Yes, dogs can eat cinnamon. Although it is a spice, they can add it to people’s foods in their diet. The spicy treat should not contain too much cinnamon because it will be toxic to dogs but not like the nutmeg.
Sometimes it is harmful to dogs if your dog eats cinnamon or cinnamon-related food in a large amount. So, These types of concerned questions arise; How much cinnamon can a dog eat? when it is toxic to your dogs? Can dogs have cinnamon then how much cinnamon can a dog eat?
You’ll get all those answers regarding cinnamon in this article!
What is Cinnamon?
A spice that is obtained from the inner bark of the tree. The natural spice used to enhance flavors in foods is also known as a condiment for several savory foods.
Definition of cinnamon and its types (Ceylon and Cassia)
Cinnamon is a spice, obtained from the inner bark of the tree. The species is from the genus”Cinnamomum”. It is a natural source of flavor additives for several food types.
It is an aromatic condiment used and served for many savory or sweet traditional dishes, brunch, cereals, snacks, or maybe for chocolate drinks.
Types of cinnamon:
There are four(4) main types of cinnamon, with unique flavor and composition.
- Saigon cinnamon.
- Korintje cinnamon
- Cassia cinnamon.
- Ceylon cinnamon
Saigon cinnamon: A sharp spicy taste. The highest in oil volatile contents and richest in flavor. It is more favorable for cinnamon-related foods like cinnamon rolls, other cinnamon rolls, applesauce, and cinnamon coffee cakes.
Korintje cinnamon: The most common type of cinnamon sold in the USA. The second highest in oil volatile contents and have a smoother and sweeter texture.
Cassia cinnamon: Dark-red brown color and thick in texture. It is more readily available and has a strong spicy taste. It has a higher coumarin content that will be toxic to dogs if taken in high doses.
Ceylon cinnamon: Safe for dogs. Light brown, and mild taste. It is the recommended cinnamon for dogs because of low levels of coumarin. It is also called “real” cinnamon. It has bioactive properties that make it a healthier treat for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?
Yes, Dogs eat cinnamon but not the nutmeg. Cinnamon should be in small amounts. Small doses are recommended because this spice is toxic when taken in large quantities.
Dogs eat cinnamon: benefits and risks
Cinnamon is safe for dogs. Well, A large bowl and a large quantity are not prescribed for dogs’ health. If your dog eats too much cinnamon, consult your veterinary doctor immediately.
Benefits of Cinnamon for Dogs
Cinnamon is a tasty as well as a healthy spice for dogs. It has several health benefits also for the dogs if the right type and moderate doses are added to the dog diet.
If you are giving your dog cinnamon and looking for the perks of it. Then there are the healthy benefits of cinnamon.
Potential health benefits of cinnamon:
The health benefits of cinnamon are:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Enriched with “Antioxidants”
- Anti-inflammatory properties.
- Minimizes inflammation.
- Reduces swelling
- Reduce the blood sugar level.
- Enhance heart health.
Maintaining a healthy weight:
The healthy weight of a dog is a good indicator of his health. Maintaining a healthy weight for a dog is necessary. Add 1/8 tsp to his diet regularly, considering 15 pounds of body. This is a basic and recommended safe amount of cinnamon for the dog.
It will contribute to regulating her blood pressure and blood sugar level. It also helps dogs to manage their weight, which is a positive sign of eating cinnamon.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Arthritis relief
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce swelling. It helps to retain the bones’ health. Arthritis is the potential risk for joint pain and could be minimized by eating cinnamon. The inflammation can also be reduced by it. It will be highly beneficial for senior dogs because dogs that are senior in age have major difficulty regarding joints.
Reduce the blood sugar level:
In America, Many dogs are facing the difficulty of having diabetes and suffering from obesity. Cinnamon helps in the way that it reduces the low blood sugar level in dogs. It improves insulin sensitivity. If your dog is diabetic, having cinnamon helps them to struggle with insulin resistance.
Enhance the heart health:
Cinnamon promotes the heart health of the dog. The health benefits of cinnamon are that when it is taken in specified amounts, a dog’s heart rate and systolic blood pressure will remain lower.
Enriched with Antioxidants:
Cinnamons are enriched with antioxidants. Antioxidants kill the free radicals produced in our bodies due to high sun exposure, smoke, pollution, or polluting components. Polyphenol is the main antioxidant found in cinnamon.
Stops the growth of bacteria:
Study reveals that if a dog eats cinnamon in a moderate amount, it stops the growth of bacteria like salmonella. It has anti-fungal properties, making them favorable for a healthy treat.
Risks of Feeding Dogs Cinnamon:
There are certain risks regarding cinnamon. You know that consuming too much cinnamon is harmful to dogs but do you know to what extent it will harm your dog? And also what kinds of cinnamon are not recommended to dogs at all?
Too much cinnamon: health risks associated with excessive consumption
Doctors say that: Inhaling cinnamon powder or taking cinnamon sticks, or cinnamon essential oils, causes serious issues to a dog’s stomach. It causes other issues like an excessive amount of cinnamon essential oils irritation or itching.
