Dogs are our best friends, and they make us happy all the time. Whoever owns a dog will know that a dog means a lot to them. Owners will use up time to teach pet commands and give the dog walks and food. This means that the dog has to be cared for. To have a pet, you will wonder what foods can your dog consume.
So Can Dogs Consume Honey?
Honey is a natural food, and it is super healthy. However, as humans can eat honey, can dogs eat honey too?
Dogs that reach adulthood can eat honey, but puppies should be allowed to eat any. Why is baby dangerous for puppies? The reason is that it contains certain ingredients that have adverse effects on dogs that haven’t reached adulthood. Puppies do not have the immune system to ingest these ingredients. You can feed them to adult dogs, just occasionally.
However, it is preferred that adult dogs should eat raw honey compared to regular honey. If you are not familiar with what “raw honey” means, it just means that unprocessed honey that is not heated in any matter. It is a natural and fresh ingredient and is used to sweeten the treats you give to your dog. It is also a natural way to aid your dog’s health issues.
How Many Spoons Of Honey Can My Dog Consume
Dogs can eat honey moderately. Like humans, we get sick if we eat anything excessively. If dogs eat one thing excessively, like honey, they get too ill. It has a high sugar and calorie content. If the dog takes too much honey, he will get diarrhoea and a lousy tummy ache.
Do not give your dog more than one teaspoon daily. An adult dog can have one teaspoon; anything more will provide him with diarrhea and make him obese.
As for puppies, a little bit of honey might harm them as puppies don’t have the digestive system to consume honey.
Honey’s Benefits To Dogs
Honey Gives Nutrients To Dogs
Honey contains many essential nutrients like pollen grains, enzymes, potassium, and other various proteins and hormones.
Dogs can’t digest a lot of human food. However, honey is predigested by bees, which means dogs easily understand it. It also helps to curb harmful bacteria in the dog’s digestive system,
It also improves the dog’s fur. Eating honey will give the coat a shiny coat that shimmers every time you clean it.
It also improves the dog’s level of energy. Raw honey has natural fructose that can be broken down by the dog’s system, giving him a boost of energy. The baby acts immediately, and most dogs like the taste of honey.
If your dog dislikes honey, you can put a teaspoon of honey into his drinking bowl. You can also buy honey treats for the dog to eat as it has nutrients for him.
Studies have shown that honey can improve the calcium absorption of the dog when it drinks milk and other forms of calcium when he consumes two types of calcium.
So What Types Of Honey Is Good For Dogs
Manuka honey is the best honey for humans and dogs. Studies have shown that this honey has more medicinal properties compared to other types of honey. It has high nutritional content and is four times more nutritious than flower honey. It also has more enzymes compared to different kinds of honey.
If Manuka honey is unavailable, getting other types of raw honey is also suitable for dogs. Manuka honey originated from New Zealand and is made out of nectar of flowers from the Manuka bush.
Manuka honey is a healthy snack for your dog. You can mix some honey with blueberry jam and let the pooch lick it off the spoon.
Honey that has been highly processed has fewer health benefits and is not recommended. It looks thin and transparent. Avoid buying these types of honey.
Does The Dog Have Allergies
If your dog has allergies, a spoon of raw honey might cure him. Raw honey has pollen that helps the rid dog allergies through sniffing at powder. If the dog’s allergy problems become severe and keep recurring, you have to take him to the vet as soon as possible. You need to bring the dog to the vet and ask the vet to give you a definitive treatment after a diagnosis.
If a pet is allergic to honey, consult a doctor first. However, it can cause ulcers in dogs, so disclose to vet before testing on the dog. Always play safe and let the experts give advice.
What Other Conditions Can You Treat With Honey
There are many uses for honey. Your pet doesn’t need to eat it to reap the benefits.
One can use honey as a dog shampoo. Honey can use to nourish the dog skin and keep the skin healthy without infections.
Treating Infections and Cuts
Apply honey on the wound when the dog has been hurt.
Honey is healing cuts and wounds:
However, processed honey does not have any healing properties. Always opt for raw honey or manuka honey. Manuka honey is the one that can aid cuts and wounds.
How To Preserve Honey
Many people wonder how to store honey. Storing honey is not a complicated process. When adequately contained, your poodle can use the jar of honey for a long time.
Some people preserve honey in the refrigerator. Many use this to prolong the shelf life of the honey. However, storing it in the fridge makes the syrup thicker.
If you want to give your poodle honey, store in a dry and cool place, seal the jar tightly. You can eat the syrup along with your pet for a long time.
Conclusion
Young dogs can’t eat honey. Before giving it to a young dog, ask the vet first. Always get raw honey for your dog and make sure that that it doesn’t exceed one teaspoon daily. If the dog is allergic to the honey, don’t give it to him anymore. If the dog is diabetic, don’t give any honey at all.
Author Bio:
Tony is the owner of Petpetbuy.com, the pet-parent of two dogs, and he is also an active animal rescuer. He works with multiple non-governmental organisations which work towards providing aid to homeless dogs and cats.