So, can dogs have Cinnamon? Does your dog beg you for your cinnamon scones? Have they ever reached the spices? If so, you may have wondered, maybe in a bit of a panic, can dogs eat Cinnamon? We know that chocolate and grapes are bad for dogs, so it makes sense to worry about Cinnamon and other foods and spices.
What is Cinnamon?
Cinnamon comes from the inside bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genus and species. There are two kinds of this spice that is used in many recipes and have a sweet smell: Cassia and Ceylon.
Cassia, China, and Indonesia are where Cinnamon comes from. The sticks are rougher on the outside, dark brown, and taste strong. This kind of Cinnamon is cheap and easy to find in most grocery stores. Cassia has the most coumarin, so it shouldn’t be given to dogs.
Ceylon “True” cinnamon is harder to find and costs more than other kinds. It is from Sri Lanka, has a light brown color, and tastes sweeter. Since Ceylon has less coumarin, we think it is safer for dogs.
Coumarin is a natural chemical that is found in Cinnamon. When it is in large amounts, it can be harmful. Its job is to keep animals from eating the trees; it smells like vanilla and is very bitter.
Is Cinnamon Toxic To Dogs? Can Dogs Have Cinnamon?
Cinnamon is not dangerous for dogs, but cinnamon essential oil can be dangerous for dogs. While an overdose of Cinnamon won’t kill your dog, sprinkling it on your pet’s food is still not a good idea. Experts warn that Cinnamon can irritate the skin and stomach and make people and pets more sensitive, especially if they eat a lot of it.
You can eat Cinnamon in several forms, including whole cinnamon sticks, cinnamon powder, and baked foods. Your dog’s lips may become painful if you feed him cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon, or essential oil, and if you let him breathe in cinnamon powder, he may cough, choke, and have difficulties breathing.
At what point do we say, “Enough!” According to the Pet Poison Helpline, it takes more than a teaspoon of powder. However, even trace levels of essential oils can be harmful to pets. For instance, some studies suggest that small-breed dogs may be especially sensitive to Cinnamon. The helpline also says that too much Cinnamon can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Similarly, it may lead to heart rate changes, low blood sugar, and liver disease.
Related: CAN DOGS EAT BLACKBERRIES? LEARN THE EXPERT ADVICE!
Health Benefits Of Cinnamon
So, can dogs eat Cinnamon? Cinnamon is good for your and your dog’s health in many ways. Cinnamaldehyde is most likely the key to all of these great benefits. Scientists think this compound in Cinnamon makes it good for your health.
Just keep in mind that while it’s not poisonous, your dog can get too much of it, so be careful when feeding it.
Antioxidants: This spice has a lot of antioxidants, which protect cells from environmental damage. Moreover, it slows down the aging of the brain. The antioxidants help the brain work better, which improves focus and memory. This is helpful for older dogs who may be showing signs of dementia.
Heart Health: In a study on the effects of Cinnamon on dogs, researchers came with something interesting. They saw that with heart and high blood pressure problems, controlled doses of Cinnamon has health effects. For instance, it significantly helps lower the dogs’ heart rate and systolic blood pressure. Talk to your vet if you think adding Cinnamon to your dog’s food might be good for it.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Studies indicate that small amounts of Cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels. Thus, it makes the body less resistant to insulin. It makes it take longer for sugar to get into the blood after a meal high in carbs, like kibble. Before giving your dog cinnamon, check with your vet to see if it has diabetes.
Anti-Fungal Properties: Cinnamon is good for dogs that have allergies or yeast infections. Salmonella, Listeria, and Candida Albicans can’t grow when this is around. Another benefit is that food lasts longer. Adding Cinnamon to food before putting it in the fridge will make it last longer.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Cinnamon can make dogs with arthritis, sore muscles, or joint pain feels less swollen and inflamed.
How much can Cinnamon I feed my dog?
The experts say that a teaspoon of Cinnamon won’t hurt your dog in any way. Smaller breeds need less than bigger breeds, and because cinnamon oils are so concentrated, they can only be given in very small amounts.
Don’t worry if your dog eats Cinnamon from the pantry or chews on a cinnamon stick. It’s probably fine, but to be safe, call the hotline or talk to your vet.
Risks from Cinnamon: Can Dogs Have Cinnamon?
So, is cinnamon bad for dogs? Cinnamon comes in many different forms, including sticks, essential oils, and, most commonly, powder. So, can dog eat Cinnamon? Cinnamon in any form can lead to digestive problems like stomachaches and mouth sores (just like it does for humans).
Remember when there were all those cinnamon challenges on YouTube? When our dogs eat too much, they can have the same effects. When your dog breathes in ground cinnamon, it can cause irritation in the mouth, coughing, choking, and trouble breathing. If your dog breathes in cinnamon powder and shows any of these signs of an overdose:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Low blood sugar levels
- Liver disease
- Changes in heart rate
All of these need to see a veterinarian right away.
So, can dogs eat cinnamon rolls? We have a lot of cinnamon-flavored foods in our kitchens and pantries, including baked goods like cinnamon rolls (YUM!). Chocolate, cocoa powder, butter, sugar, xylitol (which is a very toxic artificial sweetener), raisins, some nuts, and nutmeg are all bad for dogs because they contain a lot of fat and extra ingredients. When your dog eats a lot of human food, it can get fat, have stomach problems, or even develop pancreatitis.
