Dogs can have all-natural honey in small amounts, and it may even be beneficial to them in some ways. There are some clear applications, such as honey's ability to soothe a sore throat, and other hidden benefits like immune health, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Just like in humans, the ingestion of local bee pollen can improve immune health and support dogs with seasonal allergies. There are different types of honey as well, such as Manuka honey, that may offer their own unique set of benefits.
This article looks at the dosage, use, and benefits of honey for dogs. We'll also look at Manuka honey in a little more depth, exploring its use in canine health.
The Safety of Honey for Dogs
Honey is generally safe for dogs when given in moderation. However, there are some important considerations:
- Avoid for diabetic dogs: The high sugar content in honey can cause blood sugar spikes. If your diabetic dog could use the benefits of honey, seek out alternatives with your veterinarian. The natural sugars in honey may be too much for your dog to tolerate.
- Not for puppies under 12 months: Honey can contain botulism spores, which may be harmful to young puppies with undeveloped immune systems. Once your puppy's immune system develops, maybe after a year or so, they should be able to tolerate honey. That said, the health benefits of honey may be lost and your puppy, even causing more issues.
- Caution for overweight dogs: Since honey is high in sugar, it can contribute to weight gain if overfed. Even if your dog is at a healthy weight, you should still ensure that you give them appropriate dosages, which we'll discuss in the next section.
- Monitor for allergies: While rare, some dogs may have sensitivities to bee pollen in honey. When starting your dog on honey, be sure to monitor them for any adverse side effects. These side effects could present themselves over time. Watch for itchy skin, swelling around the face or paws, diarrhea, vomiting, or respiratory issues like coughing.
Overall, honey is generally considered safe to try in the appropriate daily dosages. If your dog has severe allergies, is diabetic, overweight, or a puppy, you should hold off and opt for a different option.
Now, let's look at the appropriate dosage of honey for dogs.
How Much Honey Should You Give to Dogs?
Each dog is different, but the dosage of honey depends on the dog's weight. Below, find a general recommendation.
The recommended honey dosage for dogs depends on their size:
- Small dogs (under 10 lbs): 1/4 teaspoon per day
- Medium dogs (10–30 lbs): 1/2 teaspoon per day
- Large dogs (30–50 lbs): 1 teaspoon per day
- Extra-large dogs (50+ lbs): Up to 2 teaspoons per day
Always introduce honey gradually and monitor for any adverse reactions. If you're looking to help your dog with a specific issue, the dosage of honey may be a little different. Always follow the recommended guidelines given by your veterinarian, and reference the rule of thumb above.
What is Manuka Honey, and Can It Help Dogs?
Manuka honey is a special type of honey from New Zealand, made by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush. It contains higher levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives it stronger antibacterial and healing properties compared to regular honey.
For dogs, Manuka honey can help in several ways. It’s commonly used to treat minor wounds, burns, and hot spots when applied topically, as it promotes healing and prevents infection. When given orally in small amounts, it may support digestive health, soothe sore throats, and provide immune-boosting benefits.
However, it should always be used in moderation and under veterinary guidance, especially for dogs with health conditions like diabetes.
Research on The Effects of Manuka Honey
Manuka honey has been shown by scientific research to have potent antibacterial and wound-healing properties. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology demonstrated that Manuka honey exhibits antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori, making it a promising natural treatment for wounds and stomach ulcers (source).
In veterinary medicine, Manuka honey has been studied for its wound-healing effects in dogs. Research published in Veterinary Surgery evaluated the use of a Manuka honey-infused hydrogel on full-thickness wounds in dogs and found it significantly improved healing times and reduced bacterial infections (source).
Conclusion
While honey can support dogs with a variety of issues, it's not a cure-all. The best application may be a daily dosage to support immune strength, as well as using honey for the occasional sore throat or cough in your dog.
It's always important to start your dog on something like honey slowly to ensure they tolerate it well and have no allergies to the pollen inside. Additionally, avoid giving honey to overweight, diabetic, allergic, and young dogs.
