Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon? Here’s What Every Pet Parent Should Know

If you’ve ever dropped a sprinkle of cinnamon on the floor while baking and your dog rushed over to investigate, you might have wondered, can dogs eat cinnamon? It’s a common question, especially for pet parents who love adding a touch of this fragrant spice to their food. The short answer is yes, dogs can eat cinnamon in small amounts, but there are a few important things to know before sharing any with your furry friend.

What Makes Cinnamon Safe Sometimes

Cinnamon isn’t toxic to dogs, so if your pup licks a little off the floor, there’s no need to panic. In fact, small amounts of plain cinnamon powder are generally considered safe for most healthy dogs. Some dog treats even include a pinch of cinnamon for flavor or potential health benefits.

Cinnamon is full of antioxidants and may have mild anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support overall wellness. It also smells amazing, which is probably why your dog comes running whenever you’re baking something sweet. Just keep in mind that a small sprinkle goes a long way. Too much cinnamon or the wrong kind can quickly shift from safe to risky.

The Hidden Dangers of Cinnamon

While it’s true that dogs can eat cinnamon in moderation, there are certain situations where cinnamon becomes harmful. The biggest problem is usually not the cinnamon itself, but how it is delivered.

If your dog gets into a cinnamon roll, cinnamon bread, or other baked goods made for humans, the real danger lies in the other ingredients. Many of these treats contain things like nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs, excessive sugar, or artificial sweeteners such as xylitol. Xylitol is extremely dangerous for dogs and can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, seizures, or even liver failure.

Cinnamon sticks and essential oils are another no-go. A curious dog that chews a cinnamon stick or licks a bit of cinnamon oil could end up with mouth irritation, coughing, vomiting, or diarrhea. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can even cause more serious symptoms like changes in heart rate or liver stress.

Inhaling Cinnamon Can Be Harmful Too

Dogs love to sniff everything, but inhaling cinnamon powder can irritate their nose and lungs. That little cloud of spice that floats up when you open the jar may seem harmless, but for your dog it can cause choking, coughing, or difficulty breathing. If your pup accidentally inhales cinnamon, monitor them closely and call your vet if symptoms don’t clear up quickly.

How Much Cinnamon Is Too Much?

There is no exact safe dose of cinnamon for dogs because it depends on their size, health, and sensitivity. A pinch of cinnamon powder might be perfectly fine for a large Labrador but too much for a small Chihuahua. If you’re ever unsure, err on the side of caution and keep the amount minimal.

Veterinarians generally recommend avoiding regular or large servings of cinnamon, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach or any underlying health conditions like diabetes or liver issues. Always introduce any new food or spice slowly and stop immediately if your dog shows signs of discomfort.

How to Safely Let Your Dog Eat Cinnamon

If you’d like to let your dog try cinnamon safely, here are a few simple tips:

• Stick to plain cinnamon powder, with no sugar or artificial ingredients.
• Avoid giving your dog any human pastries or cinnamon-flavored desserts.
• Keep cinnamon sticks, essential oils, and spice jars stored safely out of reach.
• Choose dog treats that are specifically formulated for pets and list cinnamon as a small ingredient.
• Watch for any signs of irritation, coughing, or digestive upset after introducing it.

You can even bake your own dog treats at home using a recipe that includes a small dash of cinnamon and dog-safe ingredients like oat flour, pumpkin, and peanut butter. This way you can control the ingredients and portion sizes completely.

(As always, we recommend verifying recipes and all nutrition additions with your vet before giving anything new to your pup!)

Why Human Cinnamon Snacks Are Off Limits

Because it bears repeating… even though dogs can eat cinnamon, that doesn’t mean they should share your cinnamon rolls or holiday cookies. These human foods are loaded with sugar and fat, which can lead to obesity, digestive issues, or pancreatitis. Many also contain butter and milk, which can upset a dog’s stomach.

And while cinnamon itself isn’t the villain, the company it keeps often is. Nutmeg, raisins, and xylitol are frequent additions to human treats that can cause serious harm to dogs. Keeping human desserts out of paw’s reach is always the best policy.

The Bottom Line: Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?

So, can dogs eat cinnamon? Yes, but only a little and only in its plain, powdered form. A sprinkle here and there or a vet-approved or commercial dog treat containing cinnamon won’t hurt most dogs. However, anything involving cinnamon sticks, essential oils, or sugary baked human goods should stay far away from your dog’s bowl.

Think of cinnamon like a fun, occasional flavor rather than a regular part of your dog’s diet. Your pup doesn’t need it for nutrition, but if they happen to taste a tiny bit, it’s not the end of the world.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Too Much Cinnamon

If your dog somehow gets into a large amount of cinnamon or essential oil, call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, coughing, or unusual behavior. Acting quickly can prevent a mild situation from turning serious.

Keep Your Dog Healthy in Every Way

Being a good pet parent means paying attention not just to what your dog eats but also to their overall wellbeing. Nutrition, exercise, and regular vet care all work together to keep your fur baby feeling great. But accidents happen, and even the most careful pup parents can find themselves facing an unexpected emergency.

That is why having a good pet insurance plan is so valuable. It helps cover the cost of accidents, illnesses, and routine checkups so you can focus on what really matters, your dog’s health and happiness. Whether it is an upset stomach from something they shouldn’t have eaten or a more serious issue, pet insurance gives you peace of mind and financial protection when you need it most.

Protect your best friend today by exploring pet insurance options that fit your budget and your dog’s needs. A healthy, happy dog is truly the sweetest treat of all.

References:

1. Rao PV, Gan SH. Cinnamon: a multifaceted medicinal plant. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:642942. doi: 10.1155/2014/642942. Epub 2014 Apr 10. PMID: 24817901; PMCID: PMC4003790.
2. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-cinnamon/
3. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-have-cinnamon
4. https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/5-benefits-of-cinnamon-and-pumpkin-for-dogs/

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.