Nutmeg and Cinnamon
So, can dogs have Cinnamon? Cinnamon and nutmeg come from the same parent plant, but they are very different species. Small amounts of Cinnamon are not dangerous for your dog, but nutmeg is. So, avoid giving them the cinnamon in large quantities.
Myristicin, a chemical found in nutmeg, is also found in dill, parsley, and peyote. A small amount won’t hurt your dog, but no one knows exactly how small that amount is for each breed. Because of this, it’s best not to put nutmeg in the treats you give your dog.
Side effects from eating nutmeg can last up to 48 hours and happen with as little as 1–3 tablespoons of the spice. Nutmeg poisoning signs:
- Disorientation
- Abdominal pain
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Increased heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Increased blood pressure
If your dog eats nutmeg, you should talk to your vet right away. Experts say you should never have To Decide If You Should Take Your Dog To The Vet Or Not.
Feeding Cinnamon Safely: Can Dogs Have Cinnamon?
Most dogs can get some health benefits from a half teaspoon of Cinnamon every now and then. Cinnamon is also in a lot of commercial treats and foods for dogs, but only in safe amounts. You can also find some do-it-yourself ideas on the Internet. Similar to:
So, if you want to know whether or not Cinnamon is safe for dogs, the answer is yes. When added to your dog’s food in small amounts, this tasty, sweet spice is good for your dog’s health in many ways. Just make sure to leave out any extra ingredients that your dog doesn’t need. Moreover, talk to your vet first if you think a therapeutic dose might help your dog’s health.
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Baked Goods?
Cinnamon in small amounts, like what is used in most baked goods, won’t hurt your dog. That said, giving your dog baked goods is not always a good idea. Foods that are high in fat, sugar, and calories that aren’t needed can cause weight gain, diabetes, and other problems like pancreatitis. Some baked goods may also have the very dangerous sweetener xylitol in them.
If you do decide to give your dog cinnamon-flavored baked goods, only give them small amounts very rarely. Also, make sure they don’t have any other ingredients like xylitol, chocolate, or raisins that could be toxic or harmful to your dog. So, when dog ingests cinnamon, it won’t face any kind of issues.
Nutmeg and Cinnamon: Is Cinnamon OK For Dogs?
Cinnamon might not be harmful to dogs, but nutmeg, a common baking spice that is often used with Cinnamon, can be. Myristicin, a poison found in nutmeg, can cause hallucinations, a faster heart rate, feeling lost, high blood pressure, stomach pain, dry mouth, and even seizures.
These signs can last up to 48 hours, but on the bright side, it would take a lot of nutmegs to make a dog sick. Most of the time, the small amount used in baked goods is safe. But if your dog accidentally eats a lot of nutmegs, you should call your vet and keep a close eye on them.
Do Cinnamon Have Health Benefits For Dogs? Can Dogs Have Cinnamon?
Cinnamon has been touted for its purported health benefits. However, no solid evidence supports these claims. While this is great news for cinnamon fans looking for an excuse to indulge, we shouldn’t assume the same for canine companions.
Talk to your vet about the potential side effects and benefits of giving Cinnamon to your dog as a supplement. As a stopgap measure, you could research alternate supplements that have been successfully used to treat canine conditions.
To cut a long story short, dogs can eat small amounts of Cinnamon but don’t need to or should. There are many other dog treats that they will love.
FAQs: Can dogs have Cinnamon?
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
A small amount of Cinnamon Toast Crunch as a snack probably won’t kill your dog (unless it’s diabetic), but it also won’t do anything for its health. Sugar and artificial ingredients abound in a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Applesauce?
While Cinnamon and applesauce are both safe for dogs to eat, commercially available cinnamon applesauce often contains sugar and other ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Both dogs and people can benefit greatly from Cinnamon’s many healthful properties.
How Much Cinnamon Will Hurt A Dog? Can Dogs Have Cinnamon?
It is safe to eat in small amounts, which is one teaspoon or less per serving, as a treat. It may even be good for your health. But if you eat a lot of it, it could hurt your mouth or stomach, make your blood sugar drop, or even give you liver disease.
Why Does My Dog Loves Cinnamon?
Cinnamon smells and tastes great to most dogs. Cinnamon also has health benefits, like anti-inflammatory properties that can help with things like arthritis, joint pain, and swelling.
Can I Give My Dog Cinnamon And Honey?
But your dog doesn’t have to struggle and suffer if you have Cinnamon in your kitchen. Cinnamon can help with joint pain and swelling because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Many people say that for a medium-sized dog, you should mix 1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon with one tablespoon of honey.
Is Ground Cinnamon OK For Dogs?
The good news is that Cinnamon is safe for dogs to eat. While an overdose of Cinnamon won’t kill your dog, sprinkling some on his kibble is still not a good idea.
Parvaiz Yousuf is a senior SEO writer and editor with an experience of over 6 years, who also doubles up as a researcher. With an MSc zoology degree under his belt and possessing complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO) knowledge, he works as a science journalist for a US-based website and Asian Scientist (A Singapore-based magazine). He also works as Director of Wetland Research Centre, Wildlife Conservation Fund YPJK since 2018. Besides, he has several publications to his name on cancer biology and biochemistry in some reputed journals such as Nature & International Journal of Molecular Sciences, & magazines such as Science Reporter, BUCEROS BNHS, and has an abiding interest in ornithology. He also worked as a Research Associate for JK Policy Institute.