Cinnamon is a spice that is taken from the trees of the Cinnamomum species. It is mainly used in gastronomy due to its distinctive sweet flavour and aroma. But, beyond its culinary use, cinnamon has also been valued in traditional medicine for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

It contains large amounts of highly potent polyphenol antioxidants and is also high in cinnamaldehyde, which is thought to be responsible for most of cinnamon’s health benefits.

Cinnamon has many different health properties that have been reported, such as its antioxidant content and its effect on diabetes and neurological, microbial, and cardiovascular diseases due to the properties of bioactive components.

People have used cinnamon since 2000 BC in Ancient Egypt, where they regarded it highly. In medieval times, doctors used it to treat conditions such as coughing, arthritis, and sore throats.

In China, it was already used in the year 2500 B.C. The Arabs used it to flavour meat. Since cinnamon contains an essential oil rich in phenol, its special aroma of wood, pleasant and sweet, and its warm flavour make it widely used for both sweet and savoury dishes.

In this article, we will answer all your questions on cinnamon for dogs, give you cinnamon-infused recipes for dogs and the preparation tips.

Is Cinnamon Bad For Dogs?- Understanding Cinnamon

According to Wikipedia, Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum.

It comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree, a tropical evergreen tree native to Sri Lanka that gives off an aromatic iron-rich resin. There are two species: Cinnamomum aromaticum or cassia (the most commercialized currently) and Cinnamomum zeylanicum or verum.

We can say that this aromatic plant has many different uses due to its properties and benefits. Internally it helps in the digestive, respiratory, circulatory and reproductive systems

The most interesting thing about cinnamon is its aromatic compounds, it comes in many forms and can be found as an ingredient in many different types of food. There are cinnamon sticks, essential oils, and ground, powdered cinnamon. No matter what form of cinnamon you have, they are all the same.

Researchers have found that cinnamon ranks No. 1 out of 26 of the most popular herbs and spices in the world in terms of its protective antioxidant levels.

Types And Nutritional Components Of Cinnamon

There are mainly four types of cinnamon. Although only two of these varieties are commercialized: Ceylan cinnamon and Cassia. While both are harvested in sheets found beneath the bark of trees belonging to the same scientific family, they produce precisely different products. 

The two types of cinnamon are differentiated by the way they are harvested, their taste, their smell, and the chemical compounds found within them. The other two are Saigon cinnamon and Korintje.

1. Ceylon Cinnamon

Ceylon cinnamon is also known as Cinnamon zeylanicum, It is also called original cinnamon and its origin is from the plant species Cinnamomum Verum. Its origin, as its own name indicates, is Ceylan, that is, from the Sri Lanka area mainly 

It has a distinctive shape, lighter colour, and delicate taste and one of its most characteristic elements is the colour, which is a more subdued brown and due to a slightly sweeter taste. 

This cinnamon is the one you should always buy in stores though it’s advisable to call manufacturers to see if the cinnamon you’re getting is Ceylon. It’s hard to tell what kind of cinnamon you’re dealing with if it’s ground cinnamon.

Ceylon cinnamon takes patience and time to grow right from the start. When a Ceylon tree, Cinnamomum Verum, is first planted, the farmers must allow the tree to grow for four years before they can harvest any cinnamon from its inner bark. These trees are cared for throughout the entire year so they can be suitable for the harvesting season.

2. Cinnamon Cassia

Cinnamomum cassia, called Chinese cassia or Chinese cinnamon is prepared from the dried inner bark of an evergreen tree originating in southern China and widely cultivated there and elsewhere in South and Southeast Asia.

Cassia cinnamon is the most common variety and the most commonly used cinnamon in North America. It has a stronger flavour than Ceylon and 95% of its oil is cinnamaldehyde.

One of its main characteristics is its color somewhat stronger than that of Ceylan cinnamon and with a few touches of red. It is stronger than Ceylon cinnamon and thicker, making it a good item for garnishing rather than eating. 

3. Saigon Cinnamon

Saigon cinnamon, also known as Vietnamese cinnamon or Vietnamese cassia, is an evergreen tree indigenous to mainland Southeast Asia. Saigon cinnamon is more closely related to cassia than to Ceylon cinnamon, though in the same genus as both.

The main difference with the others is that the branch is the thickest of all and, in addition, the interior of it is developed in a single way, not with layers like the others.