Some potential risks for dogs after consuming too much cinnamon:
- Diarrhea
- Liver disease
- Vomiting
- Digestive upset
- Dryness of throat
- Disturbance in heart rate
- low blood sugar level
Cinnamon inhaling problems for dogs. The following symptoms:
- coughing
- choking hazard
- Difficulty in breathing
- stiffness in the chest
Dog’s mouths can be infected by eating cinnamon sticks or taking cinnamon essential oil. Some signs and symptoms are here:
- Redness
- allergy
- lung irritation
- blisters
Safe Cinnamon Consumption for Dogs:
How do we know how much cinnamon that is too much for our dogs? If the quantity is not greater than the teaspoon. It is the recommended quantity. More than a teaspoon of cinnamon is not safe for dogs.
How much cinnamon can dogs eat?
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, a teaspoon of cinnamon is safe for dogs. The safe dose for the dog may vary in many cases. The dog’s size, weight, and health profile should be considered primarily.
Cinnamon essential oil and cinnamon sticks are not recommended for your dogs at all. It does not matter whether it is in small quantities because these small amounts can cause dangers to your dog’s health.
Cinnamon powder vs. cinnamon sticks for dogs
Cinnamon stick: It is not recommended for dogs to eat cinnamon, as it is a major choking hazard. Your dog can also take up all the sticks in his mouth. We don’t know the next move of the dogs. Avoid placing cinnamon sticks in front of the dogs. Taking too many cinnamon sticks causes gastrointestinal upset.
Cinnamon Powder: It is considered safe when sprinkled on the dog’s food. The small amount of powder is not bad for your dogs. Ground cinnamon and cinnamon powder are safe for dogs in low quantities, especially when paired with a nutritious option like pro star dog food.
Most pets like to see dogs eat cinnamon rolls and-related food. It is a safe option for them.
Preparing Cinnamon for Dogs
As we know some dogs eat cinnamon more pleasantly, while preparing the cinnamon to treat a dog, consider some important tips:
How to safely prepare cinnamon for dogs
The introduction of cinnamon to your dog’s meals should be done cautiously. A moderate amount of cinnamon, such as half a teaspoon mixed into their regular food occasionally is enough for your dog to get the maximum health benefits from cinnamon.
Do not give your dogs cinnamon essential oil. Never give your dog cinnamon sticks. Avoid your dog inhaling the cinnamon powder as it causes coughing, difficulty breathing, and a choking hazard. Avoid giving your dog nutmeg.
Some Cinnamon FAQS are here:
Can my dogs eat cinnamon rolls?
Yes. Cinnamon rolls or other baked goods are safe for dogs and a healthy treat for dogs. If you infuse cinnamon bad or other food items like honey with cinnamon, a delicious way to feed your dog the tasty treat.
Can dogs have cinnamon applesauce?
Avoid giving them cinnamon applesauce as it contains a high amount of sugar in it. Sugar is not good for the pup’s health. Dogs eat cinnamon applesauce then it makes your dog lazy and lethargic. Cinnamon applesauce contains Xylitol and nutmeg, which are very harmful to your dogs. your dogs eat Cinnamon applesauce is bad for your dog when mixed with artificial compounds.
Can I sprinkle cinnamon on my dog’s food?
Yes, you can sprinkle ground cinnamon on your dog’s meal. This is another way of adding cinnamon to your dog’s diet. Sprinkle the powder in less quantity.
Make sure that you are using the right type of cinnamon. The other type of cinnamon may harm your dogs as they have high coumarin content. Coumarin contents are the allergic constituents to your dog’s health. Ceylon cinnamon is safe for your pups as it contains less coumarin contents.
Important Considerations
Be aware of the nutmeg as the spice mixes with the cinnamon. Many food recipes contain cinnamon and nutmeg together. If you think your dog ate nutmeg, call the animal poison control center immediately. Also, consider whether can dogs eat pineapples as a safer treat option..
Be careful with nutmeg: the difference between nutmeg and cinnamon
Avoid giving your dog nutmeg. Nutmeg is not good for your dog’s health. Many human foods that contain cinnamon also contain nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs.
Nutmeg is mixed up with many recipes often. It should be avoided because it contains the compound Myristicin, which affects the brain, inducing hallucinations, dizziness, and nausea in the body.
Myristicin ingestion can lead to serious health problems for your dog, including
- Confusion or disturbance
- High heart rate
- dry mouth
- lethargy or dizziness
- Hallucinations experiences
- High blood pressure,
- stomach pain.
- seizures.
Be aware of cinnamon essential oil. It is not safe for your dogs. Call the pet poison helpline if your dog has eaten a large dose of it.
What other foods, and spices should dogs not eat?
Avoid feeding your dogs, avocado, chocolate, grapes, coffee, and citrus fruit. These foods contain toxins that are highly dangerous for dogs.
The spice cabinet has other spices too like garlic and onion powders are also stored in it. Onion and its family are not safe for your puppy. Avoid your dog going near the cabinet, because it causes severe gastrointestinal problems.
Conclusion
Small quantities of cinnamon are recommended for dogs. Do not give more than a teaspoon. Avoid giving them cinnamon-related food, sticks, cinnamon oil alone, applesauce, oatmeal, or powder. Never confuse it with nutmeg as it is harmful to dogs. If your dog consumes cinnamon in large amounts then Consult with the veterinary doctor if you see any serious symptoms.
Recap of the surprising truth about dogs and cinnamon
- Cinnamon can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet in small amounts and added with baked goods.
- However, it’s very important to serve it in moderation. Not more than a half teaspoon. Be aware of the potential risks and toxic effects it carries. The risks are linked to excessive consumption.
- Always consult with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
- Consult the pet poison helpline for immediate assistance. For more information, feel free to contact us.