Dog owners are often concerned about their dogs eating cinnamon. Some questions like “can dogs have cinnamon?” “Can puppies have cinnamon?” are frequently asked. “Is cinnamon safe for dogs to eat?” The answer may not be as simple as it first seems. Many pet owners, along with science, support the use of cinnamon for dogs due to the multiple promised benefits.
Yes, cinnamon is a safe and non-toxic option for dogs as long as it is taken in small amounts. Like excess of anything is bad, excess of cinnamon can be bad for dogs too. While it is safe for dogs to be fed with cinnamon in small amounts, as a pet owner, make sure your dog isn’t fed with too much as that will bring about adverse effects on its health.
What is Cinnamon?
As early as 2000BC, in ancient and medieval times, cinnamon was used by doctors to treat certain medical conditions such as sore throat, coughing, and arthritis. In ancient times in Egypt, other than for cooking, cinnamon was also used to embalm mummies. Cinnamon is a spice that is taken from the inner bark of certain species of trees. The use of cinnamon is a spice where it is used as a flavoring, aromatic additive in savory and sweet cuisines such as snack foods, breakfast, tea snacks, and traditional food.
Cinnamon is seen as being as effective for pets as it is for humans. To a large extent, pet diseases such as obesity, arthritis, diabetes, dental conditions, and others are treated with the use of cinnamon. Similarly, using cinnamon has shown positive results in improving the health of dogs.
Where Does Cinnamon Come From?
Much of the world’s cinnamon is supplied by different species of the genus Cinnamomum. Although cinnamon is obtained from different species of this tree, the real or so-called true cinnamon is obtained from Cinnamomum Verum trees, which are found and grown in Sri Lanka. It is extracted from the inner barks of these very trees. Cinnamon is used in certain food for flavor enhancement and also used as a treatment for some medical conditions. While there are other uses, these are the most common ones.
Is Cinnamon Bad for Dogs?
Those of you who are dog owners are often concerned about the answer to the question; Can Dogs have cinnamon? The answer, according to science, is that cinnamon is not toxic for dogs. Instead, it has some health benefits. It is often added to foods that owners treat their dogs with. The next frequently asked question is, can puppies have cinnamon? While for dogs, cinnamon has many health benefits, puppies may enjoy the benefits of cinnamon as well as it is ideal for aging pups who may suffer from muscle soreness or arthritis.
Both science and dog owners suggest that, while cinnamon can be useful in some quantity for dogs and puppies, too much of it can be harmful.
Is cinnamon toxic for dogs?
So, the question remains, can dogs eat cinnamon? Is cinnamon safe for dogs to eat? Do you know what the good news is? Unlike other things like nutmeg and chocolate, which can be toxic for your dog, cinnamon is not. Since science does not support this claim with any authentic facts, pet owners and veterinarians suggest that small amounts of it do no harm to your dog. Nevertheless, powdered cinnamon or too much of it can be harmful. While you can treat your dog now and then with cinnamon, make sure not to give too much, as say the experts.
My dog just ate cinnamon, what should I do?
As we have mentioned, cinnamon is not toxic for dogs, so if it is consumed in normal amounts, it won’t do any harm to your pet. If it is a normal amount, don’t panic. You can get your dog to drink water, and if your vet advice, get him to purge.
What are the health benefits of eating cinnamon for dogs?
The answer to the question “can dog eat cinnamon?” will be a yes when we look at the multiple benefits that it shows. As a dog owner, you should know the benefits of cinnamon for dogs!
Prevention against degenerative diseases
Cinnamon, as studies have shown, has antioxidant properties that are useful in fighting cell damage and free radicals. Hence, it can prove beneficial in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, degenerative diseases, and cancer.
Relieving arthritis symptoms
Moreover, cinnamon has eugenol, and its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action is considered ideally appropriate for relieving pain associated with arthritis and fighting symptoms of infectious inflammatory diseases. As discussed earlier, cinnamon is an excellent option for puppies of growing age who suffer from arthritis problems.
Strengthening the immunity system
Consisting of the essential nutrients such as iron, fiber, calcium, and vitamin A and C, cinnamon gives the immunity system a significant boost. As we are already aware, animals who have strong immune systems are less prone to pathogenic attacks. If the immune system of your dog is strong, it automatically makes it less vulnerable to certain diseases. Additionally, this spice is useful for weight loss and reducing the abdominal concentration of fat. With a strong immune system with cinnamon use, your dog will be less likely to fall sick.
