Can Dogs Eat Honey? What Pet Parents Should Know

While honey is generally considered safe for healthy, adult dogs to consume in small quantities, there is little to no benefit in offering it to your canine companion. Honey should never be provided to dogs with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, and raw honey should never be provided to puppies or immunocompromised dogs. Always consult your veterinarian before adding new foods to your dog’s diet to ensure it’s an appropriate option for your pet.

Honey has a naturally sweet flavor and has been a favorite of humans and many animals since the dawn of time. If you happen to be spreading honey on your morning toast while your dog is watching, it might be natural to ask, “Can dogs have honey?” For healthy, adult dogs, the answer is yes. Honey is safe to eat in small amounts on rare occasions. There is nothing toxic in pasteurized honey. There are important considerations to keep in mind before letting your dogs eat honey.

The health benefits of honey for dogs

While the actual science behind its healing powers is still inconclusive, honey may be beneficial for some dogs. The natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties of honey are famed for helping to heal humans and may have some of the same effects on dogs. Honey may help with ailments such as inflammation, stomach ulcers and allergies, but it is best to discuss these health concerns and your pet’s specific treatment regimen with your vet.

We also need to consider the question “Is honey bad for dogs in any way?” The answer to this is also yes—especially if it’s fed to them too regularly, or in large amounts.

Honey contains a lot of sugar, which is not good for dogs. While sugar is not toxic for dogs, it can negatively affect animals with underlying health conditions or healthy dogs if eaten frequently or in excess. It can lead to obesity or health problems associated with obesity such as diabetes.

When feeding your dog honey—and all treats in general—the key is moderation. A small amount of honey on a special occasion for a healthy, adult dog shouldn't be a problem. It is also important to ensure you’re feeding them real honey and not a substitute. Substitute honey is often nothing more than honey-flavored sugar syrup, which is unhealthy for your dog. Artificial honey could contain the sweetener xylitol, which is a sugar substitute often found in products like toothpaste, breath mints, peanut butter and baked goods. It is generally safe for humans but is toxic to dogs.

To avoidxylitol poisoning, always check the label of the honey or any other food you plan on feeding to your dog and keep xylitol products out of your dog’s reach. If you think your dog has consumed xylitol, contact your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include weakness, collapse, staggering, lack of coordination and seizures.

How to feed your dog honey

With your vet’s consent, a small amount of honey can be smeared inside bones. or used as an extra binding agent with other dog-safe food you might use to hide medication or deliver supplements to your pup.

Remember that honey should be considered an extra special treat and not offered in large quantities nor on a regular basis. And like all treats—Also keep in mind that, unless otherwise directed by your vet, snacks and treatsshould make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake. Ask your veterinarian or consult an online tool to estimate the healthy caloric intake for your dog. Be sure to remove other treats from your dog’s diet on days you offer honey to compensate for those extra calories. Honey should only be a rare treat and should never amount to 10% of their daily caloric intake even if no other treats are provided that day.

If you decide to reward your pup with honey, it’s best to give your dog’s teeth a good brushing. Sugars from honey can contribute to periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is honey safe for dogs? Pasteurized honey is generally considered safe for healthy, adult dogs in very small amounts on rare occasions — there is nothing toxic in real, pasteurized honey. However, it is high in sugar, offers limited nutritional benefit, and should never replace a balanced diet. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new food to your dog's routine. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

How much honey can a dog eat? Honey should be treated as an extra-special, occasional treat — not a daily addition to your dog's diet. Like all treats, it should account for no more than 10% of your dog's total daily caloric intake, and on days you offer honey, other treats should be reduced or eliminated to compensate for those extra calories. https://petnutritionalliance.org/

Is raw honey safe for dogs? Raw honey should never be given to puppies or immunocompromised dogs. Raw honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which a healthy adult dog's immune system may handle but which pose a meaningful risk to dogs with weakened immunity or to very young dogs whose gut flora is not yet fully developed. When in doubt, choose pasteurized honey and check with your veterinarian first. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Can honey help with a dog's cough or allergies? Some pet parents have heard that honey's natural antimicrobial properties may help soothe a dog's throat or ease seasonal allergy symptoms. While these properties are well-documented in human research, the veterinary science behind honey as a therapeutic remedy for dogs remains inconclusive. Do not use honey as a substitute for veterinary-prescribed treatment — always discuss your dog's specific symptoms and health concerns with your veterinarian. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/

What sweeteners in honey products are toxic to dogs? Xylitol — a sugar substitute sometimes found in honey-flavored syrups, peanut butter, baked goods and toothpaste — is toxic to dogs even in small amounts. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include weakness, staggering, lack of coordination, collapse and seizures. Always read ingredient labels carefully before sharing any food with your dog, and if you suspect xylitol ingestion, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Which dogs should never have honey? Honey is not appropriate for every dog. Dogs with diabetes or blood sugar regulation issues should not have honey due to its high sugar content. Puppies and immunocompromised dogs should not have raw honey. Overweight dogs or those prone to obesity-related conditions should have honey avoided or strictly limited, as excess sugar can contribute to weight gain and associated health problems. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian whether honey is a suitable occasional treat for your individual dog. https://petnutritionalliance.org/

Honey & Dogs at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat honey every day? No. Honey is high in natural sugar, and regular or large-amount feeding can contribute to obesity and related health problems such as diabetes. It should be offered only as a rare, occasional treat — and all treats combined should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

Is raw honey safe for dogs? Raw honey should never be given to puppies or immunocompromised dogs, as it may contain bacterial spores that a vulnerable immune system cannot handle. For healthy adult dogs, pasteurized honey is the safer choice. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new food.

What should I do if my dog eats artificial honey or a honey substitute? Check the label immediately for xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include weakness, staggering, lack of coordination, collapse and seizures. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away if you suspect ingestion. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Can dogs with diabetes eat honey? No. Dogs with diabetes should never be given honey. The high sugar content can dangerously affect blood glucose levels. If your dog has any underlying health condition, speak with your veterinarian before offering any human food as a treat. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/

Does honey have health benefits for dogs? The science is still inconclusive. Honey is known for antimicrobial and antifungal properties in humans, and it may have some similar effects in dogs — potentially supporting dogs dealing with inflammation or stomach issues — but no definitive claims can be made. Discuss any specific health concerns and your dog's treatment plan with your veterinarian before using honey as a supplement. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/

How much honey can I give my dog? A small smear — think a lick off a spoon or spread inside a chew — is the appropriate amount for a healthy adult dog on a special occasion. There is no established therapeutic dose for dogs; your veterinarian can help you determine what, if any, amount is appropriate for your individual pet based on his or her size, weight and overall health. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.