Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon? Is It Safe For Dogs?

Many dog owners are curious about “Can dogs eat cinnamon?”. Fortunately, “Yes” is the answer for that. Cinnamon is a sweet spice that offers health benefits to humans (and also to our four-legged companions, given that they consume the right amount). 

Cinnamon has been used for centuries, and it is still used these days to make delicious snacks and desserts. The spice has several advantageous properties such as anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, making it a valuable natural resource to use against many ailments. However, you need to research the right kinds and amount of cinnamon that will be beneficial to your pets.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?

Fortunately, the answer is yes, since the spice is not toxic to dogs and can help improve the taste of their daily meals. Though your dogs can consume cinnamon, you should not feed them too much of the spice at one time as a large amount can make your dog’s mouth and stomach irritated. Furthermore, over-eating cinnamon can give your dog symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, low blood sugar, and an unusually-increasing heart rate. 

Is It Safe For My Companions?

In general, cinnamon is safe for dogs. However, before discussing the benefits of the spice, we will list down the two types of cinnamon and let you decide which one is the best for your puppies:

Cassia: This is the most popular variant of cinnamon that originates from China and Indonesia. The color of this type is dark brown, and it has a very strong taste. Cassia cinnamon is widely available in grocery stores.

Ceylon: Renowned as the only true cinnamon, this Sri Lanka originated spice has the color of light brown, with a sweet taste. However, due to its rarity, you will find that its price is quite costly. 

What Is The Right Cinnamon For My Dog?

Without any doubt, Ceylon cinnamon will be safer for your dogs, but, since it is expensive, cassia cinnamon will be your best bet here although it contains higher levels of coumarin (an organic chemical compound that produces a sweet odor), which can be harmful to your dogs. 

Benefits Of Cinnamon For Dogs

Cinnamon is a common ingredient that offers various benefits to both dogs and humans. Those advantages include:

1. Antioxidants: The spice contains many antioxidant compounds that help dogs fight against free radicals, which bring negative effects to their body.
2. Boosted Heart Health: According to scientists, dogs who receive cinnamon in their daily meals have improved heart health. They will have a lower blood pressure than those who do not consume the spice. Also, cinnamon helps in decreasing the glucose amount in their bloodstream after eating, thus, lowering their blood sugar.
3. Curing Muscle Soreness: Anti-inflammatory properties in cinnamon are proved to have a positive effect on dogs’ muscle soreness. Also, cinnamon helps dogs cope with joint pain by reducing swelling.
4. A Breath Freshener: If your dogs suffer from bad breath, you can rub the right amount of cinnamon on their gums and that should be a quick fix. The spice can also help protect your dogs against other dental issues since it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties.

How Much Is The Right Amount?

It is advised that dog owners should give their companions 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon per 15 lbs of their weight. Furthermore, it is not wise to give your dogs cinnamon sticks because doing so can cause breathing and coughing issues. 

For your information, you can give your pets raw and organic cinnamon by sprinkling the spice on their food or treats. Interestingly, you may give cinnamon to your dogs on the spoon, since they will probably sit and lick the spoon for a long time because of the spice’s delicious taste.

Summary

Hopefully, the above article has answered the questions of most dog lovers “Can dogs eat cinnamon?”, and assist you in taking the best possible care of your canine friend.

If you’re wondering whether or not giving your dog some kind of food, check out the related posts: Is oatmeal good for dogs?, Can my dog eat pasta?, Can dogs eat tangerines?.