Improving physical resistance
With the high calcium content that it has, cinnamon strengthens your dog’s bone structure and so boosts their physical resistance. If your dog is old, the use of cinnamon is a great option as its muscles and bones are already weak, and cinnamon can help strengthen them.
Tackling gastrointestinal disorders
The fibers found in cinnamon are ideal for intestinal transit apart from being a natural remedy for the treatment of constipation in dogs. Eliminating gas and preventing vomiting, they serve as an option for relieving stomach pain.
Warding off diabetes
Study results have shown that as little as a teaspoon of cinnamon helps in regulating blood sugar, raising insulin resistance and boosting the ability of the body to make use of insulin for improving the glucose levels of blood. This is mainly more effective for overweight and senior dogs. So, if your dog is old, cinnamon might be of great help!
What to do if your puppy ate too much cinnamon
Are you a new dog owner? Did your dog just eat more than a teaspoon of cinnamon? Are you panicking about what you should do now? Well, don’t worry, and try to relax. While small amounts of cinnamon do now harm, even if your dog ate more than the suggested quantity, don’t panic! Your first call should be giving your dog plenty of water to drink. Yet, if your dog experiences some of the symptoms described below, make sure to call your vet.
- Diarrhea
- Fast heart rate
- Coughing
- Difficulty in breathing
- Vomiting
- Mouth sores
Of course, to avoid any damage to its health, the quickest step should be to get in touch with your veterinarian. Much of the effects of an overdose of cinnamon listed above are not fatal, but your veterinarian may be concerned about the resulting problems and how your dog will recover from them. To get the best advice and to avoid further complications, make sure to give your veterinarian a call in case such a situation does arise. Additionally, if your vet advice, you can get your dog to purge.
How to feed cinnamon to dogs
We agree that dogs can be fed cinnamon because small amounts do no harm to them. But, can it be taken in raw form? How can you feed your dog cinnamon? Raw cinnamon is not the best option for your dog, and powdered cinnamon should definitely not be on your list of dog treats. For your feline friend, you can add a little cinnamon in their dinner or lunch.
Apart from that, you can make some cinnamon treats for your dog. Cinnamon bun bites, cinnamon rolls, and pumpkin and peanut butter treats are good treatment options for your dog to get maximum benefits of cinnamon. Other than these treats that you can make at home, add some cinnamon in your dog’s food or choose dog foods that have cinnamon added in them. Whatever you do, make sure not to give your dog a whole cinnamon stick to chew on.
How does cinnamon help treating arthritis in dogs
Do you have a dog who is in its late years? You may know that for old dogs, arthritis often becomes a problem that affects their mobility. Some young age puppies of growing age may also suffer from arthritis. For arthritis affecting both age groups, you don’t need to worry as long as you have cinnamon in your hand. The anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon help in reducing joint pain and swelling. This property helps to fight any infections in the body and repair damage caused to the tissue, thereby reducing arthritis pain.
Pros and cons of eating cinnamon
As a dog owner, you need to decide what is best for your dog. Why do dog owners feed cinnamon to dogs? What are its health benefits? And what negative effects can it have? If you are a dog owner, make sure to read these pros and cons of cinnamon for your dog!
Pros of taking cinnamon
- It helps to maintain a healthy body weight
- It helps in strengthening the immune system of your dog
- Cinnamon is a natural healer for dogs and prevents diseases such as toothache, arthritis, obesity, and allergies, etc.
- It helps to improve and enhance the flavor of food for your dog
- It aids in keeping dog food fresh for a longer time as it inhibits the growth of some types of dangerous bacteria like salmonella and E.coli.
Cons of cinnamon intake
The cons of cinnamon for your dog won’t normally come until it has taken too much of it. Too much cinnamon can have some side effects.
- Inhaling too much cinnamon powder can irritate your dog’s lungs, coughing, choking, and lead to difficulty in breathing.
- A large amount of cinnamon intake can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
- Cinnamon in large amounts can cause skin problems or irritation
How to train your dog for eating cinnamon
Some dogs may not like cinnamon treats or food containing cinnamon. Nevertheless, dog owners want to make sure that cinnamon is added to their dog’s diet because of its many health benefits. As we have discussed the benefits of cinnamon for dogs, its best that some of it are added in their diets.
