Unlike cats, which have very specific diets, a dog’s diet is much more diverse, meaning they can consume a wider range of products. Dogs are omnivores, and their bodies have evolved to eat both meat and plants. By doing this, dogs can taste a lot of flavors and textures. However, can honey also be part of a dog’s nutrition? Such a product can raise a lot of questions. Is honey safe for dogs?

Is Honey Safe For Dogs?

Anyone with a pet dog knows that dogs are curious creatures and can, when unsupervised, seize something off the plate and eat human food. What if a dog eats honey? Do we have to worry? Experts say honey is safe for our pets. So yes, dogs can eat honey. This bee product is free from toxic chemicals that are harmful to dogs. In addition, honey is a common health remedy. However, owners are still advised to be cautious. There are reasons why honey might not be appropriate, and it bears some risks. Find out more.

Is Honey Healthy for Dogs?

For us humans, honey is very healthy. But pets can also benefit from it. And honey is sometimes even used in animal medicine. Several studies over the years have looked into the health benefits of honey. It has been tested multiple times and works well for treating animal wounds. Honey is a clear choice for this because of its antibacterial properties. It is also beneficial to dogs for other issues like chronic coughs. Moreover, honey is a rich source of many beneficial nutrients in the diet. The antioxidants that fight disease are especially precious.

Can Honey Harm a Dog?

Dogs can eat honey. The product is safe. However, feeding dogs honey comes with some risks, which owners must be aware of. First of all, you should bear in mind that honey has a high concentration of sugar. That is why honey should not be fed to diabetic dogs or puppies. Honey is safe for healthy dogs, but only in small amounts. It shouldn’t be more than a teaspoon of honey. Also, do not give honey to your dog often, only occasionally, if your dog likes this delicacy.

The bacteria that can exist in honey can also be dangerous. That applies to raw, unpasteurized honey. This type of honey is unprocessed, both thermally and mechanically. The packaging will inform you about the honey type. This may leave the door open to botulism poisoning from unpasteurized honey. This disease is also possible in dogs after eating spoiled meat. Although cases are rare, don’t feed your dog this type of honey. Honey allergies in animals are not common either, but it is something to be aware of.

Summary

Dogs can eat honey because this bee product is free of dangerous substances. Be careful not to give your dog too much honey, though, as it has a high sugar content. Don’t forget that diet should be personalized to many criteria, like the age and health of the dog. So always consult your vet before introducing any new food to your dog.

Source

• Laïd Boukraâ (2013). Honey and Bee Products for Animal Health and Wellness.
  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299685919_Honey_and_Bee_Products_for_Animal_Health_and_Wellness