Why
Honey contains some vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, but it is almost all sugar, so treat it as a rare extra.
How to serve honey
- A small lick or a drizzle on a treat.
Watch out for
- Not for diabetic or overweight dogs.
How much honey can a dog eat?
Treats of every kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories, says the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Here is that daily treat budget by size, and how much honey it buys if honey is the only treat that day. Honey has about 304 kcal per 100 g; 1 tbsp (21 g) is about 64 kcal.
| Dog size | Daily treat budget | Max honey a day |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10 lb) | 26 kcal | 9 g (half of tbsp) |
| Medium (30 lb) | 59 kcal | 19 g (one tbsp) |
| Large (60 lb) | 100 kcal | 33 g (about one and a half tbsp) |
| Giant (90 lb) | 136 kcal | 45 g (about 2 tbsp) |
Less is better for small, overweight or diabetic dogs. Work out your own dog's numbers with the dog food calculator. Calories: USDA FoodData Central, Honey.
Other sweets: quick answers
| Food | Verdict | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Ice cream | Avoid | No. Ice cream is sugary dairy, and some flavors are toxic. |
| Chocolate | Toxic | No. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs. |
| Xylitol (sugar-free sweetener) | Toxic | No. Xylitol is extremely dangerous for dogs. |
Rules for any new food
- Plain is the rule: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic, sugar or sweeteners. Most of the danger in human food comes from what is added to it.
- Keep all treats under 10% of your dog's daily calories (WSAVA). The rest should come from a complete dog food.
- Check labels for xylitol, raisins, chocolate and macadamia nuts, which turn up in baked goods, snacks and spreads.
- If your dog has a health condition, such as diabetes, pancreatitis or kidney disease, ask your vet before adding any new food.
Frequently asked questions
Is honey safe for dogs?
Yes, a tiny amount. Honey is mostly sugar.
How much honey can a dog eat?
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories (WSAVA). For a 30 lb dog that is about 59 kcal a day, or roughly 19 g of honey if it is the only treat that day.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, "Human Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat" (updated Aug 17, 2026)
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, "Feeding treats to your dog"
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy (April 2018 release)
Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.