Can dogs have cinnamon?

Updated 12/04/2024

Cinnamon is a firm favorite in kitchens around the world - from the warming, sweet aroma it adds to baked goods to its almost medicinal taste in teas and the roundness it adds to a curry, it's no wonder cinnamon's popularity has seeped into so many cultures. So with its flavorsome diversity and claimed health benefits, we wouldn't blame you for wanting to know - can dogs have cinnamon - or is it toxic to dogs, like nutmeg? Well luckily for your flavor-loving furry friend, dogs can eat cinnamon safely, so long as it's only served as a treat, in small amounts (depending on the size of the dog, and definitely not more than one teaspoon) and in the right form. To find out how the spice can find its way into your pup's bowl without doing any harm, take a look below.

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Is cinnamon poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs have cinnamon in any form like we humans can (within reason) and is cinnamon safe for dogs to consume regularly? And are dogs allergic to cinnamon sometimes? Well firstly, just like us humans, there's a slim chance that dogs can be allergic to just about anything, so always monitor your pup's behavior and toileting when trying them with anything new. But, you'll be pleased to know that a small sprinkle of the spice won't cause anything like cinnamon toxicity in dogs. We'll get into how much cinnamon is safe for dogs later on, but first, let's get clued-up on the signs your pup has ingested or inhaled too much cinnamon (which certainly call for immediate attention from a vet).

Doggos can get reactions from eating or inhaling types of cinnamon (this include cinnamon powder and cinnamon oils!) 

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Signs your pup has eaten or inhaled too much cinnamon:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Coughing
• Choking
• Increased heart rate
• Mouth sores
• Trouble breathing
• Seizures

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Is cinnamon good for dogs?

So can dogs have cinnamon and get any health benefits? Or is cinnamon bad for dogs for any reason? Well as we explored above, too much cinnamon can result in a whole host of nasty symptoms in your furry friend, but that's easily avoided if you keep your dog's treats way out of paw's reach. We'll explore a few claimed health benefits of cinnamon for dogs below, but first, a few words of caution. The first is choking - we don't advise you let your pup gnaw on the sticks themselves, as they can cause oral irritation, not to mention the risk of internal punctures and choking. Also never feed your pooch cinnamon oil or essential oil, as it's sometimes toxic to dogs due to added ingredients. On a somewhat related note - avoid diffusing cinnamon oils around your dog or rubbing cinnamon oil on them, as it can cause nasty reactions in some dogs. And finally, be cautious of other ingredients in treats you share with your pooch. For example, nutmeg is seriously toxic to dogs, and yet it's often used in popular treats alongside cinnamon, so always be vigilant when it comes to treating your furry friend. 

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Health benefits of eating cinnamon for dogs 

So can dogs have cinnamon and benefit from the so-called health-promoting compound - cinnamaldehyde? Potentially - let's take a look at some of the effects of consuming cinnamon below (and remember, the spice will never be an essential in your dog's diet–you can get all of these benefits from other foods that are better for your doggo).

• Anti-inflammatory properties. This can help to reduce the pain of sore muscles and joints.
• Antioxidants. They help to reduce the risk of a variety of diseases, plus they may help to preserve cognitive functioning like focus and memory.
• Antimicrobial properties. These can help to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria like listeria and salmonella. 

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Feeding your dog cinnamon

So, if you’d like to spice up your dog’s meal times, you might be wondering about the safest ways to share it with your furry friend without resulting in an overdose of cinnamon. So can dogs eat cinnamon simply sprinkled in powder form over their kibble? Certainly - in fact, a little over their food is one of the safest ways for your pup to enjoy the taste. And when it comes to how much, the common advice is to never go over one teaspoon per serving. However, as your doggo’s size is a factor, do ask your vet how much cinnamon you can safely give your dog. But let's face it, you don't even need half a teaspoon for your pooch to get a sense of the flavor per meal.

Other cinnamon products

So can dogs have cinnamon in ways other than sprinkled over kibble? Your pooch might not love the taste of chicken and cinnamon, afterall. Well one of the best ways is to get creative in the kitchen and whip up some homemade dog treats, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon as you go. And for more on how to safely spice up your pup's diet, take a look below as we answer common questions from pet parents on the topic. 

Can dogs have cinnamon sugar?

Cinnamon sugar - while tasty - isn't safe for canine consumption. Added sugar is never necessary in the canine diet, and can result in diabetes and stomach upset.

Is cinnamon essential oil safe for dogs?

Never feed your pup cinnamon oil - it can be toxic to dogs, so only ever stick to plain old powder cinnamon for canine consumption.

Can dogs eat cinnamon bread?

While some breads are safe for dogs, be wary before letting your pup have a try as it could contain added sugar (which is bad news for dogs) or xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, cinnamon and dogs can be a great mix if spiced correctly, so why not get clued-up on the other foods dogs can eat? 

• Bananas
• Cranberries
• Mushrooms

Meet our veterinary expert, Jnanee

This article has been checked by veterinarian Jnanee Krishnasamy, BVSc (Massey). Dr Jnanee is a small animal veterinarian. She was born in sunny Singapore and spent her formative years there, before studying veterinary medicine at

Massey University. Since graduating from vet school, Dr Jnanee has worked in a variety of settings that include private practice, shelter medicine, and veterinary telemedicine. Due to her varied experiences, she is well-informed on many aspects of the veterinary industry!