natural compounds can offer supportive effects—especially for the throat, skin, and digestion.
Is Honey Safe for Dogs?
Yes—healthy adult dogs can safely eat honey in moderation. Many dogs love the taste, and a small amount can be used as a natural sweetener in homemade treats or as a soothing addition during kennel cough season.
That said, “safe” doesn’t mean “free-for-all.” Because of its high sugar content, honey should be treated as a supplement or treat—not a dietary staple.
The 10% Treat Rule
According to FEDIAF and NRC feeding guidelines, treats (including honey) should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. For a 20kg dog eating around 900–1,000 kcal daily, that’s a maximum of ~90–100 kcal from all treats combined.
Since a teaspoon of honey contains around 21 kcal, that would already be one-fifth of a medium dog’s daily treat allowance.
Can Puppies Eat Honey?
This is where caution is vital. Honey should not be fed to puppies under 12 months of age.
Why? Raw honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which may cause botulism. Puppies, like human infants, have immature immune systems and gut microbiota, making them more vulnerable to this bacteria. Botulism affects the nervous system and can lead to paralysis or even death.
Key takeaway: Stick to complete puppy food and vet-approved treats until your puppy is over a year old.
Risks of Feeding Honey to Dogs
While honey is natural, it isn’t automatically “healthy” for every dog. Here are the main risks:
1. High Sugar Content
Contributes to obesity if fed in excess
Increases risk of insulin resistance and diabetes in predisposed dogs
May accelerate dental disease if oral hygiene is poor
2. Unsafe for Certain Dogs
Puppies under 12 months (botulism risk)
Diabetic dogs (blood sugar spikes)
Overweight dogs (empty calories)
Dogs with pancreatitis history (sugar spikes can worsen lipid metabolism)
3. Possible Allergic Reactions
Rarely, dogs may react to pollen proteins in raw honey. Signs include itching, swelling, or gastrointestinal upset.
Potential Benefits of Honey for Dogs
When given safely and in moderation, honey can offer some advantages:
1. Soothes Throats and Coughs
Thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, honey may help dogs with mild sore throats or kennel cough. Some vets even recommend it alongside conventional treatment for temporary relief.
2. Natural Energy Boost
Working dogs, agility dogs, or very active breeds may benefit from the quick energy hit honey provides during or after exertion.
3. Allergy Relief (The Raw Local Honey Theory)
Some dog owners believe that feeding small amounts of local raw honey can help dogs with environmental allergies by introducing tiny amounts of local pollen.
Scientific perspective: While this theory is plausible, research is limited and results are anecdotal. If your dog has severe allergies, don’t rely on honey as treatment—consult a vet nutritionist instead.
4. Skin and Wound Healing
Topical honey (especially medical-grade manuka honey) has been studied for its antibacterial effects on wounds and burns. Some vets use honey dressings to promote healing. This is external use only—not feeding.
Types of Honey and Which Are Best for Dogs
Not all honey is created equal. Here’s what you should know:
Raw Honey
Unpasteurised and retains enzymes and pollen. Best for potential health benefits but higher botulism risk for puppies.Manuka Honey
From New Zealand, rich in methylglyoxal (MGO), a powerful antimicrobial compound. Often used in veterinary wound care. Expensive, so not necessary for treats.Processed Honey
Pasteurised, filtered, and sometimes blended with syrups. Lower in beneficial compounds and less ideal for health purposes.
Tip: Always choose plain, raw honey in small amounts for adult dogs. Avoid flavoured or blended honeys.
How Much Honey Can Dogs Eat?
The safe amount depends on size, weight, and health status.
Small dogs (up to 5kg): ¼ teaspoon, a few times per week
Medium dogs (10–20kg): ½ teaspoon, a few times per week
Large dogs (20–40kg): 1 teaspoon, a few times per week
Giant breeds (40kg+): Up to 2 teaspoons, a few times per week
Always factor honey into your dog’s total daily calories.
Can Honey Help With Seasonal Allergies in Dogs?
This is one of the most common myths. While raw local honey contains trace pollen, there’s limited scientific evidence proving it reduces allergy symptoms in dogs.
One 2013 study in humans found that consuming local honey reduced allergy symptoms, but the results don’t necessarily translate to dogs. Veterinary dermatologists typically recommend evidence-based allergy treatments instead (diet trials, antihistamines, immunotherapy).
So, while honey might provide mild soothing effects, don’t count on it as a reliable allergy solution.
Honey vs. Other Natural Sweeteners for Dogs
Some owners wonder if they can use alternatives. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Maple syrup: Similar sugar content, slightly less nutrient value.
Molasses: Rich in minerals but higher calorie load.
Stevia: Safe in tiny amounts, but can cause stomach upset.
Xylitol: Toxic to dogs—never feed.
Honey remains the safest natural sweetener for dogs in very small amounts.
Dog Treat Recipe: Honey & Oat Peanut Butter Biscuits
Here’s a healthy way to incorporate honey into your dog’s diet: Check out the recipe here
Final Thoughts: Should You Feed Your Dog Honey?
Honey isn’t an essential part of your dog’s diet, but in moderation, it can be a safe, tasty, and occasionally beneficial treat for healthy adult dogs.
Avoid giving honey to puppies, diabetic, overweight, or pancreatitis-prone dogs.
Limit portion sizes and always count honey toward your dog’s treat allowance.
Use it occasionally in homemade treats—not daily.
If you’re looking for more evidence-based nutritional advice, recipes, and guidance tailored to your dog, explore:
The Canine Code Membership – the UK’s first dog nutrition membership site, packed with recipes and resources.
Consultations with The Canine Dietitian – one-to-one support for your dog’s specific needs.
E-books & Recipe Bundles – practical guides for home cooking, fussy eaters, treat recipes, and more.
