Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?

By: Dr. Juli, DVM,CHPV

It's not uncommon for home chefs to have a stocked spice rack that rivals most bakeries. Adding flavor to your favorite dishes can turn a plain meal or treat into a delicious delicacy. Spices, like cinnamon, are commonly found in most households and, for some people, may even be added to foods for specific health benefits. Although cinnamon and most spices are considered natural, safe, and, in some cases, beneficial for human health, this is not always the case for your four-legged best friend.

Understanding which foods or spices are safe for dogs is essential for pet owners to avoid an unplanned veterinary visit. Understanding cinnamon safety is critical because it can be found in some commercial dog treats.

What is cinnamon? 

Cinnamon is a commonly used spice that is harvested from the bark of various types of cinnamon trees. Once harvested, it is available in multiple forms, including cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon, and as an essential oil, which is the most concentrated. In addition to its sweet and spicy flavor, it is also used by some people for its potential medicinal purposes.

The various types of cinnamon are differentiated by the tree type and chemical composition. Generally, cinnamon is separated into two main types which include: 

• Cassia –– This variety is the most common type found in grocery stores and a go-to because of its intense flavor. There are three main cassia cinnamon types: Chinese, Saigon, and Indonesian. The latter is most commonly found in the U.S. because it's the sweetest and most mild cassia type. Cassia cinnamon has a history of being used in traditional human medicine. It has been linked to anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and heart-protective properties. However, research on the effects on people and dogs is limited. Cassia also contains a compound called coumarin, which is toxic to the liver and kidneys when ingested in large quantities.
• Ceylon — Also known as true cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon is not as readily available, but it can be found in some specialty grocery stores. It has a milder flavor and taste. This type is also linked to anti-inflammatory properties and health benefits in people, but research in dogs is limited. Additionally, the toxic compound coumarin has also been harvested from Ceylon cinnamon.  

Is cinnamon safe for dogs?

Though the health benefits of cinnamon may make it a popular spice for humans, the same is not necessarily true for your dog. Cinnamon is generally considered non-toxic in small quantities, but that does not mean it should be sprinkled on your dog's kibble. Dogs who ingest more than one teaspoon of cinnamon or a drop of cinnamon essential oil are at risk for gastrointestinal (G.I.) illness and toxicity, including problems with the liver and kidneys. Additionally, chewing on cinnamon sticks can lead to mouth irritation, redness, or blisters. Dogs investigate new smells and tastes with their mouth and noses. This increases their risk of cinnamon powder inhalation, which can cause choking, difficulty breathing, or life-threatening lung aspiration in severe cases. Additionally, although cinnamon is not a common food allergen in dogs, new food can lead to an allergic reaction or intolerance.  Generally, it's best to avoid feeding your dog this popular spice. 

Signs of cinnamon toxicity in dogs

Dogs who ingest large amounts of cinnamon are at risk for a variety of health problems, including liver disease, kidney toxicity, and low blood sugar. Bring your dog for immediate veterinary care If you are unsure how much cinnamon they've ingested or if they show any of the following overdose or toxicity signs, which may include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Coughing
• Choking
• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden changes in their heart rate or rhythm
• Redness or blistering in the mouth after chewing a cinnamon stick
• Hives or skin inflammation 

Can dogs eat cinnamon rolls or other baked goods? 

Sharing your delicious cinnamon bun with your pup may be tempting, especially when they stare longingly at you for a small bite. However, never feed your dog any cinnamon rolls or human baked goods. These sweet treats contain various ingredients that can wreak havoc on your dog's digestive system. The high sugar and fat content can lead to G.I. upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, or potentially life-threatening pancreatitis. Cinnamon rolls often contain dog-toxic ingredients, including raisins or other sweeteners like xylitol.

Immediately contact the Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian if your dog eats any foods containing raisins (grapes) or xylitol. Small amounts can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar levels, liver disease, seizures, or be fatal in severe cases. 

Many cinnamon-flavored baked goods also contain the nutmeg spice. In small amounts, nutmeg can cause mild G.I. upset in dogs. However, ingestion of  large quantities of nutmeg leads to more severe toxic effects, including:

• Hallucinations
• Disorientation
• Abdominal pain
• Dry mouth
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Seizures

Cinnamon overdose prevention

Ingestion of small amounts of cinnamon is not likely to cause your dog to become sick. However, your pup should not be offered cinnamon in their daily diet. It's critical to prevent your dog from accessing your spice rack so that they do not accidentally ingest large amounts of cinnamon or other toxic spices, like nutmeg. Ensure to immediately contact your DVM if your dog accidentally ingests or inhales cinnamon. Tips to prevent spice-related illness include:

• Place all spices and spice racks out of paws' reach or in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave your dog unsupervised in the kitchen, especially while baking.
• Place decorations that contain cinnamon sticks in high areas where your dog can not access them.
• Avoid diffusing cinnamon-based essential oils. 
• Never feed your dog any human baked goods.   

Alternatives to cinnamon for dogs

Giving your dog a tasty treat is a great way to bond and show them love. Always consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog any new foods and treats to ensure its safety. Additionally, dogs on prescription diets for allergies or other illnesses should not be fed new foods or treats. While cinnamon may be beneficial to your health, it can be detrimental to your dogs. Cinnamon is often used in holiday-themed treats and drinks. Fortunately, there are numerous dog-safe, sweet, and nutritious treat alternatives to cinnamon that are equally festive, including:

• Homemade baked dog treats made with Native Pet Pumpkin Powder can also help with mild digestive issues
• Placing their favorite treat in a puzzle toy or kong
• For added hydration and a savory treat, consider freezing Native Pet Bone Broth for tasty, nutritious ice cubes
• Make your dog a DIY dog-safe PSL

Small amounts (less than a teaspoon) of cinnamon will not likely cause your dog any problems, especially if it's an ingredient in a dog-formulated commercial dog treat. However, ingesting more than one teaspoon of cinnamon, inhalation, or chewing on cinnamon sticks can cause a variety of illnesses in your dog that will likely require treatment or hospitalization in severe cases. Never hesitate to contact your vet if you are concerned that your dog ate too much cinnamon or are unsure how much they ingested.

For more information and tips on your dog's health, check out the Native Pet blog.