Dogs mostly get to eat what their owners love and if you are a cinnamon roll lover, it is very likely that your dog has had the treat too. The question most dog owners ask is if it is okay for dogs to be fed cinnamon rolls.
The answer is not as simple as a yes or a no.
Cinnamon rolls are sugary treats rich in fat, and a sugary diet is not advisable for dogs, but cinnamon in controlled amounts is. Researchers agree that cinnamon rolls are not healthy food options for dogs but this does not mean they are toxic.
A large quantity of cinnamon intake is known to cause indigestion, stomach and skin irritation, diarrhea, coughing, vomiting, low blood glucose levels, and difficulty in breathing. While cinnamon itself, if given in controlled amounts, is not toxic, cinnamon rolls contain several other ingredients that are not recommended for dogs. In most cases, less than one teaspoon of cinnamon would not cause irritation, but any more can cause negative health effects.
Ingredients in Cinnamon Rolls that are Harmful to Dogs
Nutmeg is a primary component in cinnamon rolls and this is highly toxic for dogs as they are known to cause certain medical complications. These include seizures and hallucinations. Other life-threatening ingredients that cinnamon rolls contain include Macadamia Nuts and Raisins. Chocolate, if present in the treats, is another poisonous ingredient. Theobromine in chocolate cannot be broken down in the stomachs of canines. Artificial sweeteners, Xylitol, for example, are also not suitable for dogs.
Even in cinnamon rolls that do not contain the aforementioned ingredients, fats and sugars in large quantities have the potential of causing fatal pancreatitis.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon for Dogs
Yes, cinnamon rolls in large amounts can harm the health of dogs but cinnamon itself is a very healthy component of a dog’s diet and should be included in limited amounts.
Mental Health Benefits
Cinnamon is known to improve brain development in dogs by improving cognitive functions and memory. It also reduces the risk of neurological disorders as it contains large proportions of antioxidants.
Improves Heart Health
Cinnamon can also help maintain the blood pressure and heart rate in dogs and thus is beneficial to the heart’s health. The research revealed that cinnamon improved every measured variable (including P-R interval) in 10 healthy dogs which were given cinnamon for 14 days.
Counters Diabetes and Obesity
In addition to its benefits for the heart and the brain, cinnamon also maintains blood glucose levels and insulin resistance for dogs. If your dog was fed too many carbohydrates, cinnamon intake can help lower the absorption of sugar and prevent the blood sugar levels from rising. The advisable quantity for dogs is 1/8th teaspoon for every 15 pounds of dog weight.
Counters Arthritis
Arthritis and muscle soreness is the primary concern of dog-owners because, with age, dogs can face these problems and cinnamon is the ideal solution because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Small quantities of cinnamon taken with food can reduce swelling and joint pain.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, cinnamon rolls might not be healthy food choices for dogs but the cinnamon in them is beneficial to their health. It is, therefore, advisable to give dogs alternate safer cinnamon treats.
Emily Smith is a talented content writer, wielding words to create captivating stories and informative articles across a wide range of topics. With a passion for effective communication and a love for research, Emily consistently produces engaging and valuable content. She’s dedicated to conveying ideas clearly and compellingly, making her a sought-after voice in the digital sphere. When not writing, Emily enjoys immersing herself in art, nature, and culinary adventures for fresh bursts of creativity.
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