Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon? Read to Know!

For some people, cinnamon is a winter-time flavor that evokes memories of sticky buns and gingerbread houses. But for others, it's just another spice they keep on hand for cooking.

And yet for still others—namely our furry friends—cinnamon maybe something they've never been exposed to before!

If you're a pet owner, this question is likely one that has crossed your mind before- can dogs eat cinnamon? The answer to this question is yes and no.

Cinnamon is ok for most dogs in small doses, but it's important not to overdo it because the spice can be harmful if eaten too often or in large quantities. To find out more about whether your dog should eat cinnamon, keep reading!

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon? Or is it Toxic for Them?

“Can dogs eat cinnamon, yes or no?”

Yes! Dogs can eat cinnamon in small amounts. If your dog ingests cinnamon once in a while, it is not poisonous or toxic. It might even be good for them.

But if they eat a lot of it, then the cinnamon will make them sick and there are many bad things that could happen to them. Call your veterinarian if you think your dog has eaten a lot of cinnamon because there are some things you need to know about what could happen if they eat too much.

What is Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is a popular spice that is used in baking. It is an inner bark on the tree named Cinnamomum, a genus species tree. Generally, two types of cinnamon are used for baking - Ceylon, and Cassia.

Ceylon Cinnamon - It is called true cinnamon, and it is comparatively harder to find. It comes from Sri Lanka, is expensive, light brown in color, and is safe for dogs.

Cassia Cinnamon - This cinnamon variation comes from China and Indonesia. These are rougher in texture and have dark brown color and a strong taste. This kind of cinnamon is rather easier to find and is also inexpensive. It is high in coumarin, which is toxic for dogs.

Coumarin is a naturally occurring compound that is toxic, and its main purpose is to keep the predators away from the tree.

How Much Cinnamon Can My Dog Eat?

You should give your dog the right amount of cinnamon. If you give too much, it can hurt your dog and make it sick. So, keep in view the following dosage:

• 1-10 pounds: A small pinch to 1/8 teaspoon
• 20-50 pounds: 1/4 to 1 teaspoon
• 50-100 pounds: 1 to 2 teaspoons
• 10-20 pounds: 1/8 teaspoon to 1/4 teaspoon
• Over 100 pounds: 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon

Health Benefits of Cinnamon for Dogs

“Can dogs have cinnamon in food?”

The good news is that our dogs can also have this spice. Sprinkle it into your dog's food and it will make the food taste better. Here are the health benefits:

• Helps Cure Inflammation: This spice has anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon can help your dog when they have pain in their joints. When they eat it, their pain will decrease and the swelling will go down.
• Manages Diabetes: Cinnamon can help with managing your dog's diabetes. Cinnamon will lower blood sugar levels by limiting how much sugar is in the blood. It can also be helpful for insulin resistance.
• Reduces the Risk of Infections: Cinnamon has ingredients to stop the spread of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Cinnamon can help stop Listeria and Salmonella growths.
• Provides Antioxidants: Dog's bodies are damaged by things like inflammation, pollution, smoke and fumes, and sun exposure. Cinnamon is packed with powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols. They help in protecting the body from all harmful components.
• Improves the Digestive System: Cinnamon can help your dog with stomach problems. If your dog throws up or has an upset stomach, try cinnamon. It can make their side effects feel better, like nausea, heartburn, gas, and vomiting.
• Improves Brain Function: Cinnamon may help to improve brain function. Studies in mice have proven that consuming cinnamon reduces brain cell damage, protects neurons, and improves motor function.
• Helps in Regulating Blood Sugar: According to some studies, cinnamon can help in lowering and normalizing insulin resistance and glucose levels in dogs. It slows down sugar’s absorption in the bloodstream. It is especially important for dogs having diabetes.
• It has Anti-fungal Properties: Dogs suffering from allergies like yeast infection benefit a lot from cinnamon. This spice helps in inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Candida Albicans, and Listeria.
• Supports Heart Health: Cinnamon helps keep your dog’s heart healthy and his blood pressure in control. However, make sure that you consult the veterinarian before adding it to your dog’s diet.

When is Cinnamon Dangerous for Dogs?

If your dog eats too much cinnamon, he will not die. This is because cinnamon is not deadly for dogs. But that does not mean you should give it to him in ample quantities because it can still be dangerous. Cinnamon and cinnamon oils can cause skin and digestive irritation and sensitization in pets.

One thing that can happen if you give your dog cinnamon powder is that it will irritate their lungs. If they have trouble breathing, are coughing, or are having trouble swallowing, then they should go to the vet.

Some people give their dogs cinnamon sticks, but these could pose a choking hazard to your dog.

How Much Cinnamon can Hurt a Dog?

“How much cinnamon kills a dog?”

If your dog has two or three tablespoons of cinnamon at a time, or it tries to chew 3-4 sticks of cinnamon simultaneously, then it can hurt your dog. It can be hazardous for your dog as well.

What if my Dog Eats too Much Cinnamon?

If your dog eats more than a teaspoon of cinnamon or eats the whole jar of cinnamon sticks at your holiday party, call the vet if he has any of these symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rapid heart rate
• Sores in the mouth
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing

If your dog eats a lot of cinnamon, you do not need to worry. But you should call the vet anyway. Cinnamon isn't dangerous for dogs, but they might feel sick if they eat too much of it. The vet will give your dog medicine to help them feel better.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Baked Goods?

Most baked goods with cinnamon in them only contain a small amount of it. This is safe for your dog. Some treats or supplements for dogs also have cinnamon in them to make the animal healthier.

