Health-conscious people sometimes replace sugar with honey. Because honey is a natural product, on the other hand, sugar is a processed product. And the people who use honey more always ask that can dogs eat honey? The answer is yes, the dogs can eat honey but in a small amount. Because the sugar level in honey is very high and it can cause some health issues to the dog.
What Is Honey?
Honey is a viscous and golden liquid produced by honey bees. It is widely eaten all around the world with bread, and also in teas and coffee. It is very beneficial for health. Sometimes it is questioned how honey is formed? The honey bees collect the nectar, which is a sweet liquid in a flower. The honeybees collect it and store it in the crop. In the crop, the nectar undergoes enzymatic reactions.
This nectar is then given to another honey bee for regurgitation. The process of regurgitation occurs till the pure viscous honey is formed. This honey is then deposited in the honeycomb. Then this honey is removed from the honeycomb by human beings for their eating purpose.
Nutritional Value Of Honey
The honey is delicious. It also contains nutrients, which are crucial for good health. 100 grams of honey can provide 304 kcal. Other important nutrients present in honey are as follows:
| Nutrients | Value in grams | %age daily value |
| Sugar | 82.4 grams | |
| Fats | 0 grams | |
| Protein | 0.3 grams | |
| Riboflavin | 0.038 mg | 3% |
| Niacin B3 | 0.121 mg | 1% |
| Pantothenic acid B5 | 0.068mg | 1% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.024 mg | 2% |
| Folate | 2 micrograms | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.5 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 6 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.42 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 2 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 2 mg | 1% |
| Phosphorus | 4 mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 52 mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 4 mg | 0% |
| Zinc | 0.22 mg | 2% |
| Water | 17.1 grams |
Is Honey Safe For The Dogs?
The honey is safe for dogs to eat but in moderation. As the honey contains some minerals and vitamin so, this also provide health benefits to the dog. The honey also has medical importance as it is used in treating some infections and health issues. So if given in the ideal amount, the honey can provide health benefits to the dog.
Health Benefits Of Honey To Dogs
The honey can provide the following health benefits to the dog:
Good For Dog Skin
The honey contains a compound that is very beneficial for the shiny and healthy skin of dogs. If you apply the honey to the infected area of the dog’s skin, your dog will feel relief from the skin problem. Because the raw honey has the antibacterial, and antifungal property, which will help your dog relieve the bacterial or fungal infections.
And if your dog is having skin problems like:
- insect bites
- eczema
- hot spots
- scrapes
- scratches
- wound
you can apply the honey to the skin of the dog. It will surely give relief to the dog from the itchiness and soothes the skin.
Improves The Immune System
the honey can also help in enhancing the immune system of the dog. Because honey contains pollens and microorganisms. When introduced into the dog’s body, the dog’s body starts preparing the antibodies against it. This process will improve the immune system of the dog.
Helps To Get Relief From Allergies
the honey contains compounds that can play a central role to make your dog get relief from allergies.
Decrease Watery Eyes And Itchiness In Dogs
The pollens present in the honey contains Quercetin. This compound paly a significant role in reducing the water eyes and itchiness.
Throat Problems
You may hear that honey plays a significant role in soothing the throat. The honey contains a compound that is helpful to treat itchiness and sore throat in dogs.
Improves Digestion
The honey contains probiotics and prebiotics. These are very good for the healthy digestion of food. So if your dog is suffering from constipation, indigestion and diarrhoea, you should give a minimal amount of honey to the dog. It will help the dog to deal with this kind of stomach problem.
Maintain Weight
The honey is richly sweet, but the sugar in honey breaks down differently from regular table sugar. It is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream. So, it will not allow the dog to feel again and again. This loss of appetite in your dog will help your dog maintain dog’s good health.
Energy Provision
The honey stores a lot of energy inside it. And it quickly gives this energy to the dog when you provide honey to the dog to eat.
When Should You Not Give Honey To The Dog?
The honey is not toxic to dogs. You can give honey to the dogs safely, but still, there are some cases in which you should not give honey to the dog.
Obesity
The honey is highly nutritious, but it contains sugar and fats too. These can cause the gain of weight. And your dog will become obese.
And if your dog is already obese, then you should never offer honey to your dog. Because if your dog gets obese, your dog will feel laziness and get tired after a short activity.
Diabetes
If your dog is suffering from diabetes, your should completely void giving honey to the dog. Because the sugar level in the honey is very high, and the health conditions will worsen if the diabetic dog eats honey.
Allergy
There is a possibility that the dog has an allergy to the honey bee or with the honey. If your dog is allergic to honey, and the dog has eaten the honey, it can cause many health issues to the dog.
FAQs
How Much Honey is Safe For My Dog?
The amount of honey safe for the dog is different according to its size, age, breed, and physiology. An average-sized dog can bear one teaspoon of honey.
Can Honey Make a Dog Sick?
If given in small amounts, then the honey will not cause any health risk to the dog. But if the honey is given to the dog too much at once, this can make your dog ill. The dog who has overeaten honey at once may have to suffer diarrhoea, high blood sugar level and digestive upset.
Is Honey Provide Health Benefits To Dogs?
Yes, honey contains essential minerals and vitamins. These are beneficial for dogs as they strengthen the immune system, soothe skin itchiness, relieve the tlhroat issue, improve digestion problems, and maintain its health.
Conclusion
Honey is used all over the world. It contains some essential minerals and vitamins that play a central role in maintaining a dog’s good health. But when you give honey to the dog, always try to give it in moderation because the sugar level in honey is very high. And this high sugar content in honey can make your dog sick. Before providing the honey to you must know that is your dog allergic to honey or not.
It will be excellent if you talk to the vet first before giving honey to the dog. Because the vet will tell you that your dog is allergic to honey or not. And also, explain to you effects and side effects of honey on your dog according to your dog’s physiology.
