Can dogs eat Cinnamon?

Overview

Can dogs eat cinnamon? Yes, offering small amounts of cinnamon to dogs will not cause any problem. But health issues may potentially occur if this spice is consumed in large amounts. Dogs may develop liver problems or experience an alarming drop in blood sugar.

Benefits

Cinnamon has an anti-bacterial property that helps prevent infection and diseases.
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, which is an excellent thing for senior dogs struggling with arthritis or muscle soreness.
Cinnamon is good for overweight and diabetic dogs as it helps regulate blood sugar and lower insulin resistance. Cinnamon can help prevent diabetes.

Risks

Cinnamon is not toxic to dogs; however, when consumed in large quantities, cinnamon can cause liver problems, low blood sugar, vomiting, diarrhea, and heart rate changes.
Chewing on cinnamon sticks or eating the powder can cause stomach and mouth irritation.
If inhaled, cinnamon powder can potentially irritate the lungs and cause bronchospasm, coughing, choking, and difficulty breathing.
Do not feed cinnamon to pregnant dogs as it can have a stimulating effect on the uterus.

Servings

It is generally okay if cinnamon is added as an ingredient in a homemade dog treat in small quantities.
The amount of cinnamon to give to your dog depends on his weight. However, in powder form, you should never add more than a teaspoon.
Do not give cinnamon sticks to your dog as a treat.
Always get professional advice from a veterinarian before using an herb medicinally for your dog.