Last reviewed: August 2026
A small amount of pasteurised honey is generally safe for adult dogs, but raw honey can carry botulism spores that pose a risk to puppies and dogs with compromised immune systems.
Honey isn't associated with acute toxicity in healthy adult dogs in small amounts, and is sometimes used in home remedies, though evidence for those specific uses is largely anecdotal. Raw, unpasteurised honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which are a genuine risk for puppies and immunocompromised dogs whose gut flora isn't developed enough to keep the bacteria in check — this mirrors the same reason raw honey isn't recommended for human infants.
General veterinary toxicology consensus, cross-referenced against the Merck Veterinary Manual and ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center food hazard references. See How We Source This for our methodology.
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for veterinary advice.