you're drizzling honey over your toast, and your kelpie is giving you the look. Is it okay to share a lick?
It's a fair question, and plenty of Aussie dog owners ask it. So, is honey good for dogs? In small amounts, yes. For healthy adult dogs, a little honey is a safe, tasty treat, and manuka honey is the type with the most research behind it. Just remember that honey is sugar, so it's an occasional extra, not a daily supplement or a medicine.
This guide covers what honey actually does for dogs, what makes manuka honey for dogs different, how much is safe, which MGO strength to choose, and when to skip it and call your vet. It's general information, and your vet knows your dog best.
|
Quick Answer Yes, in small amounts honey is generally safe for healthy adult dogs, and manuka honey is the type with the most research behind it. Treat it as an occasional sweet extra, not a medicine. Check with your vet first if your dog is diabetic, overweight, a puppy or has a health condition. |
|
Key Takeaways • A small amount of honey is safe for most healthy adult dogs. • Manuka honey is a premium choice, graded by MGO and tested, but it has the same sugar as other honey. • Keep it occasional. Treats should stay under about 10% of your dog's daily calories. • Skip it, or ask your vet first, for puppies, diabetic, overweight or immunocompromised dogs. • For wounds, coughs and skin problems, see your vet. Honey is not a substitute for veterinary care. |
In this guide
• Is Honey Good for Dogs? The Short Answer
• What Does Honey Do for Dogs?
• What Makes Manuka Honey Different?
• What Can Manuka Honey Help With?
• How Much Manuka Honey Can I Give My Dog?
• Which MGO Strength Is Best for Dogs?
• When Honey Is Not a Good Idea
• Can Puppies Have Manuka Honey?
• When to Call Your Vet
• Why Choose Sunhighlands
• Frequently Asked Questions
Is Honey Good for Dogs? The Short Answer
For most healthy adult dogs, honey is fine in small amounts. It isn't toxic to dogs, and plenty of dogs love the taste. Vet-reviewed sources such as the American Kennel Club agree that small quantities are safe, while pointing out that many of the health claims you'll see online haven't been proven in dogs.
The catch is sugar. A teaspoon of honey has about 20 calories, which adds up quickly for a small dog, and too much can contribute to weight gain and tooth problems. Raw honey can also carry botulism spores. Healthy adult dogs usually cope with them, but puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable. That's why we keep servings small and recommend a quick chat with your vet if you're unsure.
Is Manuka Honey Safe for Dogs?
Yes. Manuka honey is safe for healthy adult dogs in the same small amounts as other honey, and the same cautions apply. So if you've wondered whether dogs can eat manuka honey, the answer is yes, as an occasional treat.
What sets it apart is grading. Manuka honey is rated by its MGO (methylglyoxal) level, so you can see exactly what you're buying. Sunhighlands manuka honey is Australian, raw, AMHA certified, B-Safe Quality Assurance (BSQA) and MGO certified.
Benefits of Honey for dogs?
Honey has a long reputation as a natural wellness food, so it's no surprise owners ask what honey does for dogs and why honey is good for dogs at all.
Where does manuka honey fit in? It's the most studied honey for antibacterial activity, and it's used in medical-grade wound dressings for people. The most reliable way honey helps dogs is as a high-value treat, and a handy way to tempt a fussy eater.
What Makes Manuka Honey Different?
Manuka honey is made by bees that forage on Leptospermum flowers, known in Australia as manuka or jelly bush. Australia is home to most of the world's Leptospermum species, which is why Australian Manuka Honey has become so sought after.
Its strength is measured by MGO, a natural compound that forms in the honey over time. MGO is reported in mg/kg, so MGO 263+ means at least 263 mg per kilogram.
|
How to pick a trustworthy jar • A clear MGO number on the label • A statement of Australian origin • The AMHA Mark of Authenticity, which shows independent testing • Pure honey only, with no added syrups, sweeteners or flavours • A brand that explains how its honey is tested |
The same checks apply when you're choosing the best honey for dogs. Pure, unflavoured honey is all your dog needs.
What Can Manuka Honey Help With?
Ask a group of dog owners why there's a jar of manuka honey in the pantry and you'll hear a long list: itchy skin, scrapes, a tickly cough, a sensitive tummy, an ageing best mate. Manuka honey has earned that reputation because it's the most studied honey in the world for its antibacterial activity, and it's used in medical-grade dressings for people.
