Dogs love exploring different flavors, and cinnamon is a spice used in many human treats. But is cinnamon safe for dogs? If you've ever wondered if your dog can eat cinnamon, you should read this blog post. Here we look at the tolerance of cinnamon for dogs, possible risks and benefits, and recommendations for feeding cinnamon in the dog's diet.
Good news is that cinnamon is not toxic to dogs and has fantastic health benefits when administered correctly. But that doesn't mean that anything containing cinnamon is okay for your dog. Let's delve into the world of cinnamon and find out whether your dog can eat this spice.
What is cinnamon?
Cinnamon is extracted from the inner bark of a genus of trees called Cinnamomum. There are two types of this sweet-smelling spice that are used in many recipes - cassia and ceylon.
Cassia cinnamon comes from Indonesia and China. The stalks have a rough structure, are dark brown and have a pungent taste. This cinnamon can be found in most grocery stores and is inexpensive. Cassia cinnamon has the highest coumarin content and is not recommended for dogs.
Ceylon cinnamon , also called "real" cinnamon, is harder to find and more expensive. It comes from Sri Lanka, is light brown and has a sweeter taste. Because it contains less coumarin, we consider Ceylon to be safer for dogs.
Coumarin is a natural compound found in cinnamon that is toxic in large quantities. Its purpose is to keep predators away from the trees and it is very bitter with a sweet vanilla smell.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon
Cinnamon offers many incredible health benefits for you and your dog too. The secret to these fantastic benefits most likely lies in cinnamaldehyde. Scientists believe that this compound in cinnamon is responsible for its health benefits.
Remember that while cinnamon is not poisonous, there are amounts that are too much for your dog, so be careful when feeding him.
Antioxidants: This spice is rich in antioxidants, which protect against cell damage from environmental stressors and slow cognitive aging. The antioxidants support brain function, improving concentration and memory, which helps older dogs who may be experiencing symptoms of dementia.
Anti-Fungal Properties: Dogs with allergies or yeast infections may benefit from cinnamon. It inhibits the growth of salmonella, listeria and candida albicans. Another advantage is the preservation of food: If you sprinkle cinnamon on the food before freezing, the shelf life is extended.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Cinnamon can reduce swelling and inflammation in dogs with arthritis, sore muscles and joint pain.
Heart Health: A study on the effects of cinnamon in dogs with heart and high blood pressure problems showed that heart rate and systolic blood pressure were significantly reduced in dogs given cinnamon in a controlled dose. Talk to your veterinarian if you think cinnamon might be beneficial in your dog's food.
Blood sugar regulation: Studies have also shown that cinnamon in small doses can reduce blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. It slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream after meals rich in carbohydrates, as can be the case with dog food. If your dog has diabetes, talk to your veterinarian before offering cinnamon.
How much cinnamon can I feed my dog?
The amount of cinnamon that can be given to your dog depends on several factors, including your dog's size, weight and health, as well as the type of cinnamon you use. In general, it's best to only give your dog very small amounts of cinnamon. Half a teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon per day is generally safe for an average sized dog. However, if you use cassia cinnamon or if your dog already has health problems, you should reduce the amount even further or avoid cinnamon completely.
It's also important to note that cinnamon is not a substitute for a balanced diet for your dog. Although cinnamon has some health benefits, it should not be used as a staple food or dietary supplement. Instead, you should feed your dog a balanced and healthy diet that contains all the necessary nutrients.
If you are unsure about how much cinnamon you should give your dog or if your dog has a pre-existing health problem, you should always consult your veterinarian for advice. Your veterinarian can help you determine the right amount of cinnamon for your dog and ensure your dog is receiving a healthy, balanced diet.
Potential Risks of Cinnamon for Dogs
Cinnamon is a common spice found in many human foods. But what about dogs? Is cinnamon safe for you too? The answer is: yes, but it depends.
