Cinnamon is a staple in many kitchens. People who make homemade treats or snacks for dogs often include a sprinkle of this spice to improve the flavor.
So if you’re planning to add some cinnamon to homemade baked goods, it is quite normal to thing “Is cinnamon okay for dogs?”
This commonly used spice comes from a small tree that grows in warmer climates such as India or Indonesia. Also known as quills, the bark is dried and rolled into cinnamon sticks– then ground into powder.
From reducing inflammation to providing antioxidants and boosting heart condition, the health benefits of cinnamon are vast. Just make sure you’re offering the right kind of cinnamon.
So can dogs eat cinnamon, and if so, how do you use cinnamon for your dog? Find out if cinnamon is good or bad for dogs, and what warning signs to watch out for.
Benefits of Cinnamon for Dogs
Is cinnamon good for dogs? Is cinnamon safe for dogs? These questions get a yes. In fact, cinnamon is non-toxic to dogs. It has a plethora of health benefits to both humans and dogs and is a common spice in many dog treats. Some of its benefits are:
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
One of the benefits of cinnamon is its anti-inflammatory properties which are great for an aging dog struggling with muscle soreness or arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon can reduce swelling and help manage joint pain.
Rich In Antioxidants
Cinnamon is also a food for the brain. It is rich in antioxidants and works to protect people and dogs against neurological disorders. Cinnamon for dogs may also help improve brain function such as memory. Thus, it brings both mental and physical health benefits as well.
Regulates Body Sugar
Recent studies have revealed that adding 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon to a dog’s diet for every 15 pounds of his body weight will help to regulate blood sugar, raise insulin resistance, and even prevent liver disease.
Cinnamon regulates blood sugar by helping to slow down the absorption of sugar in the dog’s bloodstream after eating foods that are high in carbohydrates. Plus, it improves their body’s ability to utilize insulin to boost blood glucose levels.
This is essential for anyone at risk for diabetes that includes overweight and senior dogs. Hence, in addition to throwing a low glycemic index dog food, another advantage of cinnamon for dogs is in your pooch’s food bowl.
Improved Heart Health
In a study published in the Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, researchers discovered that pups who consume cinnamon also had improved heart health.
Dogs that participated in the study who were offered cinnamon manifested significantly lower heart rate and systolic blood pressure than canines in the group that did not have cinnamon.
Helps Prevent Yeast Infection
Cinnamon can be anti-fungal as well. The spice works to fight Candida albicans, the fungus that causes yeast infections. These infections usually resist medication, but not cinnamon. Typically, a dog that has allergies is susceptible to yeast infections.
What Are The Dangers Of Feeding Your Dog Cinnamon?
Cinnamon offers a wide range of benefits as mentioned above. So, is cinnamon ok for dogs? The short answer is yes. But what warning signs should you watch out for? Is cinnamon toxic to dogs? or Is cinnamon bad for dogs? Before you feed your dogs cinnamon, here are the things a pet parent should know.
Unlike nutmeg, which can cause seizures and hallucinations in dogs, cinnamon is non-toxic for dogs [1]. The all-around favorite seasonal spice will not harm your dog, unless given in large amounts. Too much cinnamon can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but is not fatal for pets.
The primary concern with feeding your dog cinnamon is that if they inhaled it accidentally. Inhaled powdered cinnamon can lead to choking, irritation, and difficulty breathing, so keep this spice stash away from your pooch’s reach.
As with anything, large quantities of cinnamon can be harmful and may leave your dog with an upset belly. While cinnamon has a mild anti-clotting effect on the blood, too much of it can cause bleeding problems.
Another thing, a pregnant pet should not eat cinnamon in huge amounts, as it may have a stimulating effect on the uterus.
When Should You Avoid Feeding Cinnamon to Dogs?
Can dogs eat cinnamon? Yes. And now that we’ve established the benefits and dangers of cinnamon to dogs, how should you be giving it to your pup, then?
When it comes to cinnamon safety, it’s essential to understand what is in cinnamon that can make it good or bad for dogs. As you should know there are two types of cinnamon –Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia (or Chinese) cinnamon.
The safe cinnamon option for your pooch is Ceylon cinnamon due to its low levels of coumarin. Coumarin is a natural, organic substance that is found in most plants. If too much coumarin is ingested, it can damage your dog’s liver.
