Can Dogs Have Cinnamon? Find Out Now!

We all know that almost all dogs have an insatiable appetite for food. We can see them right beside us whenever we eat food and stare right unto us with those adorable puppy eyes. They would even run to any edibles dropped on the floor without hesitation unless they are well-trained (read more) by their owners. With that said, we should be aware of what food they can and can’t eat. It would help us know what should always be out of their reach to avoid health mishaps.

There have been many questions about what dogs can’t eat, mostly from new owners. One of these questions is about whether cinnamon is safe for dogs or not. Here is some information about the spice and its possible effects on your dog.

Overview About The Spice

Learning about the thing in question is essential to understand it. So before I answer your question, “can dogs eat cinnamon?” – let us talk about the spice itself. So without further ado, here is some information about it.

Cinnamon is one of many spices used in many varieties of cuisine. It is obtained from the inner barks of certain species of trees. Typically, they are used for their flavor additive and aromatic condiments for many baked goods, breakfast cereals, tea, snack foods, and traditional foods.

As for its nutritional value, 100g (3.5 oz) of ground cinnamon has about 81g of carbohydrates, 1.2g of fats, and 4g of protein. It also contains vitamins and minerals. The most notable values are vitamin K with 30% of the daily value (DV), calcium at 100% DV, and iron at 64% DV.

There are two known varieties of this spice; they are cassia and Ceylon. Cassia is red-colored thick sticks with a rough texture. They are dominant in the market as they are significantly cheaper than Ceylon. But the cassia’s downside is its low quality, and it contains more coumarin than other variations.

In 2008, the European Food Safety Authority considered coumarin as a toxic component of cinnamon. They confirmed the maximum recommended tolerable intake of 0.1 mg of coumarin per kg of weight. Coumarine can cause kidney and liver damage if taken in large amounts.

Coumarine is also present in Ceylon, but not as many as the cassia. Therefore, many prefer Ceylon over the cassie despite its high price. In addition to its small amount of coumarin, Ceylon also has a lighter color, distinctive shape, delicate flavor, and has many benefits!

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?

The answer is yes, cinnamon is not toxic to dogs! But despite being non-toxic, it does not mean you can feed your dog a whole stick. Feeding them in large amounts could lead to harmful side effects for dogs. As mentioned, coumarin is present in varieties of cinnamon and is dangerous when taken in large intakes. 

It can damage your dog’s kidney and liver. It can also cause diarrhea, low blood sugar levels, thinning of blood, vomiting, and changes in heart rate.

For that reason, you ought not to leave those sticks where they can reach them. Cinnamon is aromatic, and dogs are good sniffers. It is best to put the spices out of their reach.

Is It Safe To Feed Them Baked Goods With The Spice?

Cinnamon rolls, bread, or any of that sort is safe for dogs, that is, if not combined with chocolate, raisins, and other toxic food. But besides the toxic food, the nutritional value of baked goods may or may not be more than the daily intake of your furry friend. It is best to give flea spray for house baked goods in small amounts and at irregular intervals to prevent imbalanced nutritional diseases like obesity.

How Much Is Too Much?

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The intake amount of cinnamon is dependent on the weight of your dog. But doing do-it-yourself calculations and titration can be dangerous when you make an error. For that reason, it is best to consult their veterinarian to determine a safe amount of their daily intake.

Things To Consider Before Feeding Your Dog With Cinnamon-Rich Food

1. Is Your Dog Pregnant?

Cinnamon has stimulating effects on the uterus of your dog. When the uterus is stimulated, it can cause early or preterm birth, which increases the chances of death for the poor puppies. At any cost, please avoid feeding them food with the spice.

2. Is Your Dog In Need Of Surgical Treatment?

Cinnamon is dangerous for dogs that will undergo surgery. It can thin their blood, therefore increasing their bleeding time. Losing too much blood can threaten your dog’s life.

3. Does Your Dog Have Liver Problems?

If your answer is yes, completely omit cinnamon in their diet. Coumarin can potentially damage the liver further, whether they are taking balanced or lesser amounts of cinnamon. The liver detoxifies any toxins (link: https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/liver-disease-liver-failure-dogs#1) coming from what they eat and removing them. Once destroyed, they could not detoxify medications and other food, potentially harming their entire body.

4. Is Your Dog Diabetic?

One of the side-effects of cinnamon is low blood sugar levels. Though it is typically harmless to normal dogs, it can be fatal for diabetic dogs. How exactly? Well, treatment of diabetes includes insulin that allows sugar in the blood to pass through the cells of their tissues. Insulin serves as the “key” for locked doors.

The treatment aims to reduce the blood sugar levels, but what will happen if the diabetic dog is undergoing treatment and fed with something that lowers blood sugar? An adverse reaction may take place known as ketoacidosis. Fatty acids break down to compensate for the loss of sugar in the blood, and the by-product of it is ketones. Once there are too many ketones, acidosis occurs, and it is fatal. Make sure to consult your veterinarian for dog food recommendations.