If you have kids you have probably heard all the warnings about not feeding honey to children under the age of one. But if you are a parent who has fur children instead of the two-legged variety, you may be wondering about the safety of feeding honey to animals.
Can Dogs Eat Honey? Can Cats Eat Honey?
We make honey products for allergies, inflammation, and immune support primarily for humans. Often we’re asked, “Can dogs eat honey?” And, “Can cats eat honey?” And while we don’t formulate specifically for animals, all of our products have been shared with our animals successfully from time to time.
So the answer is, yes they can!
Specifically in horses, there is a strong precedence for – and history of – combining honey and herbs as “treat”ments.
Growing up, whenever my mom would give me a pill or vitamin she would always hide it in applesauce. I’m pretty sure that’s why I still chew everything with suspicion. While she was handing out my applesauce, my furry brothers and sisters were getting a similarly disguised package in cheese or peanut butter.
The cat wouldn’t eat applesauce or peanut butter, but loved the cheese. The dog preferred peanut butter. I would have taken any of them but got stuck with applesauce.
My mother could have simplified the matter if she had known to use honey because all of us like honey!
Can Dogs Eat Honey? Yes, here’s how. (Cat’s too!)
To Hide Medication
Mixing a bit of powder out of a capsule, or adding drops of liquid medicine into honey makes it tasty. Not only is there less fighting, but the honey actually amplifies the effect of the herb or medicine.
For Allergies
Yep! Honey is good for your seasonal allergies and it’s also good for pets. Be sure it is raw and local.
Burns
Our animals can get burned just as humans can. They are curious and can get into things they shouldn’t, walk on a hot stove, get a sunburn, etc. If it isn’t a serious burn that needs vet attention, a little honey on the sore spot will fix it right up!
Wounds
Our outdoor cats often get into fights with roaming animals. There is nothing more full of bacteria than a festering cat bite! Honey is antibacterial and is one of the best things you can use to heal up pet wounds.
Cough and sore throat
A spoon of honey, licked once or twice a day can really ease a cold in your furry friend.
Better Digestion
Honey contains enzymes that can help support healthy digestion.
Energy
Need a natural energy boost for a pet that is run down? A bit of honey can help!
Final Tips
- It is important to use honey in moderation, just as in humans. Too much sweet for them is just as bad as it is for us.
- You do not need to use any one particular kind of honey, unless you really prefer to use the expensive manuka.
- Just be sure that your honey is raw and that it is made and processed responsibly.
- Avoid giving honey to very young animals.
Daily Dosage Suggestions
Dogs
- small: 1 teaspoon
- medium: 2 teaspoons
- large: 1 Tablespoon
Cats
- ½ teaspoon for most sizes
Have you ever fed your pet honey? For what reason, and how did it go?
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Manju says
Spot on…. I was asking the same a couple of days back. My baby Josh is on antibiotic and he hates medicines. I just squeeze the med into his mouth and spread a bit of honey on his tongue before he tries to spit.
He is a Shih-tzu, 7 yrs old.
We consume honey regularly and my baby gets to taste it quite often.
Sharon Garman says
Just shows parenting is hard. You think you are helping your child to take medicine easier and wind up traumatizing your child for life!
Nyree says
CAN anyone help with a child friendly tooth cleanser? Using the French cosmetic bicarbonate of soda is remarkably softer than the general purpose, but still the flavour is unappealing to a child.
CAN anyone provide an updated report on the ongoing floride debate. Neuro-toxin verses cavities. Medicine verses dental!
Receipe for sun BLOCK, mosquitoes and facial cleanser for dry skin.
What’s micellar all about?
Wasp, ant, termite deterent and sting relief. I’ve read all info on acid and alkaline for wasps and bees. So that’s the onion and vinegar.
That’s a lot, I know. All help gratefully
Thank you.
P says
Yes! my dogs get honey! My son and I are beekeepers. I have one dog who is virtually allergic to everything outside. Adding a little bit of honey to her food every day has improved her allergies! I’m careful to only add a bit every day. I found out the hard way that giving her too much made her break out. 🙂 I try to remember to give me some too.
Jen says
Does giving a dog honey increase blood sugars?
Evelyn Moore says
Hello P,
How often do you give your dog the honey for allergies? I have a Cairn Terrier who has to stay on Apoquel almost daily, otherwise she literally pulls out tufts of her hair. I would rather give her a natural product like Honey than medicine, if the honey will work on her.
Thank you so much!