Honey & Manuka Honey

Honey for Dogs: A Sweet Superfood for Canine Health

Honey has been revered for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. Beyond its sweet taste and human health benefits, this golden nectar can also be a valuable addition to your dog’s diet. Packed with essential nutrients and natural medicinal properties, honey offers a range of benefits for dogs—from boosting energy to soothing sore throats.

Here’s an in-depth look at why honey deserves a place in your dog’s wellness routine and how to incorporate it safely.

The Nutritional Value Of Honey

Raw honey is a powerhouse of nutrients, including:

• Natural Sugars (glucose and fructose): Provide a quick energy source.

• Enzymes: Aid digestion and nutrient absorption.

• Antioxidants: Protect against cellular damage from free radicals.

• Vitamins: B-complex vitamins like riboflavin and niacin.

• Minerals: Calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

• Amino Acids: Essential for various bodily functions.

For dogs, these nutrients can contribute to overall health and vitality when used appropriately.

Top Health Benefits of Honey for Dogs

1. Natural Energy Booster

Honey’s easily digestible sugars make it an excellent energy source for active or working dogs. Dogs recovering from illness or needing a quick pick-me-up can also benefit from its natural carbohydrates.

2. Supports Digestive Health

Honey contains prebiotics and probiotics that encourage healthy gut bacteria growth. This can alleviate common digestive issues like:

• Indigestion

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

Additionally, honey’s natural enzymes aid digestion and improve nutrient absorption, making it a gentle remedy for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

3. Eases Allergies

Local raw honey can act as a natural immunotherapy for dogs with seasonal allergies. By exposing your dog to trace amounts of local pollen, it may help reduce allergic reactions over time. However, consistency is key, and only raw, local honey and local pollen should be used for this purpose.

4. Soothes Throats and Coughs

Honey’s thick, soothing texture can coat the throat and alleviate irritation caused by conditions like kennel cough. Its antimicrobial properties also help fight off bacterial infections contributing to respiratory issues.

5. Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat

Honey’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties can help improve skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, and hot spots. Regular consumption may also lead to a shinier, healthier coat.

For topical application, honey can soothe insect bites, scratches, and minor wounds due to its antibacterial and moisturizing properties.

6. Boosts the Immune System

Rich in antioxidants, honey helps combat free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases. Incorporating honey into your dog’s diet can strengthen their immune system and promote overall well-being.

7. Supports Wound Healing

When applied topically, raw honey acts as a natural antiseptic, creating a moist environment that speeds up healing. Its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for treating:

• Minor cuts and abrasions

• Burns

• Hot spots

Ensure the wound is cleaned before applying honey, and cover it to prevent your dog from licking it off.

8. May Aid in Weight Control

Despite being a sugar, honey digests more slowly than refined sugars, helping to regulate hunger and glucose levels. For dogs prone to weight gain, a small amount of honey may curb appetite and support healthy weight management.

9. Natural Remedy for Kennel Cough

Honey’s soothing and antimicrobial properties can ease coughing and reduce throat irritation, offering relief for dogs suffering from kennel cough or similar conditions.

10. Other Bee Products for Dogs

In addition to honey, other bee products like bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and beeswax can benefit dogs:

• Bee Pollen: Packed with antioxidants to combat free radicals and boost immunity.

• Propolis: A natural antibiotic with wound-healing properties.

• Royal Jelly: Supports stamina and mental health.

• Beeswax: Useful in making healing salves for cracked paws or elbow calluses.

How to Safely Feed Honey to Dogs

Recommended Dosages

The amount of honey your dog can safely consume depends on their size:

  • Up to 4.5 kg (10 lbs): ¼ teaspoon daily

  • 4.5–9 kg (10–20 lbs): ½ teaspoon daily

  • 9–22.7 kg (20–50 lbs): 1 teaspoon daily

  • Over 22.7 kg (50 lbs+): Up to 2 teaspoons daily

Start small to ensure your dog tolerates honey well and monitor for any changes in behavior or digestion.

Choosing The Right Honey

For maximum benefits, choose honey that is:

• Raw and Unfiltered: Retains nutrients and enzymes.

• Organic: Free from pesticides and chemicals.

• Local: Contains pollen specific to your area, ideal for allergy relief.

Raw honey will have a darker colour and may crystallise when chilled—a sign of its authenticity.

When To Avoid Honey

While honey is safe for most dogs, there are exceptions:

• Diabetic Dogs: High sugar content can spike blood glucose levels.

• Overweight Dogs: Use sparingly to avoid exacerbating weight issues.

• Puppies Under One Year Old: Their undeveloped immune systems are more susceptible to botulism spores found in raw honey.

Consult your veterinarian before adding honey to your dog’s diet, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions.

