Teas, baked goods, apple pie pork chops, carrot cookies, and more – and in all these, cinnamon has not disappointed. It has become a key ingredient in your kitchen, and the best part; it’s healthy. But how about when it comes to our furry friends? Can dogs eat cinnamon?
Yes, dogs can eat cinnamon. In fact, cinnamon will benefit dogs in the same way as humans. However, knowing what type and amount of cinnamon to give your furry friend is imperative for their safety. That way, you will keep your Fido from potential digestive issues.
Today is all about cinnamon and dogs. We will look at whether cinnamon is safe for dogs, what type, and what amount. We will also discover the benefits your pup gets from eating cinnamon, whether it can be bad for them, and much more. So, if you’ve ever had any questions related to giving dogs cinnamon, then this article has everything you ever wanted to know! Let’s delve into business!
Is Cinnamon Safe For Dogs?
Yes, cinnamon is safe for dogs. While it still contains coumarin, this toxin only comes in very negligible levels that won’t cause any harm to your dog.
However, it’s generally not a good idea to offer your dog any type of cinnamon. Again, be sure to stick to the correct amount to keep your dog from developing potential issues.
So yes, while all types of cinnamon work best for humans, that’s not the case when it comes to our four-pawed companions. As such, it pays off to be picky when choosing cinnamon for your furbaby.
What Are The Types Of Cinnamon?
Cinnamon comes in two main types, namely Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. Other less common types include Indonesian cinnamon and Vietnamese cinnamon. However, today, we will only examine the two main types.
Ceylon cinnamon, also called Mexican cinnamon or true cinnamon, is from Sri Lanka. It is sweet-tasting and comes in a light-brown color. However, it’s rare to find, and that’s why it costs more.
On the other hand, Cassia cinnamon, also called Chinese cinnamon is native to China. Unlike the Ceylon type, this Cassia type is dark-brown with a more powerful taste. In addition, it’s also more popular and costs less.
These two types come from the bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genus. And while some people prefer to use one of the two types of cinnamon over the other, there is no real difference between them.
But that’s not the case for dogs. In fact, when it comes to canines, there are significant differences between the two. More precisely, one of the two types contains more toxic substances than the other. As a result, you have to be very careful with the type of cinnamon your dog eats.
What Type Of Cinnamon Is Safe For Dogs?
Ceylon cinnamon is considered the safe type for dogs. This type of cinnamon contains much less coumarin than Cassia cinnamon, making it less likely to be toxic for your dog’s consumption.
Coumarin is a type of natural chemical compound that can cause liver damage when your dog ingests it. But that’s not all – it attracts blood clotting issues and can also affect kidneys and heart.
Unfortunately, many kinds of Cassia cinnamon have high levels of this compound. Hence, if you want your dog to enjoy the sweet, aromatic flavor of the spice, use Ceylon rather than Cassia. That will help keep your canine safe from potential dangers associated with Cassia cinnamon.
Ceylon cinnamon has traditionally been used in cooking and will most likely not cause any health problems when eaten by your dog in small amounts.
Is Cinnamon Bad For Dogs?
No, cinnamon isn’t bad for dogs. Actually, it is one of the few non-toxic spices that will benefit your furry friend in a thousand and one ways. However, as we all know, even the best things don’t work well for dogs when given in plenty.
Now, as a dog owner, I bet you already know that our four-pawed companions have super-sensitive digestive systems. Anything more than what they are used to will attract trouble, even cinnamon!
After you give your dog plenty of this spice, expect it to trigger digestive issues such as diarrhea and an upset stomach, just as with any other food. And by plenty, we mean a large, large amount of it.
In fact, unless you feed your dog cinnamon spice with a tablespoon, it’s unlikely that the amount your canine gets from the recipes you make with this spice will cause them trouble.
How Much Cinnamon Can A Dog Have?
How much cinnamon a dog can have safely will depend on the size of the dog. For a small dog weighing under 10 lbs, for instance, up to an eighth of a teaspoon of cinnamon daily should be safe for them to eat.
However, for giant dogs with over 100 lbs of weight, their bodies can handle up to two teaspoons of cinnamon daily.
Let’s break it down;
- 1 lb to 10 lbs: small pinch to ⅛ teaspoon
- 10 lbs to 20 lbs: ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon
- 20 lbs to 50lbs: ¼ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon
- 50 lbs to 100 lbs: 1 to 2 teaspoons
- Over 100 lbs: 2 to 3 tablespoons
If you operate within that guide, cinnamon should remain healthy for your dog. And as the rule of thumb, introduce it slowly. Your dog’s stomach isn’t that polite. Begin with a small pinch, increase the amount gradually and in small bits until you reach the set limit.
Again, don’t overfeed your Fido cinnamon every day. Any dog expert will tell you that no two pups are the same. What may not cause issues for one dog in large amounts could turn fatal for another in small quantities.
That means before you even think about whether or not to use cinnamon for your pooch’s food, it’s best to consult with your vet. The expert will advise you depending on the specific requirements of your canine.
How Much Cinnamon Kills A Dog?
No amount of cinnamon will kill a dog. Nevertheless, as implied earlier, too much of anything is not safe at all. Any amount of cinnamon greater than what your pup’s body can handle will attract uncomfortable side effects. So again, you have to get conversant with your dog’s specific requirements.
When overdone, you will likely notice;
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Change in heart rate
- Constipation
- Bloody stool
- Low blood sugar
- Liver disease (typically caused by overconsuming Cassia cinnamon)
- Skin irritation
- Coughing
- Difficulties in breathing
So, there’s the need to worry when a cinnamon overdose happens. That’s why if you want to give it to your canine and the vet backs the idea, only offer cinnamon in very minimal amounts as recommended.
