Honey is delicious but is it safe to eat with dogs? Raw honey is safe for dogs. Raw honey is one of the most powerful and versatile natural remedies available – even for canine companions. Honey is rich in vitamins and minerals that support optimal health. Dogs can eat honey, but there are some exceptions.
Let’s take a look at how honey can benefit your furry friend. We will also discuss why your dog should be cautious if they are allergic to beestings or diabetic.
- Is honey good for dogs?
- Honey benefits for dogs
- Honey to dogs: When is it best to not feed honey?
- Natural remedies
- How much honey can you give your dog?
- How to feed honey to your dog
- The Key Takeaways
Pro tip: Honey, which is high in the glycemic Index, can cause blood sugar levels to rise in dogs. Pet insurances long as diabetes are not considered a pre-existing condition; the insurance will cover treatment and diagnosis.
Is honey good for dogs?
Honey can be a great choice for dogs’ health if taken in small amounts. Honey is a superfood that is packed with nutrients essential for healthy body functions. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals. These are the most vital ones:
- Vitamin C It is vital for strengthening the immune system and maintaining bones, cartilage and teeth. It also helps to repair and grow body tissues.
- Vitamin B It supports cell growth, health, cell metabolism and prevents infections. It supports brain function and increases energy levels.
- Vitamin E protects cells from damaging free radicals by acting as an antioxidant
- Vitamin D It regulates calcium and phosphate levels in the body. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone problems.
- Vitamin K It helps to heal wounds and is vital for blood clotting.
- Antioxidants Flavonoids and phenolic acids, which protect the body against oxidative stress, are great supplements for pregnant dogs.
Honey contains sugars such as glucose and fructose, as well minerals like zinc and phosphate. These minerals have many benefits for various body functions like red blood cell production and collagen production.
Honey benefits for dogs
Honey is safe for dogs and can even be very healthy for them. These are the top holistic benefits that honey can offer your dog.
Allergy relief
Honey may be beneficial for seasonal allergies in your four-legged friend. Honey can be slowly introduced to your dog’s immune systems to help them develop antibodies to prevent an allergic reaction to pollen from the air. Pollen also contains Quercetin which is a naturally occurring polyphenol and rich in antihistamines. This can help with watery, itchy eyes.
Raw honey, unfiltered honey, is best for your pet’s health. It will boost his immunity and give you the best results. Local honey is best because it contains local pollen, which can affect your dog’s health.
Skin irritation and wounds
Honey can also be used to treat minor cuts, scrapes and scratches. Honey can be used to treat eczema and insect bites. Honey that has not been pasteurized is antiviral and antibacterial, which can speed up healing.
To prevent your dog from licking the honey off your skin, apply a thin layer to the area. Cover it with a dressing.
You should take your pet to the veterinarian if you have deeper wounds that are more severe. This will ensure that they can be treated properly.
Kennel cough
Honey is a great way to relieve kennel cough and other breathing problems in dogs. Manuka honey and local honey are both options. Manuka honey is well-known for its high content of antibacterial substances.
Gastrointestinal upset
Honey can soothe minor stomach upsets or diarrhoea caused by something as simple as your dog eating grass. Honey may also be used to treat various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases such as colitis, gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome.
Honey is a natural antibacterial agent that can kill bacteria and heal minor stomach ulcers in dogs. Some vets even recommend it. To be certain of the situation and to determine the best course, consult a veterinarian.
Energy boost
Sugar is found in honey, which provides instant energy. Honey’s natural sugars are slower to break down than processed sugars, which can help increase energy levels in a healthy manner. It is given to senior dogs and athletes dogs by pet parents to help them regain their spunk. Honey’s anti-inflammatory properties can help seniors pets move more easily and soothe their arthritic joints.
When to avoid feeding honey to dogs
Honey, like any other human food, is not suitable for all canines. It is also not ideal for all dogs. If taken in large amounts, it can pose a danger. Before giving your pet this sweet treat, there are some things you should consider.
Diabetic dogs
Honey has a high glycemic index, which can cause an increase in blood sugar. Consult your veterinarian if honey is unsafe for your pet. Instead, offer treats lower in sugar like cucumbers.
Overweight dogs
Honey is high in calories because it contains sugar. Honey can cause weight gain and tooth decay.
Dogs are allergic to honey bees.
Dogs can become allergic to bee stings. Hypersensitive dogs might also develop an allergy to honey.
