Can Dogs Have Cinnamon? The Sweet and Spicy Scoop

When the weather turns chilly, and the smell of cinnamon fills the air, it’s hard to resist the temptation of a warm cinnamon roll or a mug of hot apple cider. But as you enjoy your cozy cinnamon treats, you might wonder – can my furry friend join in the fun, too? Is cinnamon safe for dogs?

The answer is yes, with a sprinkle of caution. Cinnamon is non-toxic to dogs and even boasts some potential health benefits. However, it should only be given in small amounts. 

So before you let dog lick the cinnamon spoon, let’s dive into the details of cinnamon and canines.

Is Cinnamon Safe for Dog

Good news, cinnamon lovers – this popular spice is not toxic to dogs. So if your pup happens to hoover up a few crumbs of your cinnamon coffee cake, there’s no need to panic. Cinnamon is actually on the list of herbs and spices that are safe for doggie consumption in moderation.

There are two main types of cinnamon found in your spice rack: Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. Of the two, Ceylon cinnamon is the better choice for your pup, as it contains less coumarin, a naturally occurring compound that can be harmful in large doses.

No matter which variety you have on hand, make sure to only offer your dog plain, ground cinnamon – hold the sugar and other additives. A little sprinkle on top of their food is plenty. And always start with a tiny amount to see how they tolerate it.

Beware of Toxic Spice Blends

While plain cinnamon is safe for Spot, many spice blends that contain cinnamon are not. Pumpkin pie spice may smell heavenly, but it often includes nutmeg, which is highly toxic to dogs. Nutmeg contains a compound known as myristicin, which can cause some scary symptoms if ingested by your pup, including:

– Dry mouth 

– Abdominal pain

– Tremors 

– High blood pressure

– Disorientation

– Seizures

Other spices that are a no-go for your furry friend include garlic powder, cocoa powder, oregano, onion powder, and mint. So stick to solo cinnamon and skip the spice mixes for your mutt.

On the other paw, there are some spices that can be sprinkled safely, like ginger, turmeric, rosemary, and parsley. Consult with your vet to see which seasonings are approved for your pooch.

How Much Cinnamon Can My Dog Have

Now that you know a little cinnamon is alright, you’re probably wondering about the proper portion size for your pup. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. 

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What Are the Dangers of Feeding Your Dog Cinnamon

What happens if your hound gets into the cinnamon stash and goes overboard? Cinnamon may be safe, but too much of it can result in some unpleasant side effects.

For small dogs, over 1 teaspoon of cinnamon is considered an excessive amount, while bigger dogs can handle a bit more (around 5-6 teaspoons). However, every dog reacts differently, so there’s no one-size-fits-all safe threshold.

Here are some of the icky symptoms your pup may experience after a cinnamon binge:

– Vomiting

– Diarrhea 

– Mouth and lung irritation

– Coughing

– Difficulty breathing

– Stomach irritation 

– Fluctuations in heart rate

In very high doses, cinnamon can even cause more serious issues like liver disease and low blood sugar. Dogs with pre-existing respiratory problems should avoid it altogether, as inhaling cinnamon can make breathing issues worse.

Other cinnamon products, like essential oils, cinnamon sticks, and concentrated cinnamon powder, are also best left out of paw’s reach. They can irritate your dog’s mouth and skin. If ingested, they can cause toxic effects that require immediate veterinary care.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Too Much Cinnamon

Uh oh – while you were busy with your cinnamon bun recipe, your canine sous chef helped himself to a cinnamon spoonful (or several). Now what?

First, take a deep breath. Quickly assess how much cinnamon your dog consumes and look out for any adverse symptoms. Then, get on the phone with one of these helpful resources:

– Your veterinarian 

– Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)

– ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435)

Based on the amount ingested and your dog’s condition, the vet will advise you on whether to bring your pup in ASAP or monitor them at home. If you notice any vomiting or diarrhea, don’t wait – head to the clinic right away for treatment.

The Benefits of Cinnamon

So why risk putting cinnamon in your pup’s bowl at all? Turns out, this super spice may offer some health benefits for hounds (though more research is needed to say for sure).

The possible perks of cinnamon for pooches include:

– Anti-inflammatory properties that may help ease achy joints and arthritis

– Antibacterial and antifungal activity 

– Blood sugar benefits for better diabetes management

– Antioxidants galore

– Digestive support

– Heart health boosts

Of course, a sprinkle of cinnamon is no substitute for proper vet care. Always chat with your vet before adding any new foods or supplements to your pup’s diet. They can help you determine if cinnamon is a safe and smart choice for your unique dog.

Creative Ways to Feed Cinnamon to Your Dog

Ready to spice up your pup’s plate with a touch of cinnamon? These drool-worthy dog treat recipes will have your pooch barking for more.

Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats

Ingredients

• 5 cups flour
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 eggs

Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin and board
• Cookie cutters
• Baking tray lined with parchment paper
• Oven preheated to 350°F

Instructions

1. Add the 5 cups of flour to a large mixing bowl.
2. Carefully measure and add in 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of parsley and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
4. Pour in 1/2 cup of canola oil.
5. Crack in 2 eggs and mix all ingredients together until a dough forms.
6. Flour the rolling pin and board. Roll out the dough.
7. Shape the treats with cookie cutters and place them on a lined baking tray.
8. Bake at 350°F for around 22-25 minutes until hardened and crunchy. Let cool before serving.

Peanut Butter Paw Print Pupcakes

Ingredients

– 1/2 cup flour

– 1/4 tsp cinnamon 

– 1 tsp baking powder

– 1 grated carrot

– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 

– 1/4 cup dog-safe peanut butter

– 1 egg

Frosting

– 1/2 cup yogurt

– 1/4 cup peanut butter

– 3 Tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F

2. Coat a paw print mold with grease.

3. Whisk flour, cinnamon and baking powder in a bowl. 

4. Stir in carrot, applesauce, peanut butter and egg.

5. Spoon batter into mold and bake for 15 mins.

6. For frosting, mix yogurt, peanut butter and cornstarch.

7. Let pupcakes cool then pipe on the frosting. Enjoy!

Final Words

As you can see, cinnamon and canines can coexist peacefully as long as it’s offered safely and sparingly. A dash in their dish or a cinnamon-kissed treat is okay, but skip the cinnamon bun sharing.

When it comes to human food and dogs, it’s wise to err on the side of caution. We have tons of articles detailing which foods are safe or harmful for your dog, ranging from common snacks to fruits. You might also find articles like “Can Dogs Eat Bacon?” and “Can Dogs Eat Mango?”