At Good Mama, we’re always on the lookout for natural, safe, and effective ways to enhance the health of your pets. Fermented garlic honey is an excellent remedy that can offer numerous benefits to dogs, thanks to its powerful combination of antibacterial, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. Let's look at the process of making fermented garlic honey, its health benefits, and how to safely incorporate it into your dog's diet.
Recipe for Making Fermented Garlic Honey for Dogs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of fresh peeled garlic cloves (about 2–3 heads of garlic)
- 1 cup of pure, unfiltered honey
- ½ tsp of crushed black pepper (to make curcumin bioavailable & for added anti-inflammatory benefits)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and lightly crush them or prick them with a fork / toothpick to activate allicin, the key compound responsible for garlic’s health benefits.
- Mix with Honey: Place the garlic cloves in a clean jar. Pour the unfiltered honey over the garlic, making sure the cloves are fully submerged.
- Add Black Pepper: Add ½ tsp of crushed black pepper.
- Ferment: Cover the jar with a lid. Store the mixture in a cool, dark place at room temperature. Open the jar once a day to release air bubbles.
- Wait for 30 Days: Allow the mixture to ferment for 30 days. The garlic will infuse into the honey, and over time, the fermentation process will create a more potent, health-boosting product.
Benefits of Fermented Garlic Honey for Pets
Fermented garlic honey offers a range of health benefits for pets, particularly for dogs:
- Boosts Immune Function: Garlic and honey are rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, helping to support the immune system and protect against infections.
- Improves Digestion: The probiotics formed during fermentation can help improve your dog's gut health and digestion.
- Reduces Inflammation: Both garlic and honey have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help manage joint pain and arthritis.
- Heart Health: Garlic has been shown to improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and supporting healthy cholesterol levels in dogs.
- Antimicrobial Power: Honey’s natural antibacterial properties combined with garlic’s immune-boosting effects can help fight off harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
How Fermentation of Garlic and Honey Helps
The fermentation process enhances the health benefits of both garlic and honey:
- Bioavailability of Nutrients: Fermentation makes garlic’s powerful compounds, like allicin, more bioavailable by converting them into S-allylcysteine (SAC), which is easier for the body to absorb.
- Increased Probiotic Content: Fermentation produces beneficial probiotics that can improve gut health and immunity in dogs.
- Mild Flavor: Fermentation mellows the strong flavor of garlic, making it more palatable for pets while maintaining its potency.
How Much Fermented Garlic Honey to Give to Dogs
It’s important to introduce fermented garlic honey in small amounts. The general recommendation is to start with a low dosage and observe how your dog responds. You can mix it into their food or give it directly, depending on what your dog prefers. Start with a smaller amount to ensure easing the digestion.
Is Garlic Safe for Dogs?
Garlic can be safe for dogs when used in appropriate, moderate amounts. While high doses of raw garlic can be toxic to dogs due to its compound thiosulfate (which can cause hemolytic anemia), garlic in small amounts or fermented garlic is generally considered safer because fermentation reduces the harshness of these compounds.
When given in small, controlled amounts like in the recipe above, fermented garlic honey can offer a wealth of health benefits without posing significant risks.
Important Note: Garlic is NOT Safe for Cats
While small amounts of garlic can be beneficial for dogs, garlic is not safe for cats. Even tiny amounts can be toxic to cats and cause serious health issues, including damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia. Never feed garlic or garlic-containing products to your feline friends.
