Sweets · updated 2026-09-12
Can dogs eat honey?
A little raw honey is fine for adult dogs.
Why
Honey is natural sugar with trace antioxidants; a small amount is harmless and sometimes used for a scratchy throat. Puppies under a year and dogs with weak immune systems should avoid raw honey because of botulism spores. Diabetic dogs should skip it.
How to serve it
Half a teaspoon for a small dog, a teaspoon for a large one, occasionally.
If they eat too much
Weight gain, tooth decay, blood sugar spikes in diabetic dogs.
How much honey for my dog?
A daily maximum for a healthy adult dog, kept inside the 10% treat rule. Enter body weight.
Up to 4 g a day — about a teaspoon · raw, tiny amount, adults only.
Treats of all kinds should stay under about 10% of daily calories. Puppies, kittens, seniors and pets with a medical condition: ask your vet first.
And for cats?
In moderation. Harmless in a drop, but useless. Can cats eat honey? →
Related foods for dogs
- ChocolateToxic
- Ice creamAvoid
- Xylitol (birch sugar)Toxic
- BananasIn moderation
- BreadIn moderation
- BroccoliIn moderation
See the whole list: Can dogs eat…? · printable fridge chart
This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs, based on published veterinary guidance (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, AKC, VCA). It is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your dog's weight, age and medical history. If you are unsure, ask them before sharing any human food.