Can Dogs and Cats Eat Honey? What Are Some Uses?

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Can Dogs Eat Honey Cats

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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Avatar photo

About Dawn Combs

Dawn is a wife, mother, farmer, author, ethnobotanist, professional speaker, and educator. She has over 20 years of ethnobotanical experience, is a certified herbalist, and has a B.A. in Botany and Humanities/Classics. Dawn is co-owner of Mockingbird Meadows Farm. Her books include Conceiving Healthy Babies and Heal Local.

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Comments

  1. Avatar photoManju 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.

  2. Avatar photoSharon 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!

  3. Avatar photoNyree 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.

  4. Avatar photoP 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.

    • Avatar photoEvelyn 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!