Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon? Dogs & Cinnamon

Dogs are amazing companions. They are adorable, cuddly, and playful, but they are a huge responsibility. It is essential as pet parents that we prioritize our pet’s health and well-being. Part of this involves educating ourselves on how to best care for our pets by protecting them from undesirable situations and outcomes. Embrace Pet Insurance is a compassionate organization dedicated to educating pet parents on a variety of topics, including what foods are and are not safe for pets. Can dogs have potatoes? Are blueberries safe? What about green beans for dogs? And today’s topic: Is cinnamon bad for dogs?  

But Can Dogs have Cinnamon? 

Cinnamon is a common spice found in many sweet treats. It can be tempting to share a cinnamon roll or a bite of apple pie with your pet, but is this safe? What if a small amount of cinnamon is spilled on the floor and then quickly licked up by your pup? The good news is cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, but that does not necessarily mean it should be fed to them purposefully on a regular basis. Read on to find out more. 

Is Cinnamon Good for Dogs? 

There are two types of cinnamon: Ceylon and Cassia. Ceylon cinnamon is generally considered to have more health benefits and be safer. While Cinnamon has shown some health benefits in humans such as being anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative, there are not many reliable studies regarding health benefits of cinnamon in our canine companions. Cinnamon is safe in small amounts. It is present in some dog treats and is part of several homemade dog treat recipes. Due to the lack of scientific studies regarding the potential benefits of cinnamon in dogs, it is best to avoid adding cinnamon to your dog’s food on a regular basis but is okay when baked into the occasional dog treat. 

Is Cinnamon Toxic to Dogs? 

While cinnamon is nontoxic, if your furry friend gets into the spice rack, they could still experience side effects, especially if a large amount is ingested. If inhaled, cinnamon is highly irritating to the nasal cavity and can lead to excessive sneezing or nasal drainage. Cinnamon can cause digestive irritation, occasionally causing vomiting or pancreatitis. It can also be irritating to the skin and mouth, sometimes leading to sores and reluctance to eat in severe cases.  

An additional consideration when it comes to sharing your cinnamon desserts is the other ingredients that may be present in the dessert. These can include ingredients like chocolate, nutmeg, artificial sweeteners like xylitol, raisins or others which are highly toxic to dogs, even leading to organ failure. If your dog gets into something you think may be toxic, it is important to promptly contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) for advice on how to best proceed. Besides potentially toxic ingredients, desserts are high in fat and sugar which can lead to weight gain, gastroenteritis, and pancreatitis. As hard as it may be to say no to those puppy dog eyes, it is best to avoid feeding your dog human desserts all together. 

What To Do If Your Dog Gets into Something They Shouldn’t 

Dogs get into things they shouldn’t from time to time, even under the most watchful pet parent’s eye. If you suspect your dog has ingested something harmful, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian immediately. They can provide specific advice based on the substance and the amount consumed. 

If you're unsure about the best course of action and can’t contact your vet, consider reaching out to Embrace's PawSupport. Their team of pet care experts is available around the clock, even on holidays, to offer free guidance and support to policyholders. 

Veterinary visits and hospitalization for toxicities or foreign body exploratory surgeries can be extremely expensive and burdensome, sometimes leading to the inability to pursue the best treatment options. Pet insurance for dogs can offer financial assurance during these stressful times. With Embrace Pet Insurance, you can focus on your dog's health and recovery without worrying about overwhelming costs.  

By getting pet insurance when your dog is young or upon adoption, you're ensuring they have access to the care they need, regardless of the situation. With pet insurance, you have the ability to choose the best treatment in those stressful moments of uncertainty, giving your fur baby the best chance for a positive outcome. 

Cinnamon for Dogs 

While cinnamon is considered nontoxic to dogs, it does not come risk free and can lead to gastrointestinal upset or oral irritation. Not to mention the additional ingredients found in many desserts can be toxic to dogs. Always keep potentially dangerous foods and objects put away or out of reach or your dog to reduce the risk of them getting into something they should not. If you are considering offering your dog cinnamon or any new human foods, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian beforehand as what is okay for one pup, may not be for another. 

Next time your fur baby is begging for a bite of your churro, fight the urge to share and reach for a safer alternative. Consider having a container of dog-friendly treats readily available in the kitchen to offer your pup if you just can’t resist treating them to a snack when you’re grabbing one yourself!