But what about if your canine inhales it? Will the consequences be the same? Keep reading!
Is Cinnamon Bad For Dogs To Smell?
Yes, cinnamon can be just as bad for dogs to smell as it is to eat in large quantities. Allowing your dog to inhale this common spice can cause a threat to your canine’s respiratory system, causing a few irritations.
Side-Effects Of Inhaling Cinnamon In Dogs
After inhaling cinnamon, it will cause:
- Choking
- Coughing
- Breathing difficulties
Those are just a few of the many things inhaling cinnamon will cause. Your dog will experience one, two, or all of the above, and sometimes other signs not on that list. But usually, they won’t manifest until there’s an extended exposure.
Again, it is unlikely that any of the signs will lead to something serious. But I’m sure you don’t want your Fido to experience even the least of the above, so always keep cinnamon beyond their reach.
Does Cinnamon Help Dog Breath?
Yes, cinnamon can be a great way to help improve your dog’s breath. If you just noticed that your furry friend has poor mouth hygiene, a small amount of cinnamon will go a long way to enhance their oral health.
Food particles stuck between your dog’s teeth cause the poor smell that comes from your dog’s breath. Cinnamon works by removing the stuck food articles to keep your dog’s oral hygiene up to par.
To combat bad breath in canines, a small amount of cinnamon is all it takes. Just sprinkle it on their food. The spice will serve as a quick fix for the problem. Only be sure not to use much of it to avoid attracting health issues.
In the previous section, we said cinnamon can cause dogs breathing difficulties. In this section, we consider it a reliable home remedy for improving your dog’s breath. Can it work that way?
Yes, it can! Let me explain;
You see, inhaling and eating are two different things. Inhaling much more involves the respiratory system. For eating, it’s the digestive system that’s the most affected. Now, cinnamon will easily cause issues in dogs when inhaled than when eaten.
What Does Cinnamon Do For Dogs?
Cinnamon can do much for dogs, ranging from alleviating the symptoms of certain conditions to giving your dog a beautiful, shiny coat. Find out what cinnamon can do for dogs and why it’s so beneficial for them.
However, just before we get there, let’s take a quick look at something also important.
What Are The Nutrition Facts Of Cinnamon?
About its nutritional facts, cinnamon is one of the spices that packs lots of nutrients. Dietary fiber, carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins all make part of cinnamon. You will also get essential minerals and more.
Before you feed your dog anything, including cinnamon, you want to be sure of a few things. First is the nutritional content. The second is safety. After all, why should you even figure out whether or not something is safe for your pup when it won’t benefit them in any way.
Much more like in business, we only take risks where there are potential benefits. Any food can be harmful to dogs. Hence, it’s best to first weigh the risks against the reward before you give any food to your dog, even cinnamon!
According to the U.S Department of Agriculture, your dog gets the following by taking a teaspoon of ground cinnamon weighing 2.6 g.
- Energy – 6.42 Kcal
- Protein – 0.104 g
- Carbohydrates – 2.1 g
- Dietary fiber – 1.36 g
- Sugars – 56 mg
- Calcium – 26 mg
- Potassium – 11.2 mg
- Magnesium – 1.56 mg
- Phosphorous – 1.66 mg
Cinnamon also contains traces of vitamin A, B, and K. Other minerals also present include iron, zinc, sodium, and manganese. In addition, that tiny teaspoon of cinnamon will also offer antioxidants such as beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, alpha-carotene, choline, and zeaxanthin.
So yes, if you were wondering whether those cinnamon-infused crumbs have anything to offer to your dog, then they do. In fact, from the above stats, it’s clear that your dog is reaping lots of benefits from them.
What Are the Health Benefits Of Cinnamon To Dogs?
The health benefits of cinnamon to dogs are numerous and range from helping with dog’s allergies to warding off fleas. Actually, your furry friend reaps just as many benefits from cinnamon as you do, if not more!
Here’s an overview.
Manage Diabetes
Cinnamon has long been famous for its role in regulating blood sugar levels. It works by reducing the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream. It also works great in improving insulin sensitivity, so it’s useful for pups with insulin resistance.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon make it a vital ingredient for canines battling arthritis and inflammations. That said, if your dog has any of these conditions, it’s time you introduce cinnamon to their food.
Anti-Aging And Anti-Cancer Properties
Again, as seen, cinnamon packs numerous antioxidants, chemicals that help prevent aging. In addition, antioxidants shield cells against free radicals, curbing cancers, heart diseases, and other potential risks.
Fight Microbes
Cinnamon can also prevent the spread of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. That goes a long way to reduce the number of trips you need to take to the vet. That may also mean saving you on vet costs.
Keep Ticks At Bay
Those seemingly small ticks you see on your dog’s coat will compromise their health. And one way to get rid of them is by using cinnamon. This spice is a natural bug repellent. Ticks and other insects likely to attach themselves to your dog’s coat hate the smell of cinnamon!
How Can I Give My Dog Cinnamon?
You can give your dog cinnamon by sprinkling it on their food, infusing it in their treats, or even on a spoon. Whatever the method, one thing you have to keep in mind is operating within safe limits.
When offering cinnamon treats, you also have to be very careful. Check out for other toxic substances such as raisins, xylitol, macadamia nuts, and more. All these substances will harm you Fido, bringing to nothing all the benefits your dog could reap from cinnamon.
Again, don’t allow your canine to eat too much of the treat. The rule of thumb is snacks only need to make up 10% of your dog’s daily caloric requirement. Anything more than that can attract issues.
