Is Cinnamon Bad for Dogs?

Is cinnamon bad for dogs?

Cinnamon is not bad for dogs if given in a moderate amount. But yes too much cinnamon in their food may cause some discomfort or side effects.

Cinnamon, due to its unique taste and aroma, is a key ingredient not only in the kitchen but also in traditional and modern medicines. It is one of the most antioxidant-rich foods and also contains antimicrobial, antifungal, insecticidal, and anti-diabetic properties.

The major components of cinnamon are cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, and the eugenol that are healthy for humans &  can be beneficial for dogs too. Dogs can eat cinnamon because it boosts energy and vitality as well as improves brain function.

Effects of Cinnamon on Dogs

• Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde which releases catecholamine that decreases blood pressure in dogs. 
• It has a natural antimicrobial property that helps to protect against the type of bacteria, the fungus which causes yeast infections (these are particularly common in dogs with allergies).
• Cinnamon consumption up to a certain level does not have any adverse effects (allergic reactions) thus too much amount of cinnamon (greater than 1 teaspoon of powder) consumption should be avoided.

Nutritional value in 100 grams of cinnamon

According to USDA cinnamon is a rich source of manganese, iron, dietary fiber, calcium and other compounds per 100 g is follows per 100 g is as follows  (1).

Benefits of having cinnamon in dogs’ food

1. Improve food flavor and brain activity of dogs

Cinnamon is a delightfully exotic, sweet-flavored aromatic spice that adds flavor to your dog’s meal. Moreover cinnamon can progress the dog’s brain development by boosting brain activity and alertness (2). 

2. Treat Canine otitis externa by antimicrobial properties

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), animals are a major source of bacterial infection in humans, particularly in household pets.

Canine otitis externa is an inflammatory disease or infection of the external ear canal (outer ear infection) in dogs caused by different pathogens such as Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, b-haemolytic Streptococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, and Malassezia pachydermatis.

However, intakes of cinnamon bark as well as its oil by the dog fight against these bacterial and fungal pathogens due to the presence of cinnamaldehyde in them (3).  

3. Lowers blood pressure

The presence of cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon shows a positive effect on blood pressure (BP) by widening (opening) blood vessels and thus improving blood flow in the coronary artery (4).

Therefore, the consumption of cinnamon (50 mg/kg for 2 weeks) by dogs may help to lower systolic BP, and heart rate, protect from cardiac stroke or cardiovascular diseases, and keep the heart healthy (5, 6).

4. Promote good bone health

Cinnamon contains a high amount of calcium, vitamin K and A which is important for dog overall development like strengthening the bone and enhancing bone formation in dogs. Thus cinnamon helps to prevent diseases like osteoarthritis or osteoporosis in dogs (7).  

5. Helps in managing obesity, and diabetes

Giving cinnamon-containing food to dogs shows a wonderful effect on the improvement of serum insulin levels and reduces excessive fat accumulation in dogs (8).

How is cinnamon bad for dogs?

According to ASPCA (Animal Poison Control Center),  ingestion of cinnamon and its oil in high amounts is harmful to the dog that may cause low blood sugar, liver disease, vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in the heart rate. Cinnamon sticks or powder both in larger quantities can cause coughing, choking, difficulty breathing, and (bronchospasm.)

1. The smell of Cinnamon

A research study suggested that cinnamaldehyde found in cinnamon sticks and its oil may be useful as an insecticide and its scent is also known to repel animals, such as cats and dogs. The reason may be due to its irritating effect on the lungs (9).  

2. Presence of Coumarin in cinnamon is bad for dogs

Cinnamon, especially Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon contains a high amount of coumarins, which can prove to be toxic in high doses and may cause liver damage or injury in dogs. Therefore Ceylon cinnamon is safer for dogs since it contains less coumarin (10). 

Q &A

Why can’t dogs have cinnamon?

Cinnamon is good, safe, and well-tolerated in moderate amounts by dogs but it is not an essential part of a dog’s diet. 

What kind of cinnamon can I give my dog?

There are 2 types of cinnamon that are widely available on the market

1. Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon
2. True cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon (Srilankan) or Mexican cinnamon

You can always choose Ceylon cinnamon because it contains a low amount of coumarin which is a compound that is associated with blood thinning.  Moreover, true or Ceylon cinnamon is softer and lighter in color, rolled in layers, and has a mild delicate taste whereas the others are darker, hard, and hollow and rolled in only one layer (11).  

Is cinnamon scent bad for dogs?

Cinnamon sticks and their oil in high amounts can act as a repelling agent for the insect as well as animals like cats and dogs because of their irritating and sensitizing properties. Whereas, the lower amount of cinnamon oil also helps to control pet odor between shampoos. Therefore cinnamon scent doesn’t cause any side effects on your dog’s health, you must always make sure it’s in moderation (12). 

Which spices are bad for dogs?

Some spices contain toxic compounds such as nutmeg (contain myristicin), onion, garlic, and/or chives (contain sulfoxides and disulfides), wormwood (contain absinthe), and Paprika (stomach upset), which can lead to serious health issues in dogs

Which spices are good for dogs?

Not all spices are bad for dogs such as basil, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, rosemary, parsley, and coriander are beneficial for dog health but remember, more doesn’t always mean better. Concern your vet doctor to be sure you’re giving the proper dosage because the excess of everything is bad.