Dogs · Guide
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?
Yes, a small pinch of cinnamon is fine for dogs. Large amounts, cinnamon oil, and powder your dog breathes in can cause trouble. Here is what to know.
Yes, dogs can have a tiny pinch of cinnamon. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs. The risk comes from large amounts, cinnamon essential oil, and powder your dog breathes in. It also isn’t a food your dog needs, so treat it as an extra, not a regular snack.
Why is cinnamon mostly okay for dogs?
The ASPCA classifies cinnamon as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The AKC agrees that the spice itself is not poisonous. Pet Poison Helpline says it takes more than about one teaspoon of powder to cause problems in most pets. Smaller dogs may react to less.
That does not mean it’s good for dogs. The AKC says cinnamon can irritate the mouth and stomach, especially in larger amounts. It doesn’t recommend it as a regular treat.
What happens if a dog eats too much cinnamon?
According to the AKC and Pet Poison Helpline, a large dose can cause:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Changes in heart rate
- Low blood sugar
- Liver disease
Powder is a special problem. If your dog sniffs or breathes in a cloud of it, your dog may cough, choke, or have trouble breathing.
Is cinnamon oil safe for dogs?
No. Essential oil is the form most likely to cause trouble. The AKC says it can cause problems at much smaller doses than the powder. Keep oil bottles, diffusers, and cinnamon-scented products where your dog can’t reach them. Call your vet if your dog licks or swallows any.
Other kinds of cinnamon
Cinnamon sticks
Sticks are not poisonous, but the AKC warns that chewing on them can irritate your dog’s mouth. Keep them out of reach, and don’t give them as a chew.
Ground cinnamon
A light dusting on food is fine. Never pour it out in a pile. Dogs that stick their nose in a pile can breathe in the powder.
Cinnamon in baked goods
The small amount of cinnamon in most baked goods is not likely to hurt your dog. The AKC says the bigger danger is other ingredients in the treat, such as xylitol (a sweetener that is very harmful to dogs), chocolate, or raisins. Read the label before sharing. Our guides to chocolate and grapes and raisins explain why.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg often sits next to cinnamon in the spice rack, and it is not the same. It contains a substance called myristicin. Pet Poison Helpline says the small amount in a recipe is very unlikely to cause serious harm. A very large amount can cause hallucinations, a fast heartbeat, belly pain, and seizures that may last up to 48 hours. Call your vet if your dog ate a lot of nutmeg.
What to do if your dog ate cinnamon
- Take away what’s left and note about how much was eaten.
- Check what else was in it. Look for xylitol, chocolate, raisins, or nutmeg.
- Call your vet if it was a large amount, if your dog breathed in powder, or if it was oil. Have the label ready.
- Watch for signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or unusual tiredness.
If it was a small lick or sprinkle, the sources above suggest serious problems are unlikely. Call your vet if you are unsure.
Better ways to treat your dog
Plain foods are a better choice than spiced ones. For ideas, see our guide to dog-safe fruit like apples. Treats of any kind should be no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For a longer list of what to avoid, see our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs.
Common questions
Is cinnamon toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists cinnamon as non-toxic to dogs. Large amounts can still upset the stomach, and cinnamon essential oil can cause problems even in small amounts.
Can dogs eat cinnamon sticks?
Sticks are not poisonous, but the AKC says chewing them can irritate your dog's mouth and stomach. They are also hard to chew up, so it is best to keep them away from your dog.
Can dogs eat nutmeg?
Nutmeg is different from cinnamon. Pet Poison Helpline says the tiny amount in a recipe is very unlikely to cause serious harm, but a very large amount can cause hallucinations and seizures.
Can dogs eat food that has cinnamon in it?
The cinnamon in most baked goods is a very small amount. The bigger worry is other ingredients, such as xylitol, chocolate, or raisins, which can be harmful to dogs.