But, most foods contain large amounts of sugar which are not good for your dog. So just because the food has cinnamon doesn't mean that it is good for your dog, you need to look at all of the ingredients before you give it to him or her.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Rolls?

No! Cinnamon rolls are high in sugar and fats. These can make a dog's stomach hurt and can cause them to get pancreatitis, which is painful and even deadly. Cinnamon is safe for dogs but with sugar, it can be dangerous and might make their stomach hurt if they eat too much.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch?

Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal will not hurt your dog if you share a bite. It is just-food. There are no benefits to eating it though. The cereal has sugar and additives which do not help the health of both people and dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Applesauce?

“Can dogs eat applesauce with cinnamon?”

Dogs can generally eat applesauce with cinnamon. Apple sauce is not dangerous to dogs. However, there is sugar and other things in most store-bought cinnamon applesauce that might not be good for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Bread?

No! Cinnamon bread can harm your pet. Raisins in the bread can kill them, and they are poison too. If you put raisins in the bread, call a vet right away.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Donuts?

No, do not share your holiday dessert with your dog. You should also avoid feeding your dog donuts. Even “safe” donuts have a lot of sugar and fat that might make your dog sick.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Cookies?

If cinnamon cookies are homemade and there are no harmful additives in them, then they are safe for your dog to eat. However, commercially prepared cookies are high in additives, preservatives, and sugars. So, they should not be given to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Pop-Tarts?

Pop-Tarts are not the best choice for a dog treat. Pop-Tarts have high levels of sugar, salt, carbohydrates, fats, and calories that can be harmful to your dog's health. These ingredients make them very sick!

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Twists?

The twists are a mix of different things. They have flour, cornmeal, rice flour, and salt. If your dog has a bite of it it won’t be harmful. However, in large quantities, sugar and salt in them can be a major problem.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Sticks?

Chewing on cinnamon sticks and consuming ground cinnamon or essential oil can cause irritation in your dog's mouth. Inhaling cinnamon powder or sticks can cause your dog to cough, choke, and have difficulty breathing.

Nutmeg and Cinnamon - A Must Read!

Cinnamon might not be toxic to dogs, but nutmeg is. Nutmeg can make your dog sick. Cinnamon and nutmeg are often used together in recipes, so make sure you are careful when giving them to your dog.

Nutmeg has a toxic component called myristicin. Myristicin can cause hallucinations, increased heart rate, disorientation, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, dry mouth, and even seizures. These symptoms can last up to 48 hours.

Nutmeg is generally safe for dogs in small amounts used in baked goods. If your dog accidentally eats a large amount of nutmeg by mistake, tell your vet and watch closely so you can call if they have any problems.

Yummy Cinnamon Recipes for your Pup!

Cinnamon is a spice that does not hurt dogs. You can bake your dog treats with cinnamon if you want to share them with him or her. Yummy!

Apple-Cinnamon Pie Bites

If you prefer sweets that are not very sweet, you might like this recipe too for your dog.

Ingredients
2 apples, cored and diced or grated 1 Tbsp cinnamon 1 Tbsp Honey 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 Tbsp coconut oil 1 cup almond flour 1/2 cup tapioca flour 1/4 cup coconut flour 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 cup milk 1 Egg Optional: 1/4 cup grated parmesan or cheddar

Cooking Instructions:

1. Set your oven to 350º. Put the oven racks in a central position. You might want to use more than one tray if you want to bake many things at once.
2. Wash the apples. Remove the cores. Dice or grate the apples into small pieces.
3. To your diced apple, add cinnamon, vanilla, honey, and coconut oil. Stir it all together.
4. Add the flour and baking powder next. Stir them together. This will be a crumble, not a cookie dough. Don't worry!
5. Put the milk and egg in, then stir it.
6. Put spoonfuls of cookie dough onto a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
7. You can either leave the dough in a ball or press it down with a fork. This makes it crunchy.
8. Bake the cookies for 20 minutes or until they are brown. The tops should be golden and there should be some crunchy bits on the edges. But don't bake them too long because then they will burn on the bottom.

Peanut-Butter and Cinnamon Pupcakes

If you want to serve some delicious and safe cupcakes to your pup, here is the ultimate recipe.

Ingredients
Peanut Butter Carrot Cupcakes
1/2 cup flour 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp baking powder 1 carrot, grated 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/4 cup peanut butter 1 egg
Peanut Butter Yogurt Frosting
1/2 cup yogurt 1/4 cup peanut butter 3 Tbsp cornstarch or tapioca flour to thicken and stabilize

Cooking Instructions:

1. Put the oven on at 350 degrees. Put some grease on the silicone molds first, and then put them on a cookie sheet.
2. Combine flour, cinnamon, and baking soda into a bowl. Mix them together. Make sure to mix well without any lumps.
3. Mix all the wet ingredients and then add the grated carrot.
4. Spoon the mixture into the silicone molds that you have greased.
5. Gently tap the tray to get rid of any air bubbles. Then, make sure you push down the batter so it is flat and you get the paw prints from the bottom of the molds.
6. Bake the cheesecake for 15 minutes. It will be ready when you can stick a toothpick into it and it does not come out with any gooey stuff on it. Let the cake cool completely before you put frosting on it.

This is the method to prepare the frosting for the cupcakes:

1. Mix the yogurt and cornstarch together until there are no lumps.
2. Add the peanut butter and stir it to combine.

So, cinnamon is not toxic to dogs and is safe to be consumed by them in lesser amounts. There are different kinds of varieties like Ceylon cinnamon, cassia cinnamon, etc. which actually offer many health benefits for your pup also. However, always keep in view the safety precautions mentioned in this blog.

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