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Can Dogs and Cats Eat Raw Honey?

About Raw Honey

Honey is a sweet and viscous substance made by several species of bees, the best-known of which are honey bees. Honey is made and stored to nourish bee colonies. Read more on Wikipedia →

Raw Honey for Dogs

Contains natural enzymes and antioxidants. May help with seasonal allergies when locally sourced. Very high in sugar so limit to half a teaspoon for small dogs.

The general rule of thumb is the 10% guideline — treats and extras should not exceed 10% of your dog's total daily calories. The remainder should come from a balanced commercial or vet-formulated diet. Introduce raw honey gradually, watching for any sign of digestive upset over the first 24–48 hours.

Nutrition per 100 g

Beets, raw — 44.6 kcal, 1.69 g protein, 0.3 g fat, 8.79 g carbohydrates, 3.12 g fiber, 5.1 g sugar. Source: USDA FoodData Central.

Portion guide by body weight

• Toy / small (under 5 kg / 11 lb): a teaspoon-sized piece, 2–3 times per week
• Medium (5–15 kg / 11–33 lb): a tablespoon-sized portion, up to daily
• Large (15–30 kg / 33–66 lb): two tablespoons, up to daily
• Giant (30 kg+): a small handful, up to daily

Raw Honey for Cats

Same concerns as regular honey — high sugar, no benefit for cats. Additionally may contain botulism spores.

Because cats process many compounds differently from dogs, the safety threshold for raw honey can be much lower. Even a 'small taste' that a dog would handle may bother a cat. If you have any doubt, simply don't offer it.

How to Serve Raw Honey Safely

1. Wash thoroughly with cold water to remove dirt, pesticide residue, or surface bacteria.
2. Remove any inedible parts — pits, seeds, stems, leaves, or rinds — unless those are clearly safe for the species.
3. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Small dogs and cats can choke on anything larger than their windpipe.
4. Serve plain. No salt, sugar, butter, oil, garlic, onion, or seasoning of any kind.
5. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container and use within 24 hours.

If you're freezing portions of raw honey as a hot-weather treat, freeze in single-serving sizes so you're not thawing more than your pet will eat in one session.

What to Avoid

• Sugar, syrup, or artificial sweeteners. Xylitol in particular is severely toxic to dogs and is hidden in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, baked goods, and even some toothpaste.
• Garlic and onion in any form. Both are toxic to dogs and cats, including powdered forms in sauces and seasoning mixes.
• Chocolate, coffee, or alcohol served alongside or mixed in.
• Salt and salty cured products. Pets can develop sodium ion poisoning from amounts that seem trivial to a human.
• Cooked bones if Raw Honey is served with meat. Cooked bones splinter and can perforate the gut.

Signs of a Problem

Even with safe foods, individual sensitivities are real. Stop feeding and call your vet if you see any of:

• Vomiting or diarrhea, especially repeated episodes within a few hours
• Excessive drooling, lip-licking, or pacing
• Lethargy, weakness, or unwillingness to move
• Difficulty breathing, swelling around the face, or hives
• Tremors, twitching, or seizures — always an emergency

If your pet's symptoms are severe, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. In the United States the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is reachable 24/7 at +1 (888) 426-4435.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat raw honey?

Yes, in moderation. Raw Honey is a safe occasional treat for most healthy dogs when prepared correctly. Stick to the 10% treat rule and avoid added sugar, salt, or spices.

How much raw honey can my dog eat a day?

A teaspoon to a tablespoon for small dogs, a tablespoon to two for medium dogs, and up to a small handful for large dogs. Treats and extras should not exceed 10% of daily calories.

Can puppies eat raw honey?

Puppies over 8 weeks old can usually try a tiny piece of raw honey. Their digestive systems are sensitive, so introduce gradually and watch for vomiting or loose stools.

Is raw honey safe for cats too?

In small amounts, yes — see the cat section above. Cats are obligate carnivores and don't need fruit or vegetables nutritionally.

Can dogs eat cooked raw honey?

Yes, plain cooked raw honey is usually fine. Avoid adding butter, oil, salt, sugar, garlic, or onion — all of which can upset or harm pets.

What should I do if my dog ate too much raw honey?

Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy over the next 12–24 hours. If symptoms appear or you're concerned, call your veterinarian. The ASPCA Poison Control line (+1 888 426 4435) can also advise.