Can dogs have cinnamon? It’s a huge hit, especially in the fall. And it’s no surprise – it tastes delicious.
But while seasonal treats are safe for you to consume … they aren’t always good for your dog.
Luckily that’s not the case with cinnamon. Not only can dogs eat cinnamon … it actually offers several health benefits.
Let’s take a look 5 reasons you should share cinnamon with your dogs.
Benefits Of Cinnamon For Dogs
Cinnamon comes in two popular varieties, Ceylon and Cassia.
- Ceylon cinnamon is light in color and sweet in taste. It’s also expensive and difficult to find.
- Cassia cinnamon is what you find in every grocery store. Darker in color and with a stronger flavor, this variety is easier to grow and thus cheaper to buy. But because of the coumarin in Cassia cinnamon, it’s only ok to feed to dogs in small amounts. Do not feed it to your dog for an extended period of time.
Ceylon cinnamon is the best choice of cinnamon for your dog. Here’s what makes this cinnamon good for dogs.
1. Maintain A Healthy Weight
Did you know that 54 percent of all dogs in America struggle with obesity?
Over the last 12 years, we’ve also seen a 79 percent rise in diabetes!
If your dog has diabetes then you should definitely add cinnamon to her diet. Adding 1/8 tsp per 15 pounds of body weight to her diet each day is a standard and safe amount. This will help regulate her blood sugar.
2. Helps With Arthritis Relief
Have a dog who’s in her golden years? Cinnamon is especially beneficial for senior dogs.
As our pets age, arthritis becomes a potential problem that can affect their mobility. But there’s no need for your dog to struggle and suffer when you have cinnamon in your kitchen!
The anti-inflammatory properties in cinnamon can help manage joint pain and reduce swelling.
How Much Cinnamon Is Too Much Cinnamon For Dogs?
It’s recommended by many to mix a 1/2 tsp of cinnamon in 1 tbsp of honey for a medium-sized dog. Any more than that, and you risk feeding too much cinnamon.
Also: don’t feed cinnamon to pregnant dogs. This is because eating cinnamon can have a stimulating effect on the uterus.
Cinnamon Sticks Vs. Cinnamon Powder For Dogs
Cinnamon is a wonderful herb to use for dogs but … don’t give your dog a cinnamon stick to chew on.
Instead, powdered cinnamon or ground cinnamon is best. Just make sure to use pure (ideally organic) cinnamon. A lot of cinnamon seasonings have added sugar, which is not good for dogs. You want the pure cinnamon spice itself.
What Are The Risks Of Feeding Dogs Cinnamon?
Most of the risk of feeding dogs cinnamon comes from feeding the wrong kind, or feeding too much. Dogs should not have cinnamon sticks, cinnamon products that contain sugar or xylitol, or cinnamon products that contain other toxic spices (like nutmeg).
If you’re feeding pure ceylon cinnamon (the best cinnamon for dogs), you want have issues with any of the above. You just need to make sure you’re feeding it in moderation.
How To Feed Your Dog Cinnamon
Introducing cinnamon to your dog’s meals should be done cautiously and sparingly.
Again, a modest amount, such as half a teaspoon mixed into their regular food occasionally, is plenty for your dog to get the potential health benefits.
Crafting homemade treats, like dog-safe cinnamon rolls or other baked goodies infused with cinnamon, can be a delightful way to treat your pet. Just make sure not to use toxic spices (like pumpkin spice or nutmeg … more on that below) in the process.
Speaking of which, here’s a treat recipe you can use to work ground cinnamon into your dog’s diet.
Raw Pumpkin Spice Dog Treats
Here are the ingredients you need:
- 3/4 cup canned pure pumpkin
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 4 cups almond flour (add more if needed)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl, adding more flour if necessary, until it forms a soft dough. Roll the dough into balls that are the right size for your dog, and then refrigerate.
That’s it! Store these treats in the fridge for one week or freeze for up to six months.
Can I Sprinkle Cinnamon On My Dogs Food?
Of course, another way to incorporate cinnamon into your dog’s diet is just to sprinkle a bit of it onto her food. Assuming you’re using the right kind of cinnamon, this is a perfectly healthy way to work the spice into your pup’s food.
However, it’s best to do this only once in a while. Cinnamon is great, but like any other food, you don’t want to overfeed it. So stick to sprinkling it on your dog’s food every once in a while as a treat.
If you want, you can even measure out a half teaspoon beforehand (and then sprinkle this half-spoonful onto the food) to make sure you’re not going over the recommended amount. If you choose to sprinkle it without measuring first, just make sure to err on the side of less rather than more so you’re not putting too much cinnamon on your dog’s food.
We Need To Talk About Nutmeg
Lastly, before you dive into your spice cabinet, we need to talk about nutmeg. This spice is often paired with cinnamon in recipes, but it should be avoided in your dog’s diet due to its content of myristicin. This compound, also found in herbs such as dill and parsley, poses a toxic risk to canines.
Myristicin ingestion can lead to serious health problems for your dog, including confusion, an elevated heart rate, dry mouth, lethargy, hallucinatory experiences, a spike in blood pressure, stomach pain, and potentially seizures.
The good news is that it typically requires a significant amount, approximately one to three tablespoons of nutmeg, for toxicity to manifest. Nonetheless, even if your dog eats a minimal quantity, it could upset his stomach.
Pumpkin spice products should similarly be avoided for dogs. This is because they often contain nutmeg and other spices that aren’t safe for dogs. So just because a spice mix has cinnamon doesn’t mean it’s safe for your dog. It could contain nutmeg or other dangerous spices.
Think your dog ate a large quantity of nutmeg? It’s crucial to reach out to your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center immediately for guidance.
FAQ
Can dogs eat cinnamon rolls? No, dogs should not eat cinnamon rolls. They contain high sugar, fats, and can include ingredients like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Can dogs eat cinnamon powder? In small amounts, cinnamon powder is not toxic to dogs. But it should still be used sparingly to avoid irritation to the mouth or digestive system.
Can dogs eat cinnamon applesauce? Dogs can eat cinnamon applesauce in moderation, provided it’s free from added sugars and artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Always check the ingredients before feeding.
Can dogs eat cinnamon sticks? Cinnamon sticks aren’t recommended for dogs as they can be a choking hazard and may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Can dogs have cinnamon essential oil? No, dogs should not have cinnamon oil as it is too concentrated and can be toxic if ingested or applied to the skin.
