Humans love cinnamon! It’s in our desserts, drinks, pastries, and anything that needs an extra sprinkle of fall magic. Cinnamon smells amazing, tastes delicious, and may even have a few potential benefits for our dogs. 

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon? 

Before you feed any human food to your dog, do your due diligence and find out if it’s safe for them to eat. So, can dogs eat cinnamon? Yes, a little sprinkle of cinnamon is perfectly safe for dogs to enjoy.

Here are the ways your pup can benefit from a pinch of cinnamon: 

• Hip and joint support from natural anti-inflammatory properties
• Rich source of antioxidants to fight off illness or infection
• Promotes a healthy heart
• Gently supports easy digestion

Can dogs have cinnamon sticks, essential oils, or large servings of this spice? That answer is a bit more complicated. 

Is Cinnamon Bad for Dogs?

Many dog food and treat brands use little to no seasonings in their recipes. Garlic, nutmeg, sugar-free sweeteners, and other popular seasonings are notably toxic to dogs. But, is cinnamon toxic to dogs? 

While this spice isn’t toxic to our dogs, it can pose a threat when served incorrectly. In large servings, cinnamon sticks and ground powder can be choking hazards. Some pups can experience breathing difficulty, coughing, or choking. For smaller breeds, even a teaspoon of cinnamon can cause serious health problems. 

Cinnamon is also a skin irritant for dogs and humans. Overserving this spice or letting your dog chew on a cinnamon stick can irritate their mouth and coat.

An appropriate serving of ground cinnamon is not toxic for dogs. In fact, it can even offer natural health benefits for your pup. But the best thing about cinnamon is you don’t need all that much of it to spice up a dish. 

The Dangers of Cinnamon for Dogs

There’s not necessarily a need to add cinnamon to your dog’s diet. But you can rest easy if your dog eats a few flakes off the ground. Keep cinnamon essential oil and sticks away from your pup at all costs. This is where things can get scary. 

Dogs that consume the unsafe parts of this spice should be taken to the vet or animal hospital immediately. If you notice any of these symptoms after your pup eats cinnamon, call your vet as soon as possible: 

• Choking
• Coughing
• Mouth blisters
• Severe skin irritation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you’re unsure how to help your dog, call ASPCA Poison Control at (888)426-4435. They are available to call 24/7, 365 days a year. 

Cinnamon and Dogs FAQ

Can dogs have cinnamon?

Yes, tiny amounts of cinnamon are just fine. But there’s no need to feed it to your pup regularly. 

Is cinnamon toxic to dogs?

Ground cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, but large doses can cause stomach upset. Cinnamon essential oil and cinnamon sticks are NOT safe for dogs. 

Can dogs have cinnamon every day? 

We don’t recommend daily servings of this spice for your pup. But every now and then, it’s fine to have cinnamon as a treat or sprinkled over your dog’s food.

Looking to Spice Up Your Dog’s Food? 

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