Is Cinnamon Bad for Dogs? What Every Pet Parent Should Know

Have you ever been baking some delicious cinnamon rolls and caught your furry friend giving you those puppy dog eyes? Or maybe you accidentally spilled some cinnamon on the floor and your dog licked it up before you could clean it? As a responsible pet parent, it’s natural to worry about whether this common spice could harm your beloved companion.

Well, I’ve got good news for you! Cinnamon is generally not toxic to dogs, but there are some important nuances you should know about. Let’s dive into everything you need to understand about dogs and cinnamon so you can keep your four-legged friend safe and healthy.

The Quick Answer: Is Cinnamon Toxic to Dogs?

No, cinnamon is not toxic to dogs – at least not in small amounts. However, that doesn’t mean you should start sprinkling it liberally on your pup’s kibble! Like many things in life, moderation is key when it comes to giving your dog cinnamon.

Two Types of Cinnamon: Know the Difference

Did you know there are actually two different types of cinnamon? This is super important to understand if you’re thinking about giving cinnamon to your dog

1. Ceylon Cinnamon – Often called “true cinnamon,” this comes from the bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree. It’s considered safer for dogs because it contains low levels of coumarin (a natural organic chemical compound).

2. Cassia Cinnamon – This comes from the Chinese cinnamon tree and is the type most commonly found in grocery stores. It contains higher levels of coumarin, which could potentially be harmful to your dog’s health in large quantities.

If you’re going to give your dog cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon is definitely the better choice!

Potential Health Benefits of Cinnamon for Dogs

Believe it or not, cinnamon can actually offer some health benefits for our canine companions when used properly:

• Anti-inflammatory properties that may help dogs with joint pain
• Can help regulate blood sugar levels, potentially beneficial for older or overweight dogs
• May help with yeast infections due to its antifungal properties
• Contains antioxidants that promote overall health
• May help reduce inflammation
• Could promote heart health
• Might help relieve digestive discomfort

But before you start adding cinnamon to your dog’s food, remember that these benefits haven’t been extensively studied in dogs specifically. It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet.

How Much Cinnamon Can Dogs Safely Have?

If your vet gives you the green light to add some cinnamon to your dog’s diet, here’s a general guideline for safe daily dosages of powdered cinnamon:

Remember, these are maximum amounts! When introducing cinnamon to your dog’s diet, always start with a tiny amount and watch for any adverse reactions.

Potential Dangers: When Cinnamon Can Be Bad for Dogs

While cinnamon isn’t toxic, there are definitely situations where it can cause problems:

Cinnamon Essential Oils are a Big NO-NO

Cinnamon essential oil is MUCH more concentrated than the powdered spice and can be toxic to dogs even in small amounts. Never use cinnamon essential oils around your pets, whether in diffusers or applied topically.

Cinnamon Sticks Can Be Hazardous

You might think a cinnamon stick would make a fun chew toy for your dog, but that’s a bad idea. Cinnamon sticks can:

• Irritate your dog’s mouth
• Splinter into sharp pieces that could cause internal damage
• Pose a choking hazard

Inhaling Cinnamon Powder is Dangerous

If your dog inhales cinnamon powder (which can easily happen if they sniff it), it can cause:

• Coughing
• Choking
• Difficulty breathing
• Bronchospasms

This is why you should never let your dog lick up loose cinnamon powder directly.

Too Much Cinnamon Can Cause Problems

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, consuming more than one teaspoon of cinnamon powder can cause problems for most dogs (with smaller dogs being more sensitive). Overdosing on cinnamon can lead to:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Changes in heart rate
• Low blood sugar
• Liver disease
• Mouth irritation and redness

Human Foods with Cinnamon: Safe for Dogs?

Just because pure cinnamon in small amounts is generally safe doesn’t mean all cinnamon-flavored human foods are OK for your pup. In fact, many of them can be downright dangerous!

Cinnamon Baked Goods: Usually a Bad Idea

Cinnamon rolls, cinnamon bread, snickerdoodle cookies, and other baked goods often contain:

• High amounts of sugar
• Excessive fat and butter
• Potentially toxic ingredients like xylitol, nutmeg, or raisins

These foods can lead to obesity, diabetes, pancreatitis, and other health issues in dogs. Some may even contain nutmeg, which IS toxic to dogs and often paired with cinnamon in recipes.

