Yellow: with caution
Yes, but only a little, and not for every dog. According to the American Kennel Club and veterinary information site PetMD, small amounts of honey are safe for healthy dogs.
Why honey is marked yellow
Honey is not toxic. The problem is the sugar. According to the AKC, too much honey can contribute to weight gain and harm teeth. PetMD lists an upset stomach as the most common result of a large serving. There is also a group for whom honey is unsuitable: raw, unheated honey can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism. Both sources therefore advise against giving raw honey to puppies or dogs with weakened immune systems. According to the AKC, honey is off the menu for dogs with diabetes.
What to watch for
- Puppies: No raw honey for puppies. PetMD specifies dogs under one year old.
- Dogs with health conditions: If your dog has diabetes, is overweight or has a weakened immune system, speak to your vet first.
- Small amounts: A little to lick is enough. Honey is not an everyday treat.
- Teeth: Sugar sticks to the teeth. Do not forget dental care.
- Not a home remedy: According to the AKC, there is no evidence that honey helps with allergies or coughing. Consult your vet first if your dog has symptoms.
What if your dog has licked out the jar?
A large helping of honey usually causes stomach ache, wind or diarrhoea. Put out water and monitor your dog. If your dog has diabetes, is a young puppy or is ill, call your vet. If the honey was in baked goods or sweets, check the ingredients for chocolate, raisins and xylitol.
If you suspect poisoning, take your dog to a vet or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Snacks count towards the daily food allowance. Our free food calculator works out how much your dog needs, and you can find a complete feeding plan with guidelines for treats in our book “Hundeernährung und Futterplan” (book in German). New to life with a puppy? Our free Puppy Starter Pack can help. And if you would love to see your dog on your living room wall, explore our dog portraits from your own photo, available as a framed portrait or digital file.
Further reading
- Calculating your dog’s food allowance: how much your dog really needs
- Is my dog overweight? How to check body shape and ideal weight
- The first 30 days with a puppy: a plan for weeks 1 to 4
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: American Kennel Club, Can Dogs Eat Honey?; PetMD, Can Dogs Eat Honey?
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