Chilean Honey as Alternative Antibacterial: In Vitro Activity Against Multidrug-Resistant Canine Bacterial Pathogens

Antimicrobial resistance is an emerging challenge in veterinary medicine, particularly in dogs, where bacterial skin infections are highly prevalent. Honey and its bioactive extracts have emerged as potential natural alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of methanolic extracts from four honey types collected in Central Chile against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial isolates from canine patients, including Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pasteurella multocida, and Enterobacter cloacae. Antimicrobial potency was assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity were quantified. All extracts inhibited bacterial growth, with E. coli, E. faecium and S. aureus being the most susceptible (MIC 3.13% w/v), while Gram-negative bacteria such a P. aeruginosa, P. multocida, and E. cloacae required higher concentrations (MIC 12.5% w/v). Secondary metabolite analysis revealed seasonal and apiary-related variations, with apiary 2 honey showing significantly higher phenolic (195.58 ± 4.28 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoid (65.46 ± 4.35 mg QE/100 g) contents in summer. In contrast, antioxidant capacity (FRAP) did not differ significantly. These findings indicate that honey's antimicrobial properties are closely related to its bioactive composition and influenced by season and floral origin, reinforcing its potential as a sustainable alternative to antibiotics in veterinary medicine under the One Health approach.