Shun NagaiNew Zealand manuka honey is widely known for its powerful antibacterial properties and healing effects, and in recent years it has also gained attention for its potential benefits in pet health.
For dogs in particular, manuka honey may help support overall health in a natural way, including strengthening the immune system. In this article, we will introduce four key benefits of New Zealand manuka honey for dogs and how it can support your dog’s health and daily care.
The Healing Properties of Honey
Let us first look at honey in general. The medicinal properties of honey have been recognized for thousands of years, and scientists continue to study its healing effects today. In general, raw, unprocessed honey has the following antimicrobial properties:
Antimicrobial Properties of Honey
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Antibacterial | Helps inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria |
| Antifungal | May help suppress certain fungi |
| Antiviral | May help protect against certain viruses |
One reason for these effects is the hydrogen peroxide naturally present in honey. Hydrogen peroxide acts as a powerful antimicrobial agent. However, not all honey offers the same level of effectiveness, and manuka honey is said to provide the strongest effects.
In 2015, the FDA approved wound dressings containing manuka honey. This marked an important step in bringing the wound-healing properties of honey into mainstream medical care.
Manuka honey is also believed to be effective against difficult medical challenges such as MRSA, a drug-resistant bacterium that can infect the skin and bloodstream and cause a variety of symptoms.
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is resistant to antibiotics and is extremely difficult to treat. However, manuka honey is said to be effective in treating wound infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA.
Manuka Honey: The Healing Honey
Manuka honey is made by bees in New Zealand and Australia that collect nectar from the manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium).
Historically, indigenous communities used the bark and leaves of the manuka tree as herbal tea. Oil extracted from manuka has also long been known for helping relieve stress and psychological tension in humans.
What Makes Manuka Honey Special?
So why is manuka honey considered so special among all types of honey? The answer lies in several powerful compounds that enhance its protective effects against infection and disease.
| Compound | Description |
|---|---|
| Methylglyoxal (MGO) | A naturally occurring compound in manuka honey; levels vary depending on the honey |
| Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) | Found in manuka flower nectar and converted into MGO during honey production |
| Leptosperin | A natural compound found in nectar from the manuka plant |
Because of these compounds, manuka honey has been shown to have stronger antibacterial activity than regular honey. While ordinary honey mainly relies on hydrogen peroxide for its antimicrobial effect, manuka honey also contains methylglyoxal (MGO).
As a result, it may show stronger antibacterial effects against harmful bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori and E. coli. One study found it to be effective against around 60 different types of bacteria. This is particularly important today, as modern medicine continues to face infections that no longer respond well to conventional drugs.
Some Infections Manuka Honey May Help Treat
The following are among the infections manuka honey is believed to help combat:
| Infection | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Candida | Candida albicans |
| E. coli | Escherichia coli |
| Proteus infection | Proteus mirabilis |
| Pseudomonas infection | Pseudomonas aeruginosa |
| Salmonella | Salmonella typhimurium |
| Serratia infection | Serratia marcescens |
| Staph infection | Staphylococcus aureus |
| Strep infection | Streptococcus pyogenes |
4 Benefits of Manuka Honey for Dogs
With its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, manuka honey may support canine health in a variety of ways, including gut health and immune support. Below are four specific benefits of manuka honey for dogs.
1. Prebiotic Effect
Gut health is extremely important for a dog’s overall well-being. About 90% of a dog’s immune system is linked to gut health, so maintaining the right balance of intestinal bacteria is essential.
Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria dogs need, while prebiotics serve as food for those beneficial bacteria and help them thrive. Manuka honey is a natural prebiotic that may help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
This may support a dog’s natural immune response and help speed recovery.
2. Stronger Immune Support
By helping increase beneficial bacteria in the gut, manuka honey may strengthen the immune system. It is also believed to have antiviral properties.
When dogs are healthy and happy, their risk of viral illness tends to be lower. However, various factors in daily life can weaken immunity, and one of the biggest is stress. Stress can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of viral and bacterial infections.
Common illnesses seen in stressed dogs include canine influenza and kennel cough. Sometimes stress cannot be avoided, such as when dogs travel for agility events, dog shows, or trips with their owners, all of which may increase the risk of infection.
Fortunately, regular intake of manuka honey may help support a stronger immune system.
3. Protection Through Antioxidant Activity
Antioxidants are important for helping dogs protect against disease and cancer. They also help slow aging and support the immune system.
The antioxidants found in manuka honey may help repair cells in the body and protect against damage caused by environmental toxins. Examples of such environmental stressors include:
| Environmental Factor | Example |
|---|---|
| Air pollution | Polluted outdoor air |
| Agricultural chemicals | Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers |
| Electromagnetic exposure | Electromagnetic frequencies from technology devices |
Consuming manuka honey may therefore be beneficial in helping counter these effects. A study from Saudi Arabia found that the flavonoids and phenolic acids in manuka honey have strong antioxidant activity.
4. Support for Oral Health
Many dog owners love kissing their dogs, but bad breath can make that a little less appealing. Bad breath in dogs can result from various causes, many of which are related to gut health. When gut balance is disrupted, it may contribute to health issues such as:
| Potential Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Periodontal disease | Gum and dental problems |
| Allergy symptoms | Immune-related reactions |
| Diarrhea and vomiting | Digestive upset |
| Joint disease | Inflammation-related conditions |
Surprisingly, manuka honey may also help prevent periodontal disease. When bacteria build up below the gumline, inflammation develops, leading to the first stage of periodontal disease: gingivitis.
Researchers at the University of Zurich found that manuka honey was effective at suppressing several types of oral bacteria, though the grade of manuka honey was an important factor. To help control oral bacteria, a grade of UMF 16+ was found to be necessary.
Understanding Manuka Honey Grades
When choosing manuka honey, selecting the right grade is important. A 2009 study found that honey with higher levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) had stronger healing effects.
For this reason, manuka honey is graded using the UMF system. UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor, and the higher the MGO level, the higher the rating.
Manuka honey is available in grades ranging from UMF 5+ to UMF 28+, but if it is being used for therapeutic purposes, it is best to choose at least UMF 10+.
To help treat infections such as kennel cough, UMF 20+ or higher is recommended.
Precautions When Using Manuka Honey for Dogs
Because manuka honey is high in sugar, it should not be given to diabetic dogs.
It should also not be given to puppies under one year of age. Bacteria present in manuka honey may place too much strain on a developing immune system.
Most healthy adult dogs can consume manuka honey without problems, but it is still recommended to consult a veterinarian based on the individual needs of the dog.