Although honeycomb is a tasty treat for humans, some dogs seem to have a hard time digesting the treat. Is this true? And does honeycomb actually make dogs sick? This article will give you the answer to these questions and more!
Can Dogs Eat Honeycomb?
The answer is yes, dogs can eat honeycomb but only in very small quantities. If they are given very small amounts of honeycomb, their bodies may be able to grasp the nutrients of honey and safely digest it. However, even these small portions should not be fed regularly because of the side effects which can prove fatal for your dog.
Also, check out “Can dogs eat honey buns?”
What Is Honeycomb Actually?
Honeycomb is made of wax inside a network of hollow cells. The cells are filled with liquid and there are air bubbles inside too. When the bee comes into contact with this material, it takes in the liquid and the air molecules from the air bubbles are released from their cages during digestion. These molecules become food for the bee larvae as they hatch out of their eggs in about a week’s time. The bees will eat the honeycomb once the larvae have flown out of it.
What You Need to Know!
Honeycomb has become a popular snack for dogs as well and is often given to them by their owners as a treat. But, even though dogs love it, they should not be given any more than a couple of pieces per day, due to its high sugar content which can be bad for their health if ingested in great quantities.
Regular consumption of honeycomb may cause diarrhea and vomiting to your dog because they can’t tolerate the high amounts of sugar it contains. They may also experience a large amount of gas because their stomach can’t process it.
Raw honeycomb may also contain an enzyme called diastase which is used by bees to make honey from fruits and plant nectar. This enzyme kills germs but unlike dogs, bees are able to tolerate it because they have an enzyme that can break it down in their body before it kills them. Dogs, on the other hand, lack this protection, and they cannot tolerate the enzyme present in raw honeycomb.
What Happens If Your Dog Eats Honeycomb In Large Quantities?
If your dog has eaten honeycomb and is trying very hard not to vomit, then there is something you can do to help her—feed her a small portion of carrots or apples. These fruits are rich in fiber which will help soothe her stomach and relieve the gas she is experiencing.
If your dog has become sick or ill after eating it, refrain them from eating it for at least twenty-four hours. If her symptoms don’t disappear after this time period, then you must take her to the vet. She may require a laxative to ensure that the gas in his stomach is eliminated as well as any residue left behind from the honeycomb.
Conclusion
Dogs can eat honeycomb but it is only recommended in small quantities. Honeycomb has a high-fat content for dogs that may not be able to metabolize it efficiently. A dog’s system also cannot process as much sugar at one time as a human system would be able to, so, moderation is key.
Have you ever given or fed your dog honeycomb? If not, you’re missing out on major nutritional benefits. Find out all about it in honey for dogs.
Does your dog like the taste of honey? Have you ever given them honeycomb? How did they react? We would love to hear from you. Please share with us by leaving a comment below!