Senior dogs and puppies
Honey is not recommended for senior dogs, puppies, or dogs with compromised immune systems. Honey contains bacteria that can be good for healthy dogs but can make them sick. Talk to your vet about when honey should be added to your dog’s daily diet.
Pro tip: You can be sure that you will find the best treatment for your dog without fear by paying monthly pet insurance.
Natural remedies
Honey is not the only honey that can provide health benefits to dogs. Although scientific evidence is lacking to support these claims, many dog owners find that bee pollen and royal jelly offer holistic health solutions.
Propolis
Propolis, a natural antibiotic, is used to treat infections and has anti-cancer properties. Propolis, which is similar to honey, can be used topically to heal wounds and cuts.
Bee pollen
The body is protected from harmful free radicals by pollen. Free radicals can damage the cells, proteins, DNA, and DNA of your pet’s body. This can lead to premature aging and cancer.
Beeswax
Beeswax can be used to heal cracked or dry paws and elbow calluses. Apply the oil to the affected area by melting the wax with a few drops of plant-infused oil, such as calendula or plantain.
Royal jelly
Royal jelly is a great way to increase the endurance and stamina of your dog. It can even be used to treat anxiety and depression.
How much honey can you give your dog?
Honey can be added to the diet of your dog’s pet if you wish. For small breed dogs, it is better to have less than more when it comes to treats for your dog. A teaspoon of honey has 17 grams of sugar and 70 calories. You might limit your honey intake to one teaspoon per day. Even a teaspoon of honey might be too much for small breed dogs. Talk to your vet about the right amount.
Pet owners should use some guidelines to ensure their dogs don’t get too much honey.
- Dogs under 10 lbs0.25 tsp/day
- 10-20 lb: 0.50 tsp/day
- 20-50 lbs: 1 tsp/day
- More than 50 lbs2 tsp/day
It’s important to be cautious with new foods and not overindulge. Start by adding a small amount of honey to your dog’s food until they become used to it. Start with just a few granules of pollen for a few days. If everything goes well, you can increase the amount to 0.5% per 25 lbs.
A teaspoon of honey is fine for small dogs. If they consume more than one tablespoon of honey per day, be aware that your pet may experience increased blood sugar symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting and loss of appetite. These symptoms can be caused by diabetes. Talk to your veterinarian immediately.
How to feed honey to your dog
Your pup could be content to lick honey from a spoon or a plate, but you can do more. These are some creative ways honey can be incorporated into the diet of your dog.
- Spread honey on an apple, banana, or other fruit that is safe for dogs. You can also add all ingredients to a food processor and blend them. Freeze the mixture and enjoy it as a refreshing treat on hot summer days.
- To make your dog’s favourite treat even more special, spread a thin layer of honey on it.
- Mix honey with peanut butter, plain yoghurt, or pumpkin puree. Garnish with a biscuit.
- Mix honey with herbs. Mix dried herbs with antiviral, antibiotic, and/or fungal properties such as lavender oregano lemon balm, thyme and/or oregano. These herbs should be placed in a jar and filled with honey. Cover the herbs with honey. The sealed jar should be kept in warm conditions for at least two weeks. To remove the spices, strain the honey using a strainer or cheesecloth. Keep the honey in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
_NOTE: It is important to discuss all herbs with your vet as some herbs can be toxic for dogs.
You should consider that honey can kill good bacteria in baked goods you make for your dog.
Raw honey is the best honey for pets. It has not been pasteurized, heated or processed. Honey that has been highly pasteurized tends to be more transparent and less watery and therefore has lower health benefits.
Keep the liquid in an airtight container that is sealed and kept in a dry, cool place. Honey can crystallize due to the overabundance of sugar. This is normal and does not mean that honey has gone bad. To bring the honey back into its original consistency, simply place the jar in warm tap water. It is important to not boil the honey as it can cause damage.
The Key Takeaways
- Honey is both sweet and safe and has various medicinal properties that can be used to treat diseases in humans and dogs. Honey is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, which can support the health of your canine friend.
- Honey is generally safe to feed your pups. However, honey is safe for dogs to consume if given to overweight dogs, diabetic dogs and dogs with impaired or immature immune systems.
- For specific advice on feeding honey to your pet, talk to your veterinarian. Your vet will be able to help you determine if honey is right for your dog based on their health history.
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