From a delicious pumpkin spice latte to fluffy cinnamon rolls and curries, few flavors are as warming and comforting as cinnamon. That comfort may extend to dogs too, although not in such a metaphorical way. For dogs, cinnamon can be safe in small doses. However veterinary experts caution that in large quantities, cinnamon may cause health issues, such as mouth irritation, breathing issues, and more.
When it comes to cinnamon as an ingredient, it’s best to stick to dog treats rather than adding cinnamon into your pup’s food. Accidentally giving larger quantities — or mixing this ingredient up with other warming spices like nutmeg — can cause health issues. Curious about other effects of cinnamon on your dog? Here’s everything else you need to know.
When Is Cinnamon Bad for Dogs?
“Cinnamon is considered non-toxic for dogs and can be safe in small quantities,” says Dr. Antje Joslin, Veterinarian Consultant at Dogtopia. Not all forms of cinnamon are suitable for dogs, however. For example, cinnamon bread may contain nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs.
| Type of cinnamon | Safe for dogs? |
| Cinnamon in dog treats | Yes |
| Cinnamon powder | Yes (less than one teaspoon) |
| Whole cinnamon sticks | No |
| Cinnamon essential oil | No |
| Cinnamon in human foods | No |
| Ornaments | No |
The Pet Poison Helpline emphasizes that the dosage is what makes cinnamon dangerous. More than one teaspoon of cinnamon may cause problems, so all forms of cinnamon should be placed out of reach.
Side Effects of Cinnamon
If your dog eats a small amount of cinnamon powder, either sprinkled on their food or as an ingredient in dog treats, they’ll probably be fine. But if a dog chews cinnamon bark or inhales too much cinnamon, you may witness:
“Cinnamon can irritate the airways and lungs,” says Dr. Chris Konvalinka, partner at Bahama Road Veterinary Hospital in North Carolina. Less immediate side effects may include:
- Skin irritation
- Mouth pains or sores
- Low blood sugar
- Liver disease
If your dog accidentally ingests a large amount of cinnamon, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away.
Does a Small Amount of Cinnamon Have Any Benefit?
In humans, it’s thought that cinnamon offers a range of potential benefits, including:
- Blood sugar regulation
- Breath freshening action
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Antioxidants to support overall health
But, Dr. Joslin emphasizes these benefits haven’t been proven in dogs. “While we may be tempted to share our antioxidants with our dogs, they may not receive the same benefits as humans,” she adds. Studies on the benefits of cinnamon on a dog’s heart health are inconclusive and limited.
There are some safe dog treat recipes to try, but know they are more likely to be a flavor boost than a health one. Your dog’s kibble is likely to provide all the nutritional value your dog needs in their diet.
Should You Avoid Cinnamon in Dog Treats?
Based on the potential reactions, it may be safe to avoid cinnamon altogether, but remember that the dose matters. If you want to share a cinnamon treat with your dog, Dr. Konvalinka recommends sticking with commercially available dog treats. “Always speak with your veterinarian before consistently introducing a new element to your dog’s diet,” he adds.
A word of warning: Dr. Joslin notes that cinnamon and nutmeg are often used together in many human dishes, especially desserts. Nutmeg is not safe for your dog, so human treats containing cinnamon should always be avoided.
Dog Treat Recipes to Try
