Can Dogs Eat Honey?

Yes, most healthy adult dogs can have a small taste of plain honey. It is not toxic. But it is almost all sugar, so it should be a rare treat. Skip raw honey for puppies and dogs with weak immune systems, and skip honey completely for dogs with diabetes.

Why is honey okay only in small amounts?

The AKC says honey is generally safe for dogs in small amounts. It has natural sugars and tiny amounts of vitamins and minerals. The trouble is the sugar. Too much can lead to weight gain, and sugar can cause tooth decay. The AKC suggests brushing your dog’s teeth after a honey treat.

You may read that honey cures allergies, sore throats, or upset stomachs. The AKC says there are not many solid studies to prove these claims. Think of honey as a treat, not a medicine.

How much honey can a dog have?

No source we read gives an exact amount. The AKC says to ask your vet how much is okay, and that “less is usually more” with treats, especially for small dogs. A lick from a spoon is plenty.

How can I serve honey safely?

• Pick plain honey with no added ingredients. Check the label for anything else.
• Offer a tiny taste, not a spoonful. Treats should be no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
• Do not give honey products that list xylitol. This is a sweetener that can make a dog’s blood sugar drop and can harm the liver, according to the ASPCA. Call a vet right away if your dog eats it.
• Watch your dog for vomiting or diarrhea after the first taste.

Other kinds of honey foods

Can dogs eat honeydew melon?

Yes. Honeydew has “honey” in its name, but it is a fruit. The ASPCA lists honeydew melon as non-toxic to dogs. Our other sources are about cantaloupe, a close relative, so treat this as a likely guide for honeydew. The AKC says cantaloupe rind can upset the stomach and get stuck in the gut, and that it is a choking risk. The AKC also says the seeds are harmless but should not be fed on purpose, because they can make a dog choke.

So give small pieces of flesh only. Remove the rind and seeds. Melon is high in sugar, so the AKC says it may not be a good choice for diabetic dogs.

Can dogs eat Honey Bunches of Oats?

A few pieces now and then are not likely to hurt a healthy dog, but this cereal is not a good treat. It has added sugar, and our sources give no reason to feed it. Always read the label first. Some cereals have raisins, and the Merck Veterinary Manual says raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. See our article on grapes and raisins. Also check for xylitol. If your dog ate a bowl of cereal with raisins, call a vet or a poison hotline.

Can dogs eat honeycomb?

We could not find a veterinary source that covers honeycomb, so we cannot give a clear answer. Honey is the part we know about. If your dog ate a lot of comb and starts vomiting, strains to poop, or seems to hurt, call your vet. If you want to share honey, a tiny taste of plain liquid honey is the better choice.

What are safer treats than honey?

Plain, small pieces of fruit are an easy swap. See our guide on can dogs eat apples or can dogs eat bananas. For the full list of foods to avoid, read our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs.