Feeding Raw Honey to Dogs
Raw honey may be best described as unpasteurized honey that is “as it exists in the beehive.” The honeycombs of the hive are pulled out and then the honey is strained over a piece of mesh cloth. After this, the honey goes straight to the bottle to be enjoyed as raw honey. You may be wondering how raw honey can benefit your dog. An excellent source of antioxidants, raw honey contains anti-inflammatory polyphenols that help fight against free radicals. Here are several different ways that raw honey can help your dog.
Soothes Skin Allergies
Itchy skin on dogs caused by environmental allergies may be remedied by giving your dog local honey to eat. The reason the honey must be local is because it will contain tiny amounts of the pollen from the area where you live. This is beneficial because when your dog eats the honey, he begins to gradually develop a tolerance to the pollen.
Helps Dogs That Have Kennel Cough
Across the world, honey is known for its soothing properties, specifically when it comes to coughs and sore throats. According to Whole Dog Journal, for the same reason, raw honey can be given to dogs that have kennel cough. Specifically, they recommend Manuka honey if you can find it.
Helps to Heal Minor Superficial Wounds
Did you know that honey contains natural antibacterial properties? In fact, Manuka honey has been cleared by the FDA to use on human burn patients to promote healing. No worries if raw Manuka honey is not available, as any type of honey will help protect the wound from further injury. After you have cleaned the wound, spread on a generous amount of raw honey and then follow that with a bandage if needed.
Assists With Digestive Issues
If your dog has an upset stomach or diarrhea, a few doses of raw honey may be just what he needs to get his digestive tract back on track again. According to Healthline, raw honey may be potentially used as a treatment for Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is a common cause of stomach ulcers.
Gives Dogs a Boost of Energy
Since honey is a sugar, eating raw honey is sure to give your dog energy to work off. It may be particularly beneficial to senior dogs, who may need an extra boost to get up and get moving. Honey is also used by owners of canine athletes when they want to give their dog some energy and promote endurance.
Final Word
To be certain that you are giving your dog a proper amount of raw honey, always ask for advice from your veterinarian first.