That’s why it’s best to stay away from Cassia (or Chinese) cinnamon–the darker and more common type– as it’s packed with masses of coumarins. When it comes to quantity, animal experts explain that about one teaspoon of powder can already start to cause problems for your pooch.
It’s also not recommended that you directly sprinkle it onto your pet’s kibble. Instead, try to find essential cinnamon oils with trace quantities of cinnamon.
Apart from that, never give your dog cinnamon-based baked goods. We don’t recommend sharing any holiday treat or food with your dog. Cookies, cakes, and other baked goods that contain cinnamon often have tons of different ingredients that can be toxic to dogs.
Some of the most common ones found on baked goods are sugar, nuts, raisins, cocoa powder or chocolate, and nutmeg. Most of these foods are extremely dangerous for your dog and can cause a myriad of health issues.
To be on the safe side, it’s wise to avoid sharing your food with your pooch, even for a small piece. Instead, you can consider buying their favorite yummies or baking them some festive homemade treats that will have your pet licking its paws.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Cinnamon Can A Dog Have?
Research recommends that the safe amount of cinnamon for dogs is dependent on its weight. So, if you have a tiny pup that weighs 1-10 pounds, you shouldn’t give him more than 1/8 teaspoon a day.
On the contrary, if you have a dog that’s over 100 pounds, you can safely give him up to 2 teaspoons. Still, never feed your pooch cinnamon without consulting with your vet first.
Remember, cinnamon may not be fatal to dogs, but the side effects of too much cinnamon intake can be uncomfortable.
Is It Okay For Dogs To Smell Cinnamon?
No, it’s not okay for dogs to smell cinnamon. The Pet Poison Helpline warns that if a dog inhales powdered cinnamon, the substance can irritate their lungs, and can cause them to choke, cough, and have a hard time breathing.
While in most cases some cinnamon powder is fine for dogs, steer away from cinnamon sticks. The cinnamon stick form of cinnamon could also cause mouth and stomach irritation. A whiff of a cinnamon stick, however, won’t bother your four-legged baby.
In fact, a study shows that sniffing cinnamon resulted in improved cognitive function of their canine test subjects.
Should I Bring My Dog To The Vet If It Accidentally Eats Cinnamon?
Yes, you should bring your dog to the vet if it accidentally eats cinnamon. Although, cinnamon is beneficial for dogs, we might not know how much your dog has consumed after you caught him.
If a dog happened to break into the pantry and gorged himself more than a teaspoon of cinnamon or steals the cinnamon rolls out of the mugs of hot cider, you should call you vet right away especially if you notice any of these symptoms: vomiting, rapid heart rate, diarrhea, coughing, sores in the mouth, and difficulty breathing.
What Spices Are Not Good For Dogs?
Some spices that are not good for dogs are onion, garlic, salt, cocoa powder, and nutmeg. Onion, for instance, can easily upset a pup’s stomach and can lead to anemia over time. Garlic, on the other hand, is known to be toxic for dogs. Salt will cause increase thirst and urination and can lead to dehydration while cocoa powder is extremely dangerous for dogs as it can contribute to kidney and heart problems and even death.
Nutmeg is certainly never safe for dogs. It contains the toxin myristicin, a substance found naturally in the nutmeg’s essential oil and plants like peyote, parsley, and dill.
Its symptoms include disorientation, increased heart rate, dry mouth, drowsiness, abdominal pain, high blood pressure, hallucinations, and seizures.
If you suspect your dog got into the spice cabinet, call your vet as soon as possible, and don’t forget to keep baked goods that contain any of the mentioned spices out of your pet’s reach.
Conclusion
Can dogs have cinnamon? Definitely yes. Unless it was not in a form of powder and inhaled, this spice should not harm dogs.
A good rule of paw here is to only feed your dog cinnamon in small amounts–half a teaspoon with pet food occasionally will give your pup all the beneficial properties it has to offer. Remember, while cinnamon and nutmeg are matching ingredients, nutmeg is surely not good for dogs.
And of course, if you’re considering giving any people food to your dog’s diet or letting him eat cinnamon as a natural supplement, make sure to talk to your veterinarian.
