Can Dogs Have Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is a tasty addition to many enjoyable foods such as oatmeal, baked goods, and chai tea. You may have wondered: can dogs have cinnamon? 

Since certain human foods can be toxic to dogs it is important to seek advice from a veterinarian prior to feeding any human food or unusual ingredients to your dog. While cinnamon is safe for humans to consume, the question of whether or not it is safe for dogs to eat is a topic of debate among pet owners and veterinarians. 

In this article, we will explore the potential benefits and risks of feeding cinnamon to dogs and provide guidance on whether or not it is safe to include cinnamon in your dog’s diet. 

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?

In short, yes, dogs can eat cinnamon. The cinnamon spice is non-toxic to dogs and generally well-tolerated in quantities usually consumed by humans. It is ok to give your canine companion small quantities of ground cinnamon as long as it is mixed in with food and they are not allowed to sniff a heap of ground cinnamon, as this may cause irritation of their nose, throat and lungs.

Cinnamon sticks, which are rolled pieces of cinnamon tree bark, should not be fed to dogs. The sticks may hurt your dog’s mouth as he chews it and pieces of the sticks can become lodged in your dog’s mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines. 

It is ok for small amounts of cinnamon to be incorporated into your dog’s food or treats. In fact, many commercially available dog treats contain cinnamon as an ingredient.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Rolls?

Cinnamon rolls can be harmful when fed to dogs. They typically contain large amounts of sugar and butter, which can be harmful to dogs if consumed in large quantities. The high levels of fat in cinnamon rolls can lead to an upset stomach, unhealthy weight gain, and even pancreatitis, a potentially serious condition. 

Additionally, the uncooked dough used to make cinnamon rolls should never be fed to dogs as it can expand in the stomach, leading to gastrointestinal blockage and serious complications. Cinnamon rolls may also contain raisins, which are very toxic to dogs even in small quantities. In general, it is best to keep all baked goods, including cinnamon rolls, out of reach.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch?

It is not recommended for dogs to eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. While the cereal itself is not toxic to dogs, it is not a suitable part of a dog’s diet. Cinnamon Toast Crunch contains a high amount of sugar, which can be harmful to dogs if consumed in large quantities and if fed over a long period of time may contribute to tooth decay and obesity. Additionally, the cereal contains several other ingredients that are not suitable for dogs, such as artificial flavors and preservatives. Ingesting large amounts of these ingredients can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, including vomiting and diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Applesauce?

Dogs can eat some kinds of cinnamon applesauce. If you feed your dog a store-bought cinnamon applesauce, you must pay careful attention to the ingredient list. 

Cinnamon applesauce that has been sweetened with added sugar isn’t recommended. You must also make sure that the applesauce doesn’t contain any sugar substitutes, especially xylitol, which is very toxic to dogs and can cause dangerously low blood sugar and liver damage.

Is Cinnamon Safe For Dogs?

Cinnamon is generally safe for dogs to consume in small amounts, but it is not a necessary part of a dog’s diet and should not be given to them in large amounts. 

In high amounts, cinnamon can cause irritation to the mouth and throat, and it can also cause vomiting and diarrhea. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, it would take over 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to cause issues in a dog. 

However, dogs should never be fed cinnamon oil, as it is highly concentrated cinnamon and even small amounts could lead to severe irritation of the mouth and throat. Additionally, studies in rats show that high doses of cinnamon fed over time can lead to kidney disease and liver disease so there are concerns that the same could be true for dogs.

It is also worth noting that cinnamon may be accompanied by other spices in baked goods that are not safe, such as nutmeg. Nutmeg can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, tremors, and hallucinations.

If your dog eats a lot of cinnamon or if you are concerned that your dog has ingested a potentially toxic substance, it is important to contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline immediately. Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Prompt medical attention can help to minimize the potential risks and ensure the best outcome for your dog.

Is Cinnamon Good for Dogs?

Not many studies have looked at potential health benefits of feeding cinnamon to dogs but there are many known benefits in humans. In humans and mice there is evidence that cinnamon may help with blood sugar regulation in diabetics, lower cholesterol, may reduce the risk of cancer, may help prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease as well as act as a natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. However, even in humans, more studies are needed to determine the proper beneficial dosage of cinnamon while mitigating any potentially harmful side effects.

One short study in dogs did show that cinnamon helped to lower their blood pressure. In the future, we may start seeing cinnamon recommended as a supplement in addition to tried and tested medications for the management of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other chronic conditions. 

However, at this time, if you choose to try giving cinnamon to your dog daily, it is recommended to first speak with your veterinarian and discuss any conditions specific to your dog.

Precautions When Giving Dogs Cinnamon

If you feed your dog cinnamon, ensure that the cinnamon-containing food isn’t high in fat or sugar and you’ll want to closely check the ingredients to make sure there isn’t any xylitol, nutmeg, macadamia nuts or other ingredients that are toxic to. 

If you’re not sure about feeding your dog a particular food make sure you speak with your veterinarian before offering it to your dog.

How to Give Dogs Cinnamon

If you choose to feed your dog cinnamon, make sure to feed only ¼ to a ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon per day to help avoid any possible side effects. 

You can mix the cinnamon in with your dog’s food, just ensure you mix it with canned or moistened food so that your dog doesn’t sniff the powder, which may cause irritation of his nose or lungs. 

There are also many commercially available dog treats that include cinnamon as an ingredient. 

Again, make sure you speak with your veterinarian prior to incorporating cinnamon into your dog’s diet and start with a very small amount to make sure your dog isn’t sensitive to this yummy spice.