Manuka honey for pets: A practical guide

Manuka honey for pets is gaining attention among US pet owners who want to complement modern veterinary care with natural options. Derived from the nectar of Leptospermum trees, high-MGO Australian Manuka honey is increasingly used by veterinarians and informed pet owners to support skin health, wound care, and digestive balance. 

This guide explains what sets Manuka honey apart, how it is commonly used for animals, and how pet owners can choose the right strength and application method with confidence. 

What Makes Manuka Honey Different From Regular Honey? 

Manuka honey is produced when bees forage on Leptospermum species native to Australia and New Zealand. Unlike conventional table honey, authentic Manuka honey contains naturally occurring bioactive compounds that give it functional properties beyond sweetness.

One of the most important of these compounds is methylglyoxal, commonly referred to as MGO. MGO is a naturally occurring component unique to authentic Manuka honey and is largely responsible for its well-documented antibacterial activity. Unlike the peroxide-based activity found in many other honeys, MGO remains stable over time and continues to function in moist environments such as wounds, making it particularly relevant for topical use. 

In addition to its antibacterial properties, research suggests MGO-rich Manuka honey may help moderate inflammation and support normal tissue repair by creating conditions that are less favorable for harmful bacteria while remaining gentle on surrounding skin.(5)  

The concentration of MGO is measured and clearly displayed on the label, providing a transparent indicator of the honey’s strength and quality. This level of verification is especially important when selecting Manuka honey for pets, where consistency, purity, and reliable potency help guide appropriate and responsible use. 

Understanding MGO Ratings

MGO ratings indicate the concentration of methylglyoxal in Manuka honey, measured in milligrams per kilogram. This naturally occurring compound is closely linked to Manuka honey’s medicinal qualities. Higher MGO ratings indicate greater bioactive strength, making higher-MGO Manuka honey more suitable for applications where increased potency is desired. 

• Lower MGO levels are often chosen for general wellness support. 
• Mid-range MGO levels are commonly selected for skin concerns or minor wounds. 
• High MGO levels are typically reserved for targeted topical use, often under veterinary guidance. 

At Biosota, our high-grade Manuka honey is sourced from remote Australian regions and independently lab-tested to verify MGO strength, purity, and authenticity, providing peace of mind for pet owners seeking consistent quality. 

Understanding Manuka Honey’s Role in Animal Care 

Manuka honey’s naturally low pH, high sugar content, and MGO activity create an environment that can discourage unwanted bacteria while supporting the body’s normal repair processes. 

Researchers studying Manuka honey have described its interaction with wound environments, including its ability to disrupt bacterial biofilms and support healthy tissue conditions.(1,2) These observed effects have contributed to its increasing use in pet healthcare, particularly for external applications.

Researchers have explored this process in more detail by looking at what happens when Manuka honey comes into direct contact with an infected wound.

“Manuka lifts infection out of the wound. It has these unique properties that break up the biofilm that protects the bacteria. Breaking up that biofilm releases the bacteria into the honey mixture. Then methylglyoxal and other compounds present, kill the bacteria.” Dr Peter Brooks, Lead Researcher, University of the Sunshine Coast

Animal and laboratory studies also suggest honey preparations may help moderate inflammation and support tissue repair (3, 4), which helps explain its growing popularity in animal wound management and skin care routines. 

Common Applications of Manuka Honey for Pets 

Wound and Skin Support 

Manuka honey is widely used in veterinary settings as a topical dressing for minor cuts, abrasions, and surgical wounds. Its viscous texture helps form a protective barrier while maintaining a moist environment favorable to normal healing. 

Pets with skin irritation, hot spots, or localized dermatitis may also benefit from carefully applied Manuka honey as part of a broader care plan recommended by a veterinarian. 

Digestive Balance 

Preliminary research indicates Manuka honey contains naturally occurring prebiotic compounds that may support gut balance.(6) Evidence relating specifically to digestive use in pets is limited, and its inclusion should be approached conservatively and with appropriate veterinary guidance. 

Oral Care 

The unique properties of Manuka honey have also led to interest in oral hygiene applications for pets, including helping manage plaque-forming bacteria when used nder professional advice. 

Manuka Honey in Veterinary Practice 

Veterinary use of Manuka honey is most established in wound care. Studies involving animals such as horses have shown that wounds treated with Manuka honey dressings may reduce in size more quickly compared to untreated wounds, particularly in contaminated environments. 

