Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?
Yes and no, as cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, but there’s really no need to give your dog any. Forget about health benefits and everything you read about cinnamon. That doesn’t apply to dogs. Those benefits are minimal to non-existent, and remember that your dog gets complete nutrition from their dog food, so they don’t need cinnamon!
Cinnamon is not dangerous to dogs, but it doesn’t have any nutritional value, and it can even irritate your dog’s stomach in large amounts. Some dog treats can include cinnamon for flavor, and that’s okay, but don’t give your dog cinnamon powder, sprinkle it on their food, or anything like that!
Is cinnamon safe for dogs?
According to the ASPCA, cinnamon is not toxic to dogs. Unlike certain spices like nutmeg, which can be dangerous in very large amounts, cinnamon is safe for dogs in moderation. If your dog eats something with a little cinnamon, like a homemade dog treat or a sprinkle in a recipe, they’re going to be fine.
However, cinnamon can be dangerous if dogs inhale it. This might happen if they associate the smell of cinnamon with a tasty snack, like cinnamon rolls, which are safe but incredibly unhealthy for dogs due to all the sugar, dough, and fat.
Keep your spices out of reach, and don’t experiment with cinnamon!
Can dogs eat cinnamon sticks?
If they steal some by accident and chew on it, don’t worry, but don’t give them any on purpose! It’s highly unlikely that dogs would want to chew on cinnamon sticks since the smell is strong for them and can irritate their noses. But if they grab one, don’t worry—cinnamon sticks are not toxic to dogs.
What about cinnamon-flavored products? Are they safe for dogs?
We already mentioned baked products and all the cozy fall treats we like to eat, like cinnamon rolls. Baked goods with cinnamon aren’t problematic because of the cinnamon itself. They’re bad for dogs because of the sugar, butter, and all the dough, which are just empty calories!
Dogs also shouldn’t eat cinnamon apples, cinnamon sugar, or any kind of candy with cinnamon or other spices. Again, the main problem is the sugar and empty calories. While these provide energy, they don’t offer nutrients that support muscle growth, joint health, or a healthy immune system. So, don’t give dogs treats like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, cinnamon rice cakes, or other sweet snacks. You won’t be doing them any favors.
Warning: can dogs eat cinnamon and nutmeg?
Don’t mistake cinnamon for nutmeg! Nutmeg is very dangerous to dogs and can cause serious harm. It contains a toxic compound called myristicin, which can lead to serious health issues like high blood pressure, a fast-beating heart, stomach pain, disorientation, and even hallucinations!
A small amount of nutmeg in your pumpkin pie or baked goods won’t cause this, but you need to be careful about where you keep your spices. Don’t let your dog get into a large amount of nutmeg!
A word on cinnamon essential oils and dogs
Some essential oils are extremely toxic to dogs! My advice is always to talk to your vet first before you play doctor around your dog. I am really against using aromas and essential oils instead of real medicine, especially for something we can help our dogs with simple solutions, like improving their nutrition to get rid of itchy skin and using vet-approved products to help them.
But, leaving that aside, some essential oils, like cinnamon essential oil, can be really harmful to dogs, as it’s toxic to them. Cinnamon essential oil contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde, which is dangerous for dogs because it irritates their nose, skin, and respiratory system! Diffusers are especially risky because they spray these substances into the air, making it easy for dogs to inhale them. Also, keep in mind that dogs have a sensitive sense of smell, so even a small amount can irritate them. Remember, too, that their lungs are smaller, so even minimal exposure can cause difficulty breathing and irritation.
So, while cinnamon is not toxic and sugary cinnamon treats are not recommended for dogs, cinnamon essential oil is absolutely toxic to them. Keep that in mind, and make sure to keep their paws off the holiday baking.
Love, life, and fur forever!
FAQs
Can dogs eat something with cinnamon in it?
That depends on what the “something” is. Cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, but sugary and buttery baked goods with cinnamon aren’t good for them because they’re high in calories, sugar, and fat!
Is a cinnamon roll ok for dogs?
A cinnamon roll isn’t toxic, but it’s not a healthy treat for dogs. The sugar, butter, and dough are just empty calories, and these ingredients are quite rich, so there’s a chance your dog might end up with an upset stomach.
What if my dog ate my cinnamon toast?
If your dog ate your cinnamon toast, they’ll be fine. Cinnamon isn’t harmful, and sugar and butter aren’t toxic to dogs, even though they’re unhealthy. Give them plenty of water and make sure their next meal is something simpler, like their regular dog food that provides all the nutrients they need.