Getting to share the foods you love with your furry BFF is one of the best parts of being a dog parent. Plus, some foods are naturally packed with nutrients that are excellent for your pup’s health. Learning how to share people food with your pup is important, and we’ve got you covered. 

So, can dogs eat honey? Let’s take a look at whether honey for dogs is a safe treat and everything else you need to know about sharing this food. 

Can Dogs Have Honey?

If you use honey to sweeten your tea, coffee, or morning toast, you aren’t alone. You may also be wondering if honey is safe for your dog to eat, too. 

The answer is yes, technically. Honey is naturally rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals. This food even has medicinal properties that may benefit your pup.

On the other hand, honey is also packed with natural sugars. Too much of this ingredient can spike blood sugar and may even lead to dog obesity. Large servings of honey can cause further health complications for your pup. 

So, can dogs eat honey? Yes, so long as they don’t have too much. Let’s dig a little deeper into the benefits of honey for dogs. We’ll also discuss which dogs should avoid this food and how to feed honey to them safely. 

Benefits of Honey for Dogs

Appropriate servings of honey for dogs have a range of benefits.  Honey also has a range of medicinal and nutritional benefits for dogs and humans. Here are some of the most common benefits your dog can enjoy from eating this sweet treat:

• Exposure to Natural Nutrients: Honey contains small amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals, and some flavonoids from pollen. While these vitamins aren’t enough to sustain your pup, this treat does have some nutritional value. 
• Immune Support: Honey is believed to contain antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which can support your pup’s health. 
• Allergy Relief: Honey can also promote relief for environmental allergies and associated symptoms. Ultimately, further research is needed to determine whether this is accurate. But many humans swear that eating local honey subsides their seasonal allergy symptoms. 

Research continues to discover more about the benefits of honey, but overall, it’s a safe treat for your pup to enjoy in moderation.

Risks of Honey for Dogs

There are pros and cons to every human food for dogs. With honey, the nutrient content and naturally sweet taste make it an excellent alternative to other sweeteners. But it’s important to recognize some of the risks associated with feeding your dog too much honey. 

As with any sugar, artificial or natural, too much can turn into a bad thing. Excess sugar intake for dogs can quickly lead to obesity, which comes with its own list of health concerns. 

Canine obesity is a risk factor for high blood pressure and arthritis as your pup gets older. Obesity is also linked to cardiovascular issues, diabetes, breathing issues, and other conditions that can be harmful to your pup. 

Tooth decay is another risk that accompanies feeding your dog too much honey. Too much sugar or honey can sit on your pup’s teeth, leading to excess bacteria and tooth decay. If you do feed your dog a small amount of honey, be sure to brush their teeth the same day as a precaution. 

Honey is especially dangerous for dogs with diabetes. If your dog is at risk for diabetes, has diabetes, or is obese, it’s best to avoid giving them honey altogether. 

How To Feed Honey to Your Pup Safely

Can dogs have honey in large amounts? Knowing how much of this food is safe for your pup is the best way to reap the benefits while avoiding the risks. 

One of the most important things to keep in mind is balance. Be sure your dog is eating a complete and balanced diet made with whole foods. Dogs also need regular exercise through playtime, walks, or other physical activity. If your dog meets all these requirements, here’s how to feed them honey safely: 

• Honey for dogs should only be served in small amounts. Moderation is key! Large servings can cause health issues and blood sugar irregularities.
  
  
• Curious how much honey to feed your dog? Remember that less is more. If you have a small dog, a small drop of honey is likely enough. For bigger dogs, only feed a slightly larger amount.
  
  
• Don’t give honey to diabetic or obese dogs. Though natural, honey is still a form of sugar. 

If you aren’t sure about how much honey to give your pup, consult with your vet. They'll be able to determine how much honey is safe for your pup’s body weight and health. 

If you’re concerned about how your pup will react to honey, there are plenty of treat alternatives to share with your furry best friend. Instead, try dog-friendly whole foods like cucumbers, watermelon, blueberries, or carrots. 

Treat Your Pup to Sundays

Knowing what to feed your pup is one of the biggest challenges of dog parenthood. You may be asking questions like, how many treats can you give your pup without disrupting healthy caloric intake? What’s the best way to give them healthy snacks without disrupting their feeding schedule? Which foods are safe to share with your pup and which aren’t? 

If these questions sound overwhelming, don’t worry! Our resources can help you navigate the world of dog-parenting like a pro. Plus, with our human-grade, gently air-dried dog food, you can make sure to treat your pup at every meal, every day. Learn more about Sundays for your dog here.