Allergies and Itchy Skin
Itchy skin is one of the biggest reasons owners reach for Manuka Honey, and it's easy to see why. Honey has a soothing reputation, and manuka honey is the one people talk about most for its natural compounds and antioxidants.
What your dog's scratching usually needs is a cause. Fleas, food sensitivities, grass and dust mites, and skin infections all look much the same at home, but each needs different treatment. Your vet can work out which one it is, and that's where real relief starts. A small lick of manuka honey can still be a lovely treat alongside a vet-guided plan.
Wounds, Cuts and Hot Spots
Wounds are where manuka honey has its strongest reputation. In human medicine, Medical-Grade Manuka Honey is used in dressings, and some vet clinics use similar products on dogs. That's a big part of why Manuka Honey for dog wounds is so widely searched.
The important detail is that a jar of food honey and a medical-grade dressing aren't the same thing. Medical-grade products are processed and tested specifically for wound care. Sunhighlands Manuka Honey is a food, not a wound product, so vets decide case by case.
Dogs also lick whatever is on their skin, which can undo a dressing and upset their tummy. For a deep, swollen, smelly or weeping wound, or one that isn't improving, please see your vet. For a very small graze, ask your vet what they'd recommend, and keep the jar for the lick spoon.
Cough, Kennel Cough and Sore Throats
Honey is a traditional throat soother for people, and manuka honey is a favourite because its thick, sticky texture coats the throat so well. Some owners offer a small lick when their dog has a mild throat tickle, such as after a long bark or a dusty walk.
Where it matters is the cause. A cough that lasts more than a few days, or any cough with breathing trouble, can point to kennel cough, a collapsed trachea (especially in small breeds), or a heart or lung problem. Kennel cough is also contagious, so a vet visit protects other dogs too.
A simple rule: a one-off tickle gets a tiny lick and a close watch. A cough that persists, comes with a tired or off-food dog, or sounds like a goose honk goes straight to the vet.
Upset Tummy and Diarrhoea
Many owners wonder about Manuka Honey for a dog's upset stomach, since honey has such a gentle reputation. But honey is sugar, and it can loosen stools in some dogs, so it's not a go-to when your dog already has diarrhoea. Fresh water on hand and a call to your vet are better first steps. Call your vet if diarrhoea lasts more than 24 hours.
Older Dogs
Senior dogs often love a little something special, and manuka honey makes a lovely occasional reward for an ageing best mate with a sweet tooth. It can also be a handy way to tempt a fussy older dog at mealtime. If their appetite drops suddenly, though, that's a reason to see your vet, not to reach for the honey.
Teeth and Ears
Honey is sometimes mentioned for dental and ear care, but it's no substitute for either. Honey doesn't clean teeth, and its sugar can add to plaque and tooth decay, so keep brushing and ask your vet about dental checks.
For ears, shaking, scratching, redness or a smell usually signals an infection that needs a vet exam and the right treatment. Some vets use medical-grade honey ear products, but those are formulated for the job and are quite different from pantry honey. Please don't drip honey into your dog's ears.
How Much Manuka Honey Can I Give My Dog?
The rule is small and occasional. Treats of any kind, honey included, should stay under about 10% of your dog's daily calories. This table is a general guide for healthy adult dogs, so check with your vet before you start.
|
Dog weight |
Starting serve |
How often |
|
Under 5 kg |
A lick, about 1/8 teaspoon |
Once or twice a week |
|
5 to 10 kg |
1/4 teaspoon |
Once or twice a week |
|
10 to 25 kg |
1/2 teaspoon |
Once or twice a week |
|
Over 25 kg |
1 teaspoon |
Once or twice a week |
How to serve it: let your dog lick it off a spoon, drizzle a little over their regular meal, or smear it inside a lick mat. Introduce it slowly and watch for 24 hours. If you see vomiting, diarrhoea, itching or drooling, stop and call your vet.
If your dog has a health condition, takes medication, is pregnant or is a puppy, ask your vet before offering any honey. If you're wondering how to use manuka honey for dogs day to day, the answer is simple: keep it small, keep it occasional, and keep it as a treat.
Which MGO Strength Is Best for Dogs?