If your dog is a picky eater and says no to almost every food which is sprinkled with cinnamon, here is what you can do! You must train your dog to eat cinnamon to get maximum benefits of it. For a start, make sure that your dog knows that the cinnamon added food is the only food that it will get. No, we don’t mean you have to starve it. But, when your dog is hungry enough, it will eat anything that’s placed in front of him, even if it has cinnamon!
To begin with, give your dog food at a given time and don’t change that. Your dog should know the times for breakfast and dinner. And, if your dog doesn’t eat at that time, then it’ll have to wait for the next meal. This will wash away your dog’s pickiness, meaning it will eat whatever you give it, including cinnamon added foods. Also, every time your pet eats cinnamon, you can pet it and give some extra cuddles to encourage him for the next time. With these little steps, your dog will become used to eating cinnamon, before you even know it!
While adding cinnamon is important to your dog’s diet, make sure you set a limit on how much you feed it every day. Experts recommend a teaspoon of cinnamon in a day, be it in a treat or in lunch or dinner.
What signs of cinnamon toxicity a dog may show
There are a few signs that you will show if it has cinnamon toxicity.
Increased heart rate
In the case of cinnamon toxicity, your dog’s heart rate may rise above the normal, standard heart rate. This is among some of the common signs of toxicity.
Drowsiness
If too much of cinnamon is taken, your dog may act and seem drowsy. It may act less active and more sleepy than normal.
Disorientation
Another sign of cinnamon toxicity in your dog is being disoriented. Taking too much of cinnamon will cause disorientation.
Abdominal pain
Your dog will suffer from abdominal pain if it has taken too much cinnamon, so you might want to watch out for that!
Dry mouth
Dry mouth is also among the common signs that a dog shows in case of cinnamon toxicity. Your dog’s mouth will become dry with too much intake of cinnamon.
Hallucinations
If your dog has had toxicity of cinnamon, it is likely to have hallucinations, which will cause it to tune out and stare off into the air. Chasing their tales excessively or biting and barking at invisible things are apparent signs of hallucinations.
Seizures
Your dog may suffer from seizures, which is a pointer to the toxicity of cinnamon. Seizures are a difficult problem for dog owners, and immediate attention may be required.
High blood pressure
If cinnamon is taken in more amounts than required, your dog may suffer from increased blood pressure.
Cinnamon treats recipes for dogs
A few treat recipes with cinnamon that your dog can enjoy are stated below. As a dog owner who is passionate about adding cinnamon to your dog’s diet, do try these recipes.
Cinnamon dog treat – grain-free
This dog treat is simple, and your dog will love it.
How to make it
Preheat the oven beforehand to 350 degrees. Mash the bananas well and once done, whisk in the egg, yogurt, honey, and oil. Slowly, add in flour till it forms a stiff dough. For the topping, whisk honey, and egg.
Roll out the dough to a 1/8″ thickness and slice into strips. Brush it with honey and egg mixture and spray with cinnamon. Roll the strips into a cinnamon bun. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for around 12-15 min till they become golden brown. Then reduce the heat 150F and bake for around 2-4 hours till they are completely dry.
Ingredients
- 1 over-ripe banana
- 1 tbsp. plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp. honey
- 1 ½ c. tapioca flour
- 1 ½ c. garbanzo bean flour
- 1 egg
- Extra flour for dusting
For topping
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp. honey
- Cinnamon
Oatmeal apple cinnamon dog treat
A simple and easy dog treats for your furry friend.
How to make it
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and use parchment paper to line a baking sheet. Add two cups of quick oats into a blender and pulse till it becomes like flour. Add into a bowl. Mix the remaining 1/2 cup of the quick oats, eggs, and cinnamon apple sauce till it combines. The batter will be wet. Take a dog mold and scoop batter into it, flattening it with a spoon back. Do the same for the remaining batter. You can also make cookies from the batter. Leave in oven for 22-25 min till golden brown. Cool them and enjoy them.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cinnamon apple sauce
- 2 beaten eggs
- 2 ½ cup quick cup oatmeal (divided)
Pumpkin cinnamon cookies
Yummy cinnamon treats for dogs.