Saigon Cinnamon is the one with the highest coumarin levels of all types of cinnamon. It has a deeper flavor and aroma than other varieties.

Saigon Cinnamon is grown in the Central Highlands regions of the country, predominantly the Quảng Ngãi Province.

4. Korintje Cinnamon

Cinnamomum burmanni, also known as Indonesian cinnamon, Padang cassia, Batavia cassia, or korintje, is one of several plants in the genus Cinnamomum whose bark is sold as the spice cinnamon

Korintje cinnamon stands out mainly for its colour between brown and red and for its taste with spicy tones. Like Saigon, this type of cinnamon has a high coumarin component.

In addition, it is a much cheaper product than the rest of the cinnamon and the coumarin content in this cinnamon is considered higher than that of Chinese cinnamon. Therefore, it’s advisable to use it in a small dose to ensure that it doesn’t cause negative consequences for your health.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these are the nutrition facts for 1 teaspoon (tsp) of ground cinnamon (genarally) :

Calories: 6

Protein: 0 grams (g)         

Carbohydrates: 2 g

Dietary fiber: 1 g (4 percent daily value, or DV)

Total sugars: 0 g

Cholesterol: 0 milligrams (mg)

Sodium: 0 mg

Calcium: 26 mg (2.6 per cent DV)

Potassium: 11 mg (0.23 per cent DV)

Magnesium: 2 mg (0.5 per cent DV)

Phosphorus: 2 mg (0.2 per cent DV)

Vitamin K: 1 microgram (1.22 per cent DV)

Vitamin A: 8 international units (0.16 per cent DV)

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?

We all know this beautiful spice is capable of giving a special smell and flavor to many foods and desserts, but what perhaps not everyone knows is the amount of beneficial medicinal properties that it can provide to dogs

Dogs can eat cinnamon and also take advantage of its multiple medicinal benefits. There are many sick dogs that show improvements when using natural products like this.

Did you know that dogs with allergies tend to get more yeast infections? Cinnamon also helps prevent them!

On the other hand, cinnamon is interesting for dogs suffering from arthritis. This spice helps soothe lots of different pains, like those caused by bone cancer, stomach aches, heart disease, rashes, Cinnamon has a lot of fiber and calcium.

Note that Cassia cinnamon contains a substance called coumarin which, taken in high doses, can cause liver damage in your dog. It has a strong anticoagulant power and this can be dangerous, especially if the dog is undergoing some kind of medical treatment.

On the other hand, it is not recommended that pregnant dogs abuse cinnamon since it could damage the uterus. always consult your veterinarian before adding new items to your pet’s diet. 

Potential Health Benefits Of Cinnamon For Dogs

If a dog eats cinnamon, in moderate amounts and without abusing it, these are some of the possible benefits for its health:

1. According to a study published in the Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, a group of dogs that regularly consumed cinnamon was found to have better heart health than a group that did not consume cinnamon at all. So cinnamon is very good for the heart.

2. The anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon are great for reducing swelling and inflammation in dogs, relieving pain in older dogs with arthritis and other bone and joint problems.  

A recipe by the Copenhagen University suggests mixing ½ teaspoon of cinnamon with a tablespoon of honey, and fed directly to the dog. Their study showed that arthritis patients were able to walk without pain after just a week of taking cinnamon with honey every day.

3. Blood sugar regulation: Cinnamon helps slow blood sugar absorption after eating a high-carbohydrate food, making it good for dogs suffering from diabetes. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily has been proven to regulate blood sugar and raise the dog’s insulin resistance, which means it boosts the body’s ability to naturally use insulin.

Risks And Precautions When Giving Cinnamon To Dogs

While cinnamon is generally safe for dogs, you should never give your dog large amounts of cinnamon. A small amount of cinnamon isn’t toxic for dogs—unlike nutmeg, which is always toxic to dogs.

A large amount can lead to serious health problems, such as shortness of breath and liver damage. Additionally, ground cinnamon can cause respiratory problems if your dog inhales too much of it.

The best way to give your dog cinnamon is to sprinkle a small amount on his food. Always start with a small amount and watch your dog for any signs of discomfort or allergic reaction.

It is also possible that your dog could have an allergic reaction to cinnamon. Plus, an overdose of cinnamon can potentially cause diarrhea so if you decide to try it for them, go slow and steady.

Lastly, Cinnamon sticks can cause digestive and skin irritation in both humans and pets, especially if consumed in big amounts, remember to always consult your veterinarian before introducing cinnamon to your dogs.