What About Cinnamon Cereals or Oatmeal?

Nope! Most cinnamon cereals and flavored oatmeals contain too much sugar, preservatives, and potentially other spices that could be harmful to your dog. Plus, the ingredient list might just say “cinnamon and other spices” – which could include nutmeg or other problematic ingredients.

Cinnamon Sugar? Definitely Not!

Cinnamon sugar is basically just sugar with a hint of cinnamon – and large amounts of sugar are never good for your pup. It can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.

Safe Ways to Give Your Dog Cinnamon

If you want to incorporate a little bit of cinnamon into your dog’s diet (after consulting with your vet, of course), here are some safe options:

1. Homemade Dog Treats

Making your own cinnamon-flavored dog treats lets you control exactly what goes into them. There are lots of dog-friendly recipes online that use small amounts of cinnamon.

2. Mix a Tiny Bit into Their Food

A small pinch of cinnamon mixed into your dog’s regular food can be a safe way to introduce this spice to their diet.

3. Look for Commercial Dog Treats with Cinnamon

Some commercial dog treats already contain appropriate amounts of cinnamon. These can be a convenient option if your vet approves.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Too Much Cinnamon

Accidents happen! If your dog manages to get into your spice rack or devours a cinnamon-heavy treat meant for humans, here’s what you should do:

1. Don’t panic! Remember, cinnamon itself isn’t highly toxic to dogs.

2. Contact your veterinarian right away, especially if:

   • Your dog consumed a large amount of cinnamon
   • They ingested any cinnamon essential oil
   • They chewed on cinnamon sticks
   • They’re showing symptoms like coughing, choking, mouth irritation, or difficulty breathing

3. DO NOT try to induce vomiting at home unless specifically instructed to by your vet.

4. Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, changes in behavior, or difficulty breathing.

Your vet might recommend bringing your dog in for an examination, or they might have you monitor your pup at home depending on the amount consumed and symptoms.

Cinnamon and Dogs: Final Thoughts

To wrap things up – no, cinnamon isn’t bad for dogs in small amounts. It may even offer some health benefits! But like many human foods, it should be given with caution and in moderation.

Remember these key points:

• Ceylon cinnamon is safer than cassia cinnamon
• Cinnamon sticks and essential oils are dangerous
• Start with tiny amounts if adding cinnamon to your dog’s diet
• Human foods containing cinnamon often contain other ingredients that ARE harmful to dogs
• Always consult with your vet before introducing new supplements

Our furry friends rely on us to make good choices for them, and being informed about what they can and cannot safely consume is part of being a responsible pet parent. So go ahead and enjoy that cinnamon roll yourself – but maybe offer your pup a dog-safe treat instead!

Have you ever given your dog cinnamon or cinnamon-flavored treats? What was their reaction? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet or giving them new foods or supplements.

Cinnamon itself isn’t considered acutely toxic to dogs, but ingesting more than a teaspoon of powdered cinnamon can cause side effects like coughing, choking, or difficulty breathing. Cinnamon essential oil is much more dangerous and can be poisonous even in small amounts.

Yes, dogs can eat small amounts of dried, ground cinnamon mixed with their food or in dog treats, but it should be avoided in large quantities, cinnamon sticks, or cinnamon essential oil, which are harmful. Cinnamon in moderation is not toxic, and can even offer some benefits like antioxidants. However, too much can cause stomach upset, coughing, or breathing difficulty, and large amounts of cinnamon sticks are choking hazards. Always monitor your dog for signs of an adverse reaction and contact your vet if you are concerned about the amount ingested.

No, you should not give your dog commercial cinnamon applesauce because it often contains added sugars and potentially harmful ingredients like xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. While small amounts of cinnamon can be beneficial, commercial products can have too much spice, which can irritate their digestive system, and too much sugar can lead to weight gain and dental problems. If you want to give your dog applesauce, make it yourself with only fresh apples and water, or buy unsweetened varieties and ensure they do not contain any toxic ingredients like xylitol.

No, generally smelling cinnamon is not bad for a dog, but cinnamon essential oil can be harmful and should be avoided due to its high concentration and potential toxicity.