How to make it
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and then make the batter. For that, add cinnamon, egg, pumpkin, and flaxseed in a large bowl and combine them well. Add flour little by little until a stiff dough is formed. Roll out the dough on a flat surface and roll the dough till it is ½ inch thick. Cut cookies with a cookies cutter and bake for 25-30 minutes till golden brown.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- 2 ½ cups whole-wheat flour
Cinnamon oatmeal treat for dogs
Cinnamon treats for your dog!
How to make it
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Place all the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix them well. Once well combined, add it oil and hot water. Mix well and make a dough. Take out the dough on a waxed paper. Knead it for a few minutes. Roll it till 1/4″ thick and cut into any shape. Put the cookies in sprayed sheet and bake for around 30 min till ready.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ c. whole wheat flour
- 1 c. white flour
- ½ c. oats, old fashioned
- ¾ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ c. oil
- 1 c. hot water
Cinnamon nutritional value chart
What are other beneficial spices for dogs?
There are several other spices apart from cinnamon, which is beneficial for your dog.
Garlic
Though many believe it to be harmful to dogs, garlic is beneficial if taken in a moderate amount. It is a natural antibiotic and helps to strengthen the immune system of your dog. Garlic helps to keep parasites, such as fleas away from dogs.
Ginger
Ginger is known as a beneficial spice for dogs as it can reduce pain and nausea that can be caused due to an upset stomach. It also helps to fight diseases with its anti-bacterial properties, as vets suggest.
Turmeric
Turmeric is useful for helping fight against several conditions. It is known to provide a boost in metabolism for dogs.
Basil
Basil helps maintain the good health of dogs and reduces arthritis pain in dogs. Other than that, it reduces anxiety and stress.
Rosemary
This herb can help improve your dog’s health by improving blood flow to the brain and reduce the damage caused to the nervous system at an older age.
Conclusion
Finally, we can conclude from the above information that the use of cinnamon for dogs can be very beneficial to their health as long as it is added in the required amount. The intake of more cinnamon than the suggested amount can cause toxicity and harm your dog’s health. So, while you add cinnamon to your dog’s diet, make sure to use only a suggested amount.
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that we have answered for you.
How much cinnamon a dog can eat daily
Studies suggest that the adequate amount of cinnamon that a dog should eat in a day is half a teaspoon.
What cinnamon based foods should you give to dogs?
You can give some homemade treats with added cinnamon to your dog. Treats such as pumpkin cinnamon cookies or cinnamon dog treats. You can make them at home or get them from the market.
Allergies that dogs may develop with cinnamon
Cinnamon isn’t toxic for dogs, so there is less risk of developing any allergies. Though, there may be some allergies that can come about in old age dogs.
When to consult a vet for cinnamon toxicity
If your dog shows some signs of toxicity such as dry mouth, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, etc. it’s best that you get in touch with your vet as soon as possible.
Can cinnamon harm dogs?
The suggested amount does not do any harm, but taking too much cinnamon can be harmful to your dog.
What does cinnamon do for a dog?
In the suggested amount, cinnamon can improve your dog’s health, but too much of it can cause harm to your dog. Too much of it can cause problems which have been stated above.
Can a dog eat oatmeal and cinnamon?
Since cinnamon is not harmful or toxic, it is okay for your dog to eat oatmeal with cinnamon. In fact, cinnamon is beneficial for your dog’s health.
Can diabetic dogs have cinnamon?
Yes, diabetic dogs can have cinnamon as it will help lower insulin resistance and normalize blood sugar.
What kinds of cinnamon can dogs eat?
Ceylon cinnamon is the one that your dog should eat because the other ones may be harmful to its health.
Can dogs have cinnamon rolls?
You can treat your dog with other cinnamon treats, but cinnamon rolls are not the best option as they can cause indigestion because of high sugar and fat content.
Can dogs have cinnamon sticks?
Cinnamon sticks can cause irritation in your dog’s mouth, so it wouldn’t be a good option. Opt for some other cinnamon snacks instead.
David Johnson is a versatile content writer known for his ability to breathe life into words and create engaging narratives on diverse subjects. With a passion for effective storytelling and a keen eye for detail, David crafts content that resonates with readers and sparks their curiosity. He is dedicated to delivering high-quality, informative, and enjoyable content, making him a respected voice in the digital landscape. Beyond the keyboard, David enjoys exploring the outdoors, immersing himself in literature, and finding inspiration in everyday experiences.
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