Cinnamon smells like cosy kitchens, autumn baking and something delicious in the oven. But when your dog arrives to investigate, can they join in?
Yes, dogs can eat small amounts of cinnamon mixed into a suitable treat. However, the type, amount and way it’s served matter. A little in a biscuit is very different from a heap of powder!
Is cinnamon safe for dogs?
Small amounts are generally well tolerated, but too much cinnamon can irritate your dog’s mouth and upset their stomach. Loose powder can also cause coughing and breathing problems if inhaled.
Avoid feeding cinnamon powder directly on to your dog’s food, offering cinnamon sticks to chew or adding cinnamon essential oil. The oil is highly concentrated and can cause harm even in small amounts.
Ceylon vs Cassia cinnamon: what’s the difference?
Not all cinnamon is quite the same:
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Ceylon cinnamon, sometimes called “true cinnamon”, contains much less coumarin, a naturally occurring plant compound.
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Cassia cinnamon contains higher levels of coumarin, which can affect the liver at sufficiently high exposure. This makes the difference particularly relevant when considering repeated use.
For occasional homemade dog treats, choosing clearly labelled Ceylon cinnamon is a sensible precaution because of its lower coumarin content. That doesn’t make it suitable for unlimited use: keep quantities small and avoid using cinnamon as a daily supplement for your pooch.
Try these Soopa treat recipes now
Fancy getting your creative bake on with your four-legged supervisor? Explore these recipes:
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Apple & Cinnamon Crunch Dog Treats: crunchy baked biscuits combining applesauce, oats and cinnamon. Make small shapes for easy portioning.
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Pumpkin Spice Doggie Latte: a pumpkin and cinnamon recipe for cosy afternoons. Serve cooled, offer only a small portion and skip the optional sweetener and cream for a simpler treat. The recipe makes a batch, rather than one dog-sized serving. Perfect if you have your doggy pals over
Prefer to leave the baking tray in the cupboard? Our Pumpkin Spiced Latte Dental Sticks also include cinnamon alongside pumpkin and coconut milk powder. Follow the pack’s feeding guidance.
What if my dog eats too much cinnamon?
Contact your vet if your dog eats a large amount, gets into cinnamon essential oil or inhales the powder. Coughing, breathing difficulties, vomiting or diarrhoea also warrant veterinary advice.
For everyday treating, think small portions and occasional extras. Your dog can enjoy a little autumn flavour without turning dinner into a spice challenge!
