Can Dogs Eat Honey?

1. High in Sugar: Honey is primarily sugar. This makes it a high-calorie food that can contribute to weight gain and dental problems if given too often. It is not safe for dogs with diabetes. 2. Botulism Spores: Raw honey can contain the spores of Clostridium botulinum. In healthy adult dogs, these spores are harmlessly filtered out. However, in puppies under a year old or dogs with weakened immune systems, these spores can colonize the intestines and cause botulism, a serious and potentially fatal illness.

• Due to the risks, you should NEVER give honey to:
• Puppies: Their immune systems are not developed enough to fight off potential botulism spores.
• Diabetic Dogs: The high sugar content will cause a dangerous spike in their blood sugar.
• Overweight Dogs: It is a high-calorie food that will contribute to weight gain.
• Immunocompromised Dogs: Dogs with weakened immune systems are also at risk for botulism.

• For a healthy adult dog, a small amount of honey can be a safe treat.
• Serve in Moderation: A small spoonful is plenty. Do not make it a regular part of their diet.
• Local Honey for Allergies?: Some people believe that feeding a dog local honey can help with seasonal allergies by exposing them to local pollen. While there is little scientific evidence to support this, it is generally considered safe for healthy adult dogs if done in moderation.

For healthy adult dogs, a small taste of honey is safe as an occasional treat. However, it must be avoided entirely for puppies, diabetic dogs, and those with compromised immune systems due to the risks of botulism and high sugar content.