Many foods, treats, and desserts across the United States contain cinnamon. It's the second most consumed spice just after black pepper! But are dogs allowed to eat cinnamon? Yes, dogs can eat cinnamon.
But there are a few things to be aware of such as the type of cinnamon and how much cinnamon you give your dog.
Types of Cinnamon
Cinnamon commonly found on the market comes in two different forms. One is great and the other is not very dog friendly.
Cassia Cinnamon
Cassia cinnamon is a very common form of cinnamon. This cinnamon powder doesn't promote great health because it is cheap and mass produced.
Lastly, Cassia cinnamon is loaded with coumarin. Coumarin is a chemical compound. Coumarin can cause live damage. It's wise to stay away from this chemical.
Ceylon Cinnamon
A better cinnamon to choose will be Ceylon cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is more difficult to harvest but much healthier for both humans and dogs.
The level of coumarin in Ceylon cinnamon is much lower than it's brother Cassia cinnamon.
Therefore, in our ginger dog treat recipe, we use Ceylon cinnamon to offer your dog the best experience possible!
Benefits of Cinnamon for Dogs
Cinnamon can help your dog fight many different ailments from inflammation to digestion issues.
Additionally, researchers are uncovering new health benefits all the time.
6 Benefits of Cinnamon for Dogs
- May reduce swelling due to it's anti-inflammatory properties
- Helps maintain a low blood sugar
- May alleviate joint pain
- Stops the spread of fungi, bacteria, and even viruses
- Naturally increases the shelf life of food
- May improve heart health
The Best Ways to Give Your Dog Cinnamon
Cinnamon is usually combined with sugar to give a powerful effect on its flavor and intensity. Which is great for human treats, but not wonderful for our furry friends.
For example, can dogs eat cinnamon bread? No, cinnamon bread usually contain large quantities of sugar and should never be given to your dog. Of course, any health benefits of cinnamon will immediately be wiped out by the sugar.
Another example is cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon sticks can cause coughing and difficulty breathing. Additionally, they contain too much cinnamon for a dog to handle. Stay far away.
So what are the best ways to give your dog cinnamon?
3 Ways to Give Your Dog Cinnamon
- Dog treats with a small amount of Ceylon cinnamon
- Homemade dog treats
- One teaspoon or less added directly to their food
Are dogs allergic to cinnamon?
Most dogs are not allergic to ground cinnamon. But that doesn't mean the allergy doesn't exist. If you notice any allergy symptoms after your dog eats cinnamon, contact your vet immediately.
4 Symptoms of Cinnamon Allergies
- Skin irritation
- Increased heart rate
- Swelling
- gastrointestinal distress
Conclusion: Are Dogs Allowed to Eat Cinnamon?
Feel free to give your dog cinnamon just be mindful of the dose and try to exclude refined sugars and Cassia cinnamon.
And of course avoid giving your dog things like cinnamon essential oil, cinnamon sticks, cinnamon toast crunch, or treats with cocoa powder which are toxic to dogs.
Lastly, let us know in the comments below if your dog has eaten cinnamon or tried one of our ginger dog treats containing cinnamon!
