Dogs love the taste of cinnamon, and it’s not just for apple pie. Dogs can have cinnamon in small amounts as an occasional treat, but there are some things you need to know before giving your dog this spice. Cinnamon is made from the inner bark of an evergreen tree called Cinnamomum zeylanicum. It’s available as a powdered spice, sticks, or oil that’s extracted by pressing rather than grinding the tree bark. Although it has a strong flavor and aroma, it has little nutritional value and should be used sparingly as a flavoring agent only. Cinnamon contains oils called cinnamaldehyde and eugenol that give it its distinctive odor and taste, along with Vitamins A, B1, B2, iron, copper and manganese. Cinnamon also contains coumarin which is toxic in large amounts.
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?
Yes, dogs can eat cinnamon, but they don’t have it in their regular diet as it isn’t native to their region. There are no recorded cases of dogs consuming cinnamon as a part of their regular diet. It remains a mystery why dogs don’t have cinnamon in their diet, but it could be because we’ve always had a strong spice culture. It’s true that cinnamon does contain compounds that are toxic in large amounts, but these compounds are found in much larger quantities in blueberries, which most dogs love to eat, so the risk of toxicity from cinnamon is much lower than from blueberries. It’s important to keep in mind that it’s the dose that makes the poison, not the substance itself!
Why Don’t Dogs Have Cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a spice that’s native to South East Asia. The bark of the tree from which it is made is dried and ground into a fine powder. The bark has a thin layer of cellulose that covers it, and this cellulose is what’s removed to make the spice. Many spices are dried and ground bark, seeds or flowers that grow in tropical climates. Dogs don’t have cinnamon in their natural diet because the plant it comes from grows in tropical areas, so spices didn’t come into our diet until civilization began to flourish and people began to trade with each other over vast distances.
Types of Cinnamon Dog can Eat
– Ceylon Cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon is the most widely used variety of cinnamon in the world. The best Ceylon cinnamon is made from the bark of Cinnamomum verum trees. Ceylon cinnamon is less pungent than Cassia cinnamon, but it still has a strong flavor. Ceylon cinnamon is commonly considered to be less spicy than other varieties of cinnamon.
– Cassia Cinnamon: Cassia cinnamon is the most common variety of cinnamon in North America. It’s harvested from trees of the Cinnamomum cassia species.
– Saigon Cinnamon: Saigon cinnamon is a hybrid variety of cinnamon that’s a cross between Ceylon cinnamon and cassia cinnamon. It’s the type most commonly sold in the United States.
Benefits of Cinnamon for Dogs
Cinnamon has several health benefits for dogs including antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also a source of minerals like iron, copper, manganese and calcium. Although it doesn’t have as many vitamins as other spices like turmeric, it can still be beneficial in small amounts.
– Antioxidant: Cinnamon has antioxidants, which means it can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and can lead to early aging or even diseases like cancer and heart disease. Eating cinnamon is a good way to prevent damage caused by free radicals.
– Anti-Microbial: Cinnamon has anti-microbial properties, which means it can help to prevent bacteria from growing. This can be beneficial for dogs with allergies who are at risk of infection. It can also help to prevent infection after a surgery.
– Anti-Inflammatory: Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection, and it’s a normal part of the healing process. Eating cinnamon can help to reduce inflammation.
Side Effects and Safety Concerns of Cinnamon for Dogs
There are no significant side effects of cinnamon on dogs. However, excessive amounts of cinnamon can be toxic to dogs. Symptoms of Cinnamon toxicity in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage, abnormal heart rhythm and even death. The lethal amount of cinnamon for dogs is between one and two grams. One teaspoon of ground cinnamon is equivalent to 5.5 grams, so consuming half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon would put a 50-pound dog over the lethal dose. If you suspect that your dog has consumed cinnamon, take them to the vet immediately.
How Much Cinnamon Can a Dog Have?
The amount of cinnamon a dog can have depends on their weight, their age and how often they have cinnamon. For example, a 10-pound dog can probably have about half a teaspoon of cinnamon once a week, whereas a 100-pound dog can probably have about one teaspoon of cinnamon once a month. However, it’s important to remember that excessive amounts of cinnamon are toxic and could even be fatal. It’s best to avoid giving your dog cinnamon altogether.
How to Give Your Dog Cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a spice that dogs can have sparingly. You can sprinkle cinnamon on their food or add it to their water. You can also make a cinnamon rice by mixing a teaspoon of cinnamon with a cup of uncooked rice. If your dog doesn’t eat the cinnamon rice, make sure to clean their face. You don’t want them to leave a trail of cinnamon behind them!
Other Problems Associated with Eating Cinnamon
Cinnamon is generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. However, it’s important to note that large amounts of cinnamon can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even liver damage in dogs. That’s why it’s important to keep track of the amount of cinnamon your dog consumes. If they eat too much cinnamon, they could become seriously ill. If you suspect that your dog has consumed too much cinnamon, take them to the vet immediately.
What to Do If Your Dog Consumes an Excessive Amount of Cinnamon?
If you think that your dog has consumed too much cinnamon, take them to the vet immediately. You can also induce vomiting to get the cinnamon out of their system. Make sure to stay calm and act quickly. The sooner you get any cinnamon out of your dog’s system, the better. What about feeding your dog cinnamon as a preventative measure? There is no evidence that feeding dogs cinnamon as a preventative measure is beneficial.
Bottom line
Cinnamon is a delicious spice that adds flavor to a wide variety of dishes. While it’s a relatively healthy choice, it’s important to remember that cinnamon is a very potent spice, so you should use it sparingly. Although it’s safe for dogs in small amounts, it’s important to keep track of how much your dog consumes, because too much cinnamon can be toxic.
