Can Dogs Have Cinnamon? And What About Cinnamon Rolls?

Key Points

• In small amounts, cinnamon is safe for dogs, but it’s not necessary for their diet.
• Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may be beneficial to dogs.
• Overconsumption of cinnamon can lead to digestive upset and low blood sugar in dogs.

From cinnamon rolls to cinnamon snap cookies and tasty iced chai lattes, cinnamon enhances more than a few of our favorite flavors.  But can dogs have cinnamon? And what about our favorite cinnamon desserts?

Dogs can eat cinnamon, and it may even provide your pup with some health benefits when served in moderation. However, most foods that include cinnamon are not safe for your pooch, which makes this a complicated spice to share.

Nutritional value of cinnamon for dogs

Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the inner bark of a species of tree called Cinnamomum. The dried inner tree bark is brown in color, and it has a distinct and fragrant aroma and a warm, sweet flavor.

Cinnamon is naturally sugar-free and fat-free. One teaspoon contains:

• 6.4 calories
• 2.1 grams of carbohydrates
• 1.4 grams of fiber
• 0.1 g of protein 

Cinnamon also contains nutrients such as:

• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Cholesterol

This is the nutritional profile of Ceylon, or “true” cinnamon, which is extracted from the Cinnamomum trees. But there are other types of cinnamon cultivated from different tree species, like the Chinese Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia). Though closely related, they will have slightly different nutritional value.

What type of cinnamon is safe for dogs?

Before feeding your dog cinnamon, consider whether it’s “true” Ceylon cinnamon or Cassia cinnamon.

Cassia cinnamon comes from Indonesia and China. It has a rough texture, is dark brown, and has a strong taste. It’s cheap and the type most commonly found in grocery stores. But it has a lot of coumarin, which can be harmful to dogs in high amounts. 

Ceylon cinnamon is harder to find and more expensive. It comes from Sri Lanka, is light brown, and tastes sweeter. It has less coumarin than Cassia, making it a slightly better option. 

Cinnamon is not toxic for dogs, and though Ceylon is technically safer for dogs than Cassia, neither should be shared with your pup in high amounts.

Health benefits of cinnamon for dogs

Cinnamon contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde that is responsible for many health benefits such as:

• Antioxidants: Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, which protect against cell damage from environmental factors. 
• Anti-fungal properties: Dogs with allergies or yeast infections may benefit from cinnamon. It prevents the growth of bacteria like salmonella and listeria, as well as yeast like candida albicans.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Cinnamon can reduce swelling and inflammation in dogs with arthritis, sore muscles, and joint pain.
• Heart health: One study reported that controlled doses of cinnamon helped dogs with heart issues by lowering their heart rate and systolic blood pressure.
• Blood sugar regulation: Several studies have proved that cinnamon, when given in small doses, can lower blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. 

If you feel your dog might benefit from having cinnamon in their diet, consult your vet first to see what they think.

Risks and concerns: When is cinnamon bad for dogs? 

Cinnamon has many health benefits, but it can also cause stomach aches and irritate your dog’s mouth. Too much cinnamon powder can dry up their throat and cause coughing, choking, and difficulty breathing in dogs.

Immediately contact your vet if your dog begins to exhibit signs of cinnamon overdose, such as:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting 
• Low blood sugar levels
• Liver problems
• Changes in heart rate

Beware cinnamon pastries

A small amount of cinnamon might benefit your dog’s health, but cinnamon rolls, donuts, apple turnovers, and virtually all human foods with cinnamon contain other ingredients that are dangerous for dogs. 

Baked goods with cinnamon contain high levels of fats, sugar, and extra ingredients like butter, chocolate, cocoa powder, xylitol (a highly toxic artificial sweetener), raisins, and nutmeg, which are all very bad for dogs.

Nutmeg and cinnamon 

Although cinnamon and nutmeg technically come from the same parent plant, they have key differences. While cinnamon isn’t toxic for dogs in small amounts, nutmeg is. Nutmeg contains myristicin, and though a small dose of nutmeg is unlikely to cause serious health problems, it’s better to avoid letting dogs consume nutmeg altogether. 

Side effects for dogs that consume nutmeg can last up to 48 hours. Watch out for:

• Disorientation 
• Increased heart rate 
• Drowsiness
• Increased blood pressure
• Abdominal pain
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

If your dog accidentally consumes nutmeg, don’t wait — call your vet, closely monitor them for symptoms, and if necessary, take them to an animal hospital for prompt treatment.

How much cinnamon can I give my dog? 

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, a teaspoon of cinnamon should have no toxic effect on your pooch. But remember that dogs come in different sizes, from toy-sized Poodles to large Mastiffs, so safe doses will vary depending on your dog’s height, weight, and health status. 

Due to their curious nature, some dogs are more likely to sneak into the pantry and eat your food. If you find that your dog accidentally ingested cinnamon powder or chewed on a cinnamon stick and you’re worried about their health, call the Animal Poison Control Center.

You can also get in touch with your vet for advice, especially if your dog begins to exhibit noticeable symptoms.

Preparation ideas for cinnamon treats

Prepare your own cinnamon-flavored dog treats to be sure your pup doesn’t eat too much. If you want to make tasty treats at home, take a look at the following recipe ideas:

• Snickerdoodle cinnamon dog treats
• Cinnamon and honey dog treats
• Oat cinnamon and apple dog treats
• Apple cinnamon dog treats

Alternatives to cinnamon

Since cinnamon might not be an ideal choice for dogs, let’s consider a few alternatives our companions can enjoy stress-free. 

Ginger

All forms of ginger, including fresh, powdered, and even ginger juice, are safe for dogs. If you’re using fresh ginger, peel it thoroughly, mince it, and sprinkle it over your dog’s food. Another option is to slice it thinly and feed it to your pup from your hand, treat-style.

Turmeric 

Tumeric is another great alternative to cinnamon for dogs. One study showed that dogs with osteoarthritis showed signs of pain reduction after taking a turmeric extract supplement. 

Cinnamon is safe for dogs in moderation

In short, cinnamon is safe for dogs in small amounts, but human foods with cinnamon rarely are. While cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, overconsumption can lead to digestive upset and low blood sugar. For peace of mind, consult a veterinarian before introducing new spices and supplements into a dog’s diet.

A dog insurance plan can come in handy if your dog suffers from an unexpected health issue that requires urgent vet care. Learn more about how Pumpkin can help out with eligible emergency veterinary bills.

Lynn Guthrie

Writer, Mom of a Fab Fur Fam of Five

Lynn is a writer and long-time Learning & Development Manager at a large PNW retailer. She's also mom to 3 dogs & 2 cats!