Manuka Honey for Dogs: Benefits, Uses, and Choosing the Right Kind

Manuka honey is no ordinary honey. Harvested from the nectar of the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) in New Zealand and Australia, it is celebrated for its exceptional healing properties. For dogs, Manuka honey offers a range of internal and external benefits, backed by scientific research and centuries of traditional use. Here’s an in-depth look at Manuka honey, its benefits for dogs, the science behind its magic, and how to choose the right product.

What Makes Manuka Honey Special?

Manuka honey’s unique medicinal properties come from its high levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO), Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), and Leptosperin—natural compounds that enhance its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. Unlike regular honey, which relies on hydrogen peroxide for its antimicrobial properties, Manuka honey’s MGO provides long-lasting benefits, even after exposure to enzymes or light.

The Science Behind Manuka Honey

Numerous studies highlight the therapeutic potential of Manuka honey. Research has shown it to be effective against drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA, as well as common pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus. In wound healing, Manuka honey speeds tissue repair and reduces inflammation, making it invaluable for first aid and infection control (FDA, 2015).

The 6 Key Benefits of Manuka Honey for Dogs

1. Wound Healing and First Aid

Apply Manuka honey directly to minor cuts, scrapes, or burns to promote faster healing and prevent infection. Its antibacterial properties help keep wounds clean, while its natural anti-inflammatory effects reduce swelling and discomfort.

2. Skin Disease Relief

From hot spots to allergies, Manuka honey soothes itchy, inflamed skin and combats bacterial or fungal overgrowth. Use it topically for targeted relief or orally to support skin health from within.

3. Gut Health Support

As a natural prebiotic, Manuka honey nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, aiding digestion and boosting immunity. A healthy gut is vital for preventing issues like diarrhea, allergies, and inflammation.

4. Immune System Boost

The antiviral and antioxidant properties of Manuka honey make it a powerful ally in strengthening your dog’s immune defenses. It’s especially useful during stressful situations like travel or boarding, when your dog is more susceptible to illness.

5. Antioxidant Protection

Antioxidants in Manuka honey combat free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer. They also protect your dog from environmental toxins such as pollution and pesticides.

6. Oral Health Improvement

Manuka honey helps control bacteria that cause gum disease and bad breath. Research shows honey with a UMF16+ grade is particularly effective at reducing oral bacteria and inflammation.


How to Choose the Right Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is graded based on its MGO content and Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). Higher grades indicate stronger therapeutic properties:

• UMF 10+ or MGO 263+: Suitable for general wellness and minor issues.

• UMF 15+ or MGO 400+: Ideal for more serious infections or immune support.

• UMF 20+ or MGO 829+: Best for fighting severe infections, such as kennel cough or resistant bacteria.

Look for certified UMF or MGO labels to ensure authenticity. Avoid “active Manuka honey” without UMF or MGO ratings, as these terms can be misleading and don’t guarantee therapeutic potency.

The pictorial representation of the values of different types of Manuka honey.

Using Manuka Honey for Dogs

Start with a small amount and gradually increase to the following doses:

  • Under 9 kg (20 lbs): ½ tsp twice daily.

  • 9–27 kg (20–60 lbs): 1 tsp twice daily.

  • Over 27 kg (60 lbs): 2 tsp twice daily.

For topical use, apply a thin layer to the affected area 1–3 times daily. Cover with a bandage or use an inflatable or foam Elizabethan collar if necessary to prevent licking.

Additional Precautions

• Do not give Manuka honey to puppies under 12 months, as their developing immune systems are sensitive to honey’s natural bacteria.

• Avoid giving Manuka honey to diabetic dogs without veterinary guidance, as its sugar content may affect blood glucose levels.

Quality Matters

Not all Manuka honey is created equal. Always opt for products with a UMF or MGO certification to ensure purity and potency. These ratings are independently verified, offering peace of mind that your dog receives the full benefits of this incredible natural remedy.

Manuka honey is a powerhouse of natural healing for dogs, offering benefits for wounds, skin issues, gut health, immunity, and more. With its scientifically proven properties and wide range of uses, it’s a must-have in any pet parent’s first aid kit. By choosing high-quality Manuka honey with the right UMF or MGO rating, you can help your dog enjoy the sweet, natural benefits of this extraordinary honey.

Conclusion

Honey, particularly Manuka honey, is a versatile and nutrient-dense superfood offering a wealth of health benefits for dogs when used responsibly. From boosting energy and supporting immunity to soothing sore throats and aiding digestion, honey is a natural remedy with remarkable potential. Manuka honey, with its scientifically proven antibacterial and healing properties, takes these benefits even further, making it an essential addition to any pet parent’s first aid kit.

By choosing high-quality, raw honey or Manuka honey with the appropriate UMF or MGO rating and feeding it in moderation, you can unlock its sweet, healing power for your furry friend. Whether you’re treating wounds, addressing skin issues, or simply supporting overall wellness, honey can be a valuable tool in your holistic care routine.

For more canine health tips and natural remedies, visit our Superfood Library and discover more ways to help your dog thrive.