Can Yorkies eat honey?

Honey isn't poisonous to dogs, and a healthy adult Yorkie can have a tiny taste now and then. The thing to remember is that honey is essentially concentrated sugar, and a 4-7 lb dog has a very small calorie budget — so even a little goes a long way. It's not a health food or a medicine for your dog, despite what you might read, and the extra sugar isn't ideal for a tiny frame. Honey is best avoided for puppies and for dogs with diabetes or weight problems. Raw honey should be skipped for very young puppies because it can rarely contain botulism spores. If you offer any, make it a rare, minuscule dab.

What Yorkie owners need to know

• Honey is pure sugar — a tiny frame handles very little, so keep any amount minuscule and rare.
• Skip honey for puppies, diabetic dogs, and overweight dogs; the sugar isn't suitable for them.
• Avoid raw honey for very young puppies, as it can rarely contain botulism spores.

How preparation changes the answer

Safe preparation

• If you offer any, use just a tiny dab — less than a quarter teaspoon — of plain honey.
• Reserve it for healthy adult dogs only, not puppies or diabetic dogs.
• Keep it a rare treat, not something added to food regularly.

Nutrition at a glance

Possible benefits

• Not toxic to healthy adult dogs, so an accidental lick is unlikely to be dangerous.
• Contains trace vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, though only in tiny amounts.
• A small dab can make a rare, palatable treat for a healthy adult dog.

Risks & things to watch

• It's essentially pure sugar, which adds up fast on a tiny frame and can contribute to weight gain.
• Unsuitable for diabetic or overweight dogs and for puppies.
• Raw honey can rarely carry botulism spores, a concern for very young puppies.

If your Yorkie ate too much

A little extra honey may just cause soft stools or a sugary tummy upset. If your dog ate a large amount, or is a diabetic or very young puppy and seems unwell, contact your vet.

Frequently asked questions