DON’T FEED THEM HONEY!!!

Let me explain . . .

Honey is often celebrated for its natural health benefits in humans and pets, but did you know it can be dangerous for puppies and kittens? Similar to why honey is unsafe for human infants under one year of age, it can pose serious health risks to young pets. Understanding the science behind this can help ensure the safety and well-being of your furry friends.

The Science Behind Honey and Why It’s Unsafe for Babies, Puppies, and Kittens:

Honey, while a natural sweetener with health benefits, can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which are harmless to most adults and older animals but dangerous for infants, puppies, and kittens with immature immune and digestive systems. These spores can lead to botulism, a potentially fatal condition that causes paralysis, difficulty breathing, and even death.

For human infants under one year old, these spores can germinate in the intestines and produce toxins that the baby’s body is unable to fight. The same principle applies to puppies and kittens. Their underdeveloped digestive systems lack the necessary enzymes and bacteria to neutralize these toxins, leaving them vulnerable to botulism if honey is consumed. About 10% of honey samples in one study contained the spores.

When Is Honey Safe for Humans, Cats, and Dogs?

For humans, honey becomes safe after the age of one year, once the immune and digestive systems are more robust. Similarly, for puppies and kittens, it’s best to avoid honey until they reach 12 months old. By this age, their bodies are better equipped to handle any trace amounts of botulinum spores that may be present in honey.

Even for adult cats and dogs, honey should only be given in moderation. For dogs, a safe dosage is typically about 1 teaspoon per day for large to extra large dogs and 1/4 teaspoon for medium to small dogs. For cats, only a tiny amount—around 1/8 teaspoon or less and only once in a while—is safe, as they are more sensitive to sugar.

When feeding honey to pets (or ourselves), it’s important to read the labels carefully. Make sure you’re choosing pure honey and not a product loaded with added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or other ingredients that can be harmful to pets. Pure honey is the only type that offers the health benefits you’re looking for, so don’t be fooled by misleading packaging.

Benefits of Honey: Why Local or Manuka Honey Are Best

For adult pets and humans, honey can offer incredible benefits when given in appropriate amounts. It’s rich in antioxidants, contains natural enzymes, and has antimicrobial properties that can help soothe sore throats, support digestion, and even boost the immune system. Local honey is often recommended because it can help alleviate seasonal allergies by exposing the body to small amounts of local pollen. Manuka honey, derived from the nectar of the Manuka tree in New Zealand, is particularly prized for its high concentration of antibacterial compounds, making it an excellent option for wound care and immune support.

It is also crucial to note that some commercial dog foods include honey as an ingredient. Always check the label to ensure you’re not unknowingly feeding honey to a puppy or kitten, as even small amounts can be harmful to young animals.

Is Bee Pollen Safe for Pets?

Bee pollen, another product of bees, is generally safe for adult dogs and cats when given in appropriate doses. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, making it a nutritious supplement. For dogs, start with 1/4 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight and gradually increase to a maximum of 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds. For cats, only a pinch (about 1/16 teaspoon) is recommended. However, as with honey, avoid giving bee pollen to puppies and kittens under one year old, as their immature systems may not tolerate it.

While honey and bee products can offer health benefits to adult cats and dogs, they are unsafe for puppies and kittens under one year old due to the risk of botulism. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new food or supplement into your pet’s diet, and carefully read ingredient labels to ensure the honey you’re feeding is pure and free from harmful additives. When the time is right, local or Manuka honey can be a beneficial treat in small, controlled doses, but until then, prioritizing your pet’s health and development is key. I must not that much fewer samples of bee pollen contain the spores than honey, only about 0.5 in one study. I always err on the side of caution though, so I avoid it until the are no longer considered puppies and kittens.