In clinical settings, Manuka honey is incorporated by some veterinary practitioners as part of broader wound-management protocols in equine and companion animal care. This reflects practical experience shared by equine veterinarians who have worked with Manuka honey over extended periods in practice.

“I’ve used Manuka honey as a primary aid for wound healing in horses for 12 years. I find Manuka honey is really great, first of all for getting a really nice, healthy granulation bed. And then slowing down the development of that granulation tissue. We use it a lot in clinical practice and I find that it’s really good at what it does.” Dr Rhian Partridge, Director, Gold Coast Equine Clinic

Choosing the Right MGO Strength for Pets 

• MGO 250+ - Suitable for everyday wellness support 
• MGO 550+ to 880+ - Commonly chosen for skin issues and minor wounds 
• MGO 1200+ and above - Typically reserved for focused topical use with veterinary guidance 

Higher MGO levels offer greater bioactive strength, while different MGO ranges are suited to different needs. Selecting the right strength depends on your pet’s size, individual circumstances, and how the Manuka honey is being used.

Best Practices for Using Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is concentrated and should be used sparingly. 

General guidelines

• Small dogs and cats under 22 lb: about ½ teaspoon 
• Medium dogs 22–55 lb: about 1 teaspoon 
• Large dogs over 55 lb: 1–2 teaspoons 

Always consult a veterinarian before use, especially if your pet has diabetes, weight concerns, or chronic health conditions. 

Safe Application Methods

• Oral use: Mix into wet food or dissolve in lukewarm water. 
• Topical use: Apply a thin layer to clean skin or minor wounds and cover to prevent licking. 
• Skin rinse: Dilute with warm water as a gentle final rinse for itchy skin, alongside prescribed treatments. 

How Manuka Honey Fits Into Modern Pet Care

Interest in Manuka honey for pets continues to grow as more veterinarians and pet owners recognize its role as a complementary option in animal care. From wound and skin support to gentle digestive balance, its versatility reflects a strong foundation of research and clinical experience. 

By choosing high-quality Australian Manuka honey with verified MGO ratings and using it responsibly under veterinary guidance, US pet owners can confidently include Manuka honey for pets as part of a balanced, informed care routine. 

For those seeking independently tested, high-MGO Australian Manuka honey, explore Biosota’s range and speak with your veterinarian about whether it may suit your pet’s individual needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can Manuka honey replace veterinary treatment?

No. Manuka honey is a supportive option and should never replace professional veterinary care or prescribed medication. 

Is Manuka honey safe for long-term use in pets?

In small amounts and with veterinary guidance, some pets may use Manuka honey long term as part of an overall care plan. 

Can puppies or kittens have Manuka honey?

Honey is not recommended for animals under eight weeks old. Any use in young pets should only occur with veterinary approval. 

Is Manuka honey used for large animals like horses?

Yes. High-MGO Manuka honey has been used topically in veterinary settings for horses, particularly for wound care, under professional supervision. 

How should Manuka honey be stored?

Store in a cool, dark place at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration or heating to preserve natural MGO levels. 

References 

1. Lu J, et al. (2019) Honey can inhibit and eliminate biofilms produced by *P. aeruginosa*. *Sci Rep*. 9:12542.
Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-54576-2

2. Sommerville N. (2018) Veterinary use of medical grade Mānuka honey.
Link: https://www.grovet.com/media/wysiwyg/MAV_Science_Article_Nerina_Sommerville.pdf

3. Oryan A, Zaker SR. (1998) Effects of topical application of honey on cutaneous wound healing in rabbits. *Zentralbl Veterinarmed A*. 45(3):181-188.
Link: https://www.academia.edu/20444358/Effects_of_Topical_Application_of_Honey_on_Cutaneous_Wound_Healing_in_Rabbits

4. Yaghoobi R, Kazerouni A, Kazerouni O. (2013)** Evidence for Clinical Use of Honey in Wound Healing as an Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant and Anti-viral Agent: A Review. *Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products*. 8(3):100-104.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3941901/

5. Kapoor N, et al. (2021) Manuka honey: A promising wound dressing material for chronic nonhealing wounds. *Contemp Clin Dent*. 12(3):238-244.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8386265/

6.Mohan, A., Quek, S.-Y., Gutierrez-Maddox, N., Gao, Y., & Shu, Q. (2017). Effect of honey in improving the gut microbial balance.Food Quality and Safety, 1(2), 107–115.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/fqs/fyx015