Can dogs eat honey?

Honey is about 80 percent sugar. A quarter teaspoon is a reasonable occasional taste for a small dog, and half to one teaspoon for a large dog. Daily honey adds calories that can lead to weight gain, and sticky sugars cling to teeth.

Drizzle it on a lick mat for enrichment rather than feeding it from the spoon.

Raw honey can contain bacterial spores, including those that cause botulism. Healthy adult dogs are unlikely to be affected, but many vets suggest avoiding raw honey for puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems, just as it is avoided for human babies.

Pasteurized honey from the supermarket is lower risk.

Honey is often suggested online for coughs, allergies, or wounds. If your dog is coughing, itchy, or has a wound, see your vet, because these can have many causes that need proper diagnosis. Medical-grade honey is sometimes used on wounds under veterinary direction, which is different from applying kitchen honey at home.

Kennel cough and other respiratory infections need veterinary assessment.

Honey roast ham, honey mustard, and honey-glazed nuts bring salt, mustard, or nuts. Honey cereals and granola may contain raisins or chocolate. Some honey-flavored products use sweeteners, so check for xylitol. Honey on its own is the simplest option. Honey-coated treats and chews sold for dogs are generally fine but still count toward your dog's daily treat calories, so check the pack and adjust meals if needed.