Can Dogs Have Cinnamon?
Nutmeg and Cinnamon
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon? Cinnamon may not poison dogs. Nutmeg, often used alongside cinnamon in baking, can actually be harmful and is considered toxic. Nutmeg houses the toxin myristicin, which can lead to hallucinations, elevated heart rate, confusion, high blood pressure, stomach pain, dryness of the mouth, and even seizures. These symptoms can last up to 48 hours. The good news is that dogs would need to eat a fairly large quantity of nutmeg before it becomes harmful. The tiny amounts found in most baked treats are usually not a concern. However, if your dog happens to ingest a lot of nutmeg, it’s best to contact your veterinarian right away.
Does Cinnamon Have Health Benefits for Dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon? Cinnamon is said to have a variety of health benefits for humans, but these have not been definitively proven. We don’t want to jump to the same conclusion for our canine companions. If you would like to use cinnamon as a supplement for your dog, discuss the potential dangers and advantages with your veterinarian. Meanwhile, you may want to consider other supplements that have been found to be beneficial to your dog.
To make a long story short, yes, dogs can eat cinnamon in small quantities, but it isn’t necessary or recommended.
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Rolls or Cinnamon Bread?
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon? While certain dog treats with a little cinnamon can be safe and even beneficial, it’s best to avoid giving your pup human foods that contain cinnamon.
Consuming raw cinnamon roll dough or bread dough is extremely risky when eaten in large quantities and when the product is yeast, which is highly poisonous for pups.
Cinnamon rolls and cinnamon bread may contain harmful ingredients for dogs, such as nutmeg, raisins, and xylitol.
On top of that, these treats consist of excessive fat, sugar, and butter, which isn’t good for your pet, especially when fed continuously over a period.
These human foods are potentially harmful in your four-legged friend and may result in health problems, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Pancreatitis
- Vomiting
Possible health benefits of cinnamon for dogs
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon? While dogs don’t need cinnamon in their diet, it is considered safe for them and is not poisonous. Below are some of the health benefits that this aromatic spice has to your furry pet:
- Because of its anti-inflammatory quality, cinnamon can assist in relieving older dogs with arthritis as well as others that have difficulty dealing with sore muscles by easing the swelling and joint pain.
- Cinnamon also contains loads of antioxidants and shields both humans and dogs from neurological diseases at the same time while assisting to enhance brain functions such as concentration and memory.
- The spice is also able to enhance heart health. In a study in the Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, the dogs that were administered cinnamon had much lower heart rate and systolic blood pressure compared to the dogs that were not administered cinnamon.
- Cinnamon has the ability to regulate blood sugar in diabetic puppies. From studies, it has been found that ½ teaspoon of cinnamon daily is able to regulate blood glucose levels and reduce insulin resistance. Sure, this is not an indication that cinnamon can replace any medication that your vet has prescribed for you, so do talk to him or her first.
- Cinnamon also possesses antibacterial properties, which can be used to slow down food spoilage; just sprinkle cinnamon over the food when storing it in the fridge.
How Much Cinnamon Can Dogs Eat?
Safe amounts of cinnamon are found in commercial dog treats.
Yet, call your vet to find out how much cinnamon is safe for your specific pup to eat, because the amount may vary depending on the size of your dog.
How to Give Cinnamon to Your Dog
We all find ourselves wanting comfort foods like warm baked treats during colder temperatures. Yet, pet owners should always keep in mind that treats like these should constitute no more than 10 percent of their dog’s total daily calories so as to avoid excessive consumption that will cause obesity. These foods typically provide your dog with no nutritional value and should not be served daily. If you don’t want your dog to feel like the only one missing out during snack time, these are some ways to safely allow your pet to indulge. Keep in mind, even with safe pet foods, you should consult your veterinarian before giving your pet any new treats.
- Homemade dog biscuits – Adding a dash of cinnamon to your homemade dog biscuits gives your dog’s treat a delicious flavor while filling your house with a wonderful aroma.
- Mix canned pumpkin and cinnamon – This traditional fall favorite might lead one to ask, “Can dogs eat cinnamon? Adding a dash of cinnamon to canned pumpkin is a nice way to provide your dog with a hint of pumpkin pie taste without hazardous ingredients like nutmeg or lots of sugar. Plain canned pumpkin has fiber and other useful nutrients. In small portions, that fiber can keep stools in dogs regular.” Make sure you’re using 100 percent pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling—and that your dog’s always able to reach drinking water when consuming pumpkin. Fiber draws moisture and can be dehydrating to the gastrointestinal tract. Mix it with apples.
- Do you enjoy spoiling your dog with snacks? If you can’t resist sharing with them when they beg for a bite of what you’re having, sprinkle some cinnamon over a slice of apple. Dogs generally enjoy the crunchy texture of apples, so this can be a super-delicious dog-safe treat. Another popular food that is often paired with cinnamon is applesauce. Wondering pet parents ask, “Can dogs eat cinnamon applesauce? This treat can offer your dog an exciting taste and texture, as long as it’s free from harmful ingredients like too much sugar, lemon juice, or nutmeg. When sharing human foods such as applesauce, it’s safest to stick with simple, plain versions.