MGO tells you how much methylglyoxal is in the honey. A higher number means a stronger, more intense honey and a higher price. It doesn't mean a bigger serve. For a dog treat, a lower MGO is all you need, and the sugar content is similar at every strength.
|
Strength |
Suited to |
Note for dog owners |
|
Everyday treat |
Mild, a great starter jar |
|
|
Everyday treat |
Most owners need nothing stronger |
|
|
Occasional treat |
Stronger flavour and more premium; same sugar |
|
|
Human wellness and special use |
Ask your vet; a higher number does not make a better dog treat |
Looking for the best manuka honey for dogs, or where to buy manuka honey for dogs in Australia? Browse full manuka honey range, from MGO 100+ to MGO 1500+.
When Honey Is Not a Good Idea
Honey suits most healthy adult dogs, but caring owners know when to skip it. Avoid it, or check with your vet first, if your dog is:
• Diabetic, overweight or very inactive
• Immunocompromised
• A young puppy
• Allergic to bee stings or bee products
• On a vet-prescribed diet, or has a history of pancreatitis or a sensitive tummy
Safety Note: if you buy honey-flavoured treats or spreads, check the label for xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Plain honey doesn't contain it, but some flavoured products do.
Signs of a reaction include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, itching and lethargy. If you see any of them, stop the honey and call your vet.
Can Puppies Have Manuka Honey?
Vets generally advise against raw honey for young puppies, because of botulism spores and their developing systems. If you're wondering about honey for a puppy, wait and ask your vet first.
When to Call Your Vet
Manuka honey can sit alongside veterinary care. It should never replace it. Call your vet if your dog has:
• A wound that is deep, swollen, smelly or not improving
• A cough lasting more than a few days
• Diarrhoea or vomiting that does not settle
• Itchy skin that keeps coming back
• Any trouble breathing
• Collapse or sudden lethargy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is honey good for dogs?
Yes, in small amounts honey is generally safe and enjoyable for healthy adult dogs. It's high in sugar, so keep it occasional and check with your vet if your dog is diabetic, overweight, a puppy or unwell.
Can dogs eat manuka honey?
Yes. Healthy adult dogs can have small amounts of manuka honey as an occasional treat. The same cautions apply as with any honey: keep servings small and skip it for puppies and dogs with diabetes or weakened immunity.
Is manuka honey better for dogs than regular honey?
Manuka honey is graded and tested for MGO and has been studied more closely, but it has just as much sugar as other honey. Serving sizes stay the same, so a small amount of any quality honey is enough.
How much manuka honey can I give my dog?
Most healthy adult dogs can have a lick up to about a teaspoon once or twice a week, depending on size. Use the serving table above and ask your vet before you start.
Can manuka honey help dog allergies?
Itching and sneezing have many causes, from fleas to food. Your vet can find the cause and suggest proven treatment, with an occasional lick of Manuka Honey as a treat alongside.
Can I put manuka honey on my dog's wound?
Only with your vet's guidance. Medical-grade manuka dressings are used in some clinics, but jar honey isn't the same, and dogs tend to lick anything on their skin. See a vet for anything beyond a tiny graze.
Is manuka honey good for kennel cough?
Some owners offer a little for comfort, but honey doesn't treat the infection. Kennel cough and other causes of a lasting cough need a vet check, especially if your dog is tired, off their food or struggling to breathe.
Is honey good for older dogs?
A small treat can suit healthy older dogs, but seniors are more prone to weight gain and diabetes. Keep serves tiny and ask your vet first.
Can puppies have honey?
Generally not. Raw honey may contain botulism spores, and young puppies' systems are still developing. Wait until your vet says it's okay.
Which MGO is best for dogs?
For a treat, MGO 100+ or 263+ is plenty. A higher MGO means a stronger, more premium honey, not a bigger serve, and the sugar content is similar.
Can dogs eat raw honey?
Healthy adult dogs can have small amounts. Raw honey isn't recommended for puppies or immunocompromised dogs because it may carry botulism spores.
The Bottom Line
So, is honey good for dogs? In small, occasional amounts, it can be a safe and tasty treat for healthy adult dogs, and a jar of Australian manuka honey is a lovely choice. Keep serves small, skip it for puppies and dogs with health conditions, and let your vet lead on wounds, coughs and skin problems.
Want to know more? Read our Manuka Honey Guide, or shop our manuka honey range.
This article is general information and is not veterinary advice. Speak with your vet about your dog's individual needs before offering honey or any new food.
References
• American Kennel Club: Can Dogs Eat Honey?
• Dogster: Can Dogs Eat Honey? (medical-grade manuka honey use by vets)
