Your dog gives you the eyes while you drizzle honey on your toast. Is it safe to share? The short answer: plain honey in small amounts is generally considered safe for most healthy adult dogs. But there are important exceptions.
Is honey safe for dogs?
Honey isn't toxic to dogs. Veterinary sources generally consider small amounts of plain honey safe for healthy adult dogs. But honey is mostly sugar, and dogs don't need added sugar in their diets. Think of it as an occasional treat, not a regular part of their food.
Dogs that should not have honey
Puppies. Like human infants, puppies have immature immune systems and gut bacteria. Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, so many veterinarians advise against giving honey to puppies.
Immunocompromised dogs. Dogs with weakened immune systems, for the same reason.
Diabetic dogs. Honey can raise blood sugar.
Overweight dogs. Extra sugar adds calories.
Dogs with allergies. Some dogs may be sensitive to bee products.
How much is okay?
If your vet approves, keep it small. A common guideline is no more than about a quarter teaspoon to a teaspoon, depending on your dog's size, and not every day. Ask your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog.
Important: watch the other ingredients
This is critical. Many honey-flavored or honey-containing foods include ingredients that are dangerous for dogs:
- Chocolate and cacao contain theobromine, which dogs can't metabolize well. It can be toxic.
- Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in some "sugar-free" products, is extremely toxic to dogs.
- Raisins and grapes can cause kidney damage.
- Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs.
- Caffeine can be dangerous.
Only ever share plain honey, and check labels carefully.
Dental health
Honey's stickiness and sugar can contribute to dental problems. If you give your dog honey, regular tooth brushing and dental care are a good idea.
What about honey for coughs or allergies in dogs?
You may read that honey helps kennel cough or seasonal allergies in dogs. There isn't strong scientific evidence for these uses. If your dog is coughing, sneezing or showing allergy symptoms, see your veterinarian rather than relying on home remedies.
Signs of a problem
After eating anything new, watch your dog for:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Itching, hives or swelling
- Lethargy
- Unusual behavior
Contact your vet if you notice anything concerning.
Fun ways to share safely
If your vet says yes:
- A tiny lick of plain honey as a rare treat
- A small drizzle on plain yogurt (if your dog tolerates dairy)
- Mixed into homemade dog treats with dog-safe ingredients like oats and pumpkin
What about cats?
Cats don't taste sweetness the way dogs and people do, and they don't need honey at all. It's best to skip it.
Store honey safely around pets
Even plain honey can cause problems if a dog gets into a whole jar, mostly from the sugar overload and potential stomach upset. Keep honey jars, packets and any foods containing honey, chocolate or xylitol in closed cabinets or high shelves. Be especially careful with bags and purses, which curious dogs often raid for snacks. If your pet eats something they shouldn't, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline right away.
Keep HYVE for the humans
HYVE Mind Focus & Memory is made for people, and it is not safe for dogs or cats because it contains organic raw cacao. Please store packets out of reach of pets, especially curious dogs who might chew through a bag.
For you, each 14g packet contains 100% raw, USDA Organic honey, 222mg of organic lion's mane extract (20:1, dual-sourced from 100% fruiting body), 80mg of L-theanine, cacao, organic bee pollen and organic vanilla. It's 45 calories with zero caffeine.
Use WELCOME20 for 20% off your first order.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Not for infants under 12 months or anyone with bee or bee-product allergies. Not for pets.