How To Safely Serve Cinnamon To Dogs

There are many delicious ways to squeeze a hearty dose of cinnamon into your dogs diet. Here are a few simple recipes to get you started:

1. Homemade Cinnamon Bun Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (500 mL) whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp. (5 mL) baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. (2 mL) salt
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) water or milk
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) canola oil
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tbsp. (30 mL) Honey
• 1 tsp. (5 mL) cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In a small bowl stir together water, oil, and egg. Add to the dry ingredients and stir just until you have a soft dough.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll or pat the dough into a rectangle that measures roughly 8×14-inch. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon and nuts, if using. Starting from a long edge, roll up jelly-roll style and pinch the edge to seal. Using a sharp serrated knife or (even better) dental floss, slice half an inch thick and place slices cut side down on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with nonstick spray.
4. Bake for about 15 minutes, until springy to the touch. Wait until they have cooled completely before you spread them with cream cheese.
5. Makes about 2 dozen biscuits. Store extra in a tightly covered container and freeze. If they are frosted, store the container in the fridge.

2. Apple Oat Doggie Treats

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Apple Sauce (USE ONLY UNSWEETENED NATURAL APPLE SAUCE)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon *Cinnamon might be toxic in large quantities especially for small dogs
• 1/2 cup whole oats
• 2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine applesauce, oil, water and cinnamon in a bowl.
3. Stir in oats and flour to form a dough. If dough is too wet and sticky, add more flour, if it is dry and crumbly add water in 1/2 tsp increments until dough comes together and does not stick to your hands.
4. Roll dough to about 1/4″ thickness and cut with your choice cookie cutter.
5. Bake on an ungreased non-stick or lightly greased (vegetable oil) uncoated cookie sheet for 20-35 minutes.

2. Cinnamon Oatmeal

Cooking plain oatmeal and adding a very small amount of cinnamon should be safe for your dog. However, typical store-bought cinnamon oatmeal that comes in ready-to-make packages typically contains a lot of sugar, preservatives, and other additives that aren’t healthy for your dog.

3. Apple Pie Bites For Dogs

You can replace the flour in this recipe with two cups of any flour you like. Oat flour is always a nice gluten-free option, and you can blitz rolled oats in your food processor to create the flour in just seconds.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 48 cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, cored and diced or grated
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp Honey (optional but tasty)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup tapioca flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 Egg

Optional: 1/4 cup grated parmesan or cheddar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350º
2. Set your oven racks to a central position with room to use multiple trays if you like.
3. Wash, core, and dice or grate the apples.
4. To your diced apple, add the cinnamon, vanilla, honey, and coconut oil and stir thoroughly.
5. Add the flours and baking powder next, stirring to combine. This will resemble a crumble more than a cookie dough, don’t be alarmed!
6. Add the milk and egg, and give it a final stir.
7. Drop small spoonfuls of cookie dough onto parchment lined cookie sheet.
8. You can either leave the dough in spherical form or press down lightly with a fork to create a flatter, crunchier cookie.
9. Bake 20 minutes, or until the tops attain some golden color and there are some crunchy bits on the edges, but the bottom isn’t too browned.

4. Peanut Butter Carrot Cupcakes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 14 paw prints 1x

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup flour (we used oat flour but whole wheat works great too)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (watch out for xylitol, a sweetener poisonous to dogs)
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease the silicone molds and place on cookie sheets to make it easier to move them around.
3. Combine flour, cinnamon, and baking soda in a large bowl and whisk to combine and eliminate lumps
4. Add the wet ingredients and stir just to combine
5. Mix in the grated carrot.
6. Spoon mixture into the lightly greased silicone molds,
7. Gently tap the tray to eliminate any air pockets and smooth and push down the batter to ensure you get the cute paw print details from the bottom of the molds.
8. Bake for 15 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
9. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

4. Peanut Butter Yogurt Frosting

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 14 paw prints 1x

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup yoghourt
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 3 Tbsp cornstarch or tapioca flour to thicken and stabilize

Instructions:

Whisk the yoghourt and cornstarch together until no lumps appear.

Add the peanut butter and stir to combine.

Note: This frosting is a great consistency for piping. Frost your cakes and watch your dogs go wild!

