Cinnamon Spice & Not-So-Nice: Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?
Rocky Kanaka
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The more time we spend with our pets, the more we want to pamper them. Sharing food with our dogs is one of the many ways we show them how much we love them, and every dog owner can attest to how much our pups love sneaking bites off of our plate!
But, what about foods that contain cinnamon? Is it okay for you to add a little cinnamon to your pup’s birthday cake, or their puppuccino? We’ve got the answers to all of your cinnamon-related questions!
Can Dogs Have Cinnamon?
Yes! Cinnamon is a safe spice for dogs, and it adds a fun little kick to their treats.
However, if you’re going to include cinnamon in your recipe, it’s important to know that there are some risks! Like any goody, too much cinnamon in a treat can cause problems for your pups. Too much cinnamon can cause digestive problems, and some dogs are particularly sensitive to this spice. As a result, they may experience irritation in their mouth or throat.
What to Know About Cinnamon and Dogs
Because cinnamon has the potential to cause issues, there are a few things you should know before you give any to your dog.
First and foremost: you should always practice safe treat-giving practices. Whenever you give your dog a new treat, be sure to stick around and watch them afterward. You’ll want to look for signs of intestinal upset, irritation, and allergic reactions. If you spot these signs, you should immediately discontinue the treat in question.
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon and Nutmeg?
One of the biggest concerns that you should have when prepping something with cinnamon for your pup is whether or not it also contains nutmeg. Many baking recipes tend to pair cinnamon with nutmeg, so be aware of this when you’re shopping or baking for your dogs.
Dogs should never be given nutmeg because nutmeg contains a chemical called Myristicin, which is toxic to dogs and cats. In high enough quantities, Myristicin can cause increased blood pressure, hallucinations, dry mouth, and seizures! In tiny quantities, the chemical can cause vomiting and upset tummies.
Be Aware of Other Ingredients
In addition to nutmeg, there are plenty of other ingredients that are commonly paired with cinnamon. Many of these are potentially poisonous to dogs. The most common add-on that you’ll want to watch out for is chocolate. Macadamia nuts and raisins are also common dangers with store-bought cinnamon products.
Everything in Moderation
Because cinnamon is often included in sweets, you should be keenly aware of how much you’re giving your dog. With cinnamon treats, a little goes a long way!
Like humans, dogs are not supposed to be gobbling down too much sugar, fats, and oils. Whenever you’re giving your dog cinnamon treats, keep tabs on how much you’re feeding them. The key to healthy, happy treating is moderation!
What Kinds of Treats Can I Make with Cinnamon?
There are plenty of amazing cinnamon-based dog treat recipes out there. Cookies and cakes are some of the most common cinnamon treats that you’ll find, but there are many creative ways to add a dash of cinnamon to your dog’s life.
Carrot Cake
At The Dog Bakery, we pride ourselves on our wide selection of amazing pet-safe treats and goodies. One of them is my Dog Carrot Cake. Made with rice, flour, potato starch, baking soda, honey, egg, and applesauce, our carrot cake treat has just the right amount of cinnamon to kick up some scrumptious flavor.
Snickerdoodles
You may have to do a bit of sleuthing to find the right recipe, but snickerdoodles are a delightful treat for pups. If you want to guarantee that your snickerdoodle is dog-friendly, we suggest purchasing them from a trustworthy source. We make our original Snickerdoodle Wheat-Free Bone Treats! These tail-wagging bites are a lot like our cookies, but they have a longer shelf life.
Puppuccinos
One of our favorite ways to offer pups some cinnamon is Rocky Kanaka’s amazing puppuccino recipe. This easy-to-prepare treat isn’t something that you should give your dog every day, but it’s a great way to celebrate a special occasion!
The majority of this recipe is pup-safe whipped cream and pumpkin purée. However, as Rocky says, “For a truly elevated puppuccino, add a tiny dash of cinnamon!”
FAQs About Dogs Eating Cinnamon and Related Foods
Is cinnamon safe for dogs to eat in small quantities?
Yes, cinnamon is safe for dogs in small quantities. Ground cinnamon can be given to dogs without causing health problems, but it’s important to avoid large quantities which can lead to side effects like an upset stomach or allergic reactions.
What happens if a dog eats a cinnamon roll?
Cinnamon rolls are not recommended for dogs to eat. They contain high levels of sugar and fat, which can upset a dog’s digestive system and potentially lead to more serious health issues. If your dog eats a cinnamon roll, monitor them for any signs of distress.
Can dogs have Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal?
Cinnamon Toast Crunch is not suitable for dogs. This cereal, along with other human foods, can cause an upset stomach and other digestive issues in dogs. It’s best to stick to dog-safe foods to avoid any health problems.
Is cinnamon applesauce a safe treat for dogs?
Cinnamon applesauce can be a safe treat for dogs in small quantities, as long as it doesn’t contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners. However, always check the ingredients to ensure it’s suitable for your furry friends.
Are cinnamon sticks toxic for dogs?
Cinnamon sticks are not toxic for dogs, but they are not recommended due to the potential for causing digestive issues or choking hazards. It’s best to avoid giving dogs cinnamon sticks.
Can dogs eat cinnamon graham crackers without health risks?
Dogs can eat cinnamon graham crackers in very small quantities, but they are not the healthiest treat. The sugar and additives in these crackers can lead to an upset stomach and should be given cautiously.
How does cinnamon oatmeal affect a dog’s digestive system?
Cinnamon oatmeal can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet in moderation, provided it doesn’t contain harmful additives. However, too much cinnamon can upset a dog’s digestive system, so it should be given sparingly.
Are cinnamon-flavored human foods like cinnamon toast safe for dogs?
Cinnamon-flavored human foods, such as cinnamon toast, are generally not safe for dogs. These foods can contain ingredients that lead to digestive issues and other health problems in dogs.
What should I do if my dog eats cinnamon twists or other cinnamon-flavored treats?
If your dog eats cinnamon twists or similar treats, monitor them for any signs of an allergic reaction or upset stomach. If you notice symptoms like difficulty breathing or severe digestive upset, contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.