While cinnamon is generally safe for dogs in small amounts, it can cause health problems when consumed in excess or when using certain types of cinnamon.
Cinnamon comes in many forms - cinnamon sticks, essential oils and most commonly ground as a powder. Any form of cinnamon can cause digestive problems such as stomach pain and mouth irritation (just like in humans).
Remember the cinnamon challenges on YouTube a while back? The same reactions can occur in our dogs if they consume too much of it. If your dog inhales ground cinnamon, it may cause mouth irritation, coughing, choking, and shortness of breath. Consult a veterinarian if your dog has inhaled cinnamon powder and is showing these symptoms of a cinnamon overdose:
- Diarrhea
- Vomit
- Low blood sugar levels
- Liver disease
- Changes in heart rate
All of this requires an immediate vet visit.
Additionally, it is important to note that not all types of cinnamon are created equal. Ceylon cinnamon used in most foods is generally safer than cassia cinnamon, which contains higher amounts of coumarin. Coumarin is a substance that can be toxic in high doses and can cause liver problems, especially in dogs.
To ensure your dog is safe, it is best to avoid using cinnamon oil and cassia cinnamon and ensure your dog only consumes small amounts of Ceylon cinnamon. However, if your dog has eaten cinnamon sticks or cinnamon oil and is exhibiting symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, you should consult a veterinarian immediately. Overall, it is important that as a dog owner you always make sure that you only feed your dog foods that are suitable for dogs. Although cinnamon may be okay for dogs in small amounts, it is always better to be safe and cautious.
Can dogs eat cinnamon rolls?
Dogs should not eat sweet baked goods like cinnamon rolls, and cinnamon itself is not considered toxic to dogs. However, there may be other ingredients in the roll that could be harmful to dogs. Raisins and macadamia nuts, for example, are popular ingredients in cinnamon rolls and are definitely toxic to dogs.
Even if the cinnamon roll didn't contain any toxic ingredients or additives, the large amount of sugar, fat, and calories wouldn't be good for your dog. In the short term, dogs who eat too many cinnamon rolls may experience temporary digestive symptoms such as diarrhea. In the long term, dogs who eat too much fatty food are at higher risk of developing serious health conditions such as pancreatitis.
Nutmeg and cinnamon
Cinnamon and nutmeg are two different species that come from the same mother plant but are very different. Cinnamon is not toxic to your dog in small amounts, but nutmeg is.
Nutmeg contains myristicin, a compound also found in dill, parsley and peyote. A small amount is not toxic, but no one knows how small that amount is per dog breed. For this reason, it's best to avoid nutmeg in your dog's treats.
The side effects of nutmeg can last up to 48 hours and can occur with just 1-3 tablespoons of the spice. Symptoms of Nutmeg Poisoning:
- Disorientation
- Increased heart rate
- Dry mouth
- sleepiness
- Increased blood pressure
- Abdominal pain
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
If your dog ingests nutmeg, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Feed cinnamon safely to dogs
For most dogs, half a teaspoon of cinnamon fed every now and then has some health benefits. Many commercial treats and dog foods also contain cinnamon in safe amounts in their recipes.
The question “Can dogs eat cinnamon?” we answered yes. Your dog can benefit from many health benefits when you include this tasty, sweet spice in his diet. Just remember to avoid any additional ingredients that your dog doesn't need, and talk to your vet if you think a therapeutic dose might help your dog with any health issues.
What to do if your dog eats too much cinnamon?
If your dog eats a small amount of cinnamon, it is usually not dangerous for him. However, if your dog eats a large amount of cinnamon at once, you definitely need to take him to the vet or call your vet for advice. Cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, but large amounts of cinnamon can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive problems in your dog. This is especially true for smaller dog breeds that eat a large amount of cinnamon at once.
When it comes to your dog's health and safety, you should always be on guard. So if your dog eats a large amount of cinnamon, you should talk to your vet as soon as possible.