5. Apple Cinnamon Dog Donuts

Ingredients:

• + 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 medium apple (washed, peeled, and grated)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup water
• 2 heaping tsp of coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Mix flours and cinnamon in a large bowl

3. In a smaller bowl: beat egg, then add water, grated apple, and coconut oil. Mix together.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix together well.

5. Knead dough with hands for 3-5 minutes, until thoroughly combined.

6. Using mini donut pans, fill 3/4 of the way with dough.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees F.

8. Let cool and decorate!

6. Snickerdoodle Cinnamon Dog Treats

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Yield: 40 paw prints 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups brown rice flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup honey
• ½ cup water

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 375° F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), combine all the ingredients until dough comes together. If the dough is too crumbly, add more water one tablespoon at a time until moist enough.
3. Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball (about 1-inch in diameter). Place on prepared cookie sheet and flatten with the palm of your hand until about 1/2-inch thick.
4. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the treats are golden brown. Let treats cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature

Notes

• These are homemade treats without preservatives. They will not last as long as store-bought treats. Snickerdoodle cinnamon dog treats will last about 2 to 3 weeks.
• Consult your pet’s veterinarian regarding possible allergies your dog may have.

6. Peanut Butter Apple Cinnamon Dog Treat Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Apple Sauce
• 1/4 cup Peanut Butter
• pinch Cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Spelt Flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
3. Knead dough into ball and roll it onto the parchment paper or silicone baking mat 1/4 inch thick, or thinner, and take a straight edge and cut the dough horizontally and then vertically to make a grid (I used a pizza cutter).
4. Place on baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until browned at the edges.
5. Break into pieces and refrigerate.
6. 2 to 3 dozen treats

7. Honey And Cinamon Remedy For Dogs

Ingredients:

1. Put 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (powder) in a cup pour over about half a cup of boiling water.
2. Stir well and let cinnamon swell for a few minutes.
3. Add 1 table spoon of honey, stir until honey dissolves.

Preparations And Steps

1. Feed 1-2 tablespoons per dog per serving, for example as part of a healthy morning feeding, mixed into 100g of plain yogurt with probiotics, or just blend into the dog’s food at least twice daily.

2. Using the honey and cinnamon mixture as a remedy for tired, sick, weak animals, especially with respiratory way disease, filter the ready blend through a sifter and use the pure liquid.

3. You can put it in a syringe and slowly feed it in intervals to your animal patient.

4. For very weak dogs, administer 5-10ml every hour to a medium-sized dog. Double or lower the amount based on your pet’s size.
Serve it warm (not hot!) or at room temperature.

Dangers Of Cinnamon For Dogs

Oral Issues: Cinnamon can have a negative effect on your dogs if they directly chew on raw ones. It could result in irritation of the dog’s mouth.

Breathing issues:  Due to its consistency, inhaling cinnamon powder can  cause your dog to cough, choke, and have difficulty breathing.  Also, dogs may ingest the spice by way of breathing it, which may cause lung irritation.

Health problems: Cinnamon in very large doses or for small breeds and puppies can also lead to stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood sugar, irregular heartbeat, and liver disease.

Know the difference between nutmeg and cinnamon. Cinnamon and nutmeg come from the same parent plant but are two very different spices. Cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, but nutmeg is. Nutmeg contains myristicin, a compound that is poisonous to dogs. If your dog eats large amounts of nutmeg, it may experience disorientation, increased heart rate and blood pressure, abdominal pain, seizures, hallucinations, dry mouth, and dizziness.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What happens if my dog licks cinnamon?

Cinnamon is non-toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. 

2. Does cinnamon have any benefits for dogs?

Cinnamon is beneficial to dogs who suffer from chronic yeast infections.

3. Is it safe for dogs to eat cinnamon?

Yes, cinnamon is not toxic to dogs

Conclusion 

Cinnamon can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, as long as it is administered with caution. As with any new food, you should watch your dog for any signs of discomfort after giving him cinnamon. 

If in doubt, it is always best to consult with your vet before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet.

Sources And Further Reading

• Can Dogs Eat Red Rice
  by Emily Thomas
• Can Dogs Eat Ruffles? Find Out
  by Emily Thomas
• Can Dogs Eat Key Lime Pie? Find Out
  by Emily Thomas
• Can Dogs Have Pumpernickel Bread? What You Should Know
  by Emily Thomas
• Side Effects Of Antibiotics In Dogs: What You Should Know
  by Emily Thomas