Can My Dog Eat Cinnamon? Risks and Benefits Explained

When it comes to sharing treats with your dog, you may have wondered, “Can my dog eat cinnamon?” The simple answer is yes — in small amounts. However, it’s important to understand how this popular spice affects your dog and what precautions to take to keep them safe.

Cinnamon can offer potential benefits for dogs, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as support for digestion and oral health. Despite these advantages, it’s essential to use cinnamon correctly and only in moderation.

If you plan to introduce cinnamon into your dog’s diet, always consult your vet first. They can provide tailored guidance based on your dog’s health, diet, and lifestyle — ensuring cinnamon becomes a safe and enjoyable addition to their routine.

1. Potential Benefits of Cinnamon for Dogs
2. Antioxidant Properties
3. Dental Health Support
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
5. Risks and Precautions
6. Toxicity and Side Effects
7. Appropriate Dosage
8. Allergic Reactions
9. Safe Administration of Cinnamon
10. Suitable Forms of Cinnamon
11. Consulting With a Veterinarian
12. The Final Woof

Potential Benefits of Cinnamon for Dogs

In moderation, cinnamon can offer a range of natural health benefits for dogs — from antioxidant support to aiding joint comfort and dental hygiene.

Antioxidant Properties

Cinnamon contains polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that helps neutralise free radicals and combat oxidative stress. This can reduce cell damage and promote skin and immune health in dogs.

Including a small pinch of Ceylon cinnamon in your dog’s food may help support general wellness. However, always ensure the spice used is Ceylon cinnamon, which is gentler and safer than Cassia cinnamon.

Dental Health Support

Cinnamon’s antimicrobial properties can also benefit oral hygiene. When used sparingly, it can reduce bacterial growth in the mouth, helping to combat bad breath and maintain healthier gums.

You can sprinkle a small amount on your dog’s food or mix it into a homemade treat to combine flavour and function.

Note: Always use Ceylon cinnamon and confirm dosage with your vet.

For peace of mind with your dogs dental health, why not try a supplement? Marleybones Dental Health Supplement is specially designed to promote your dog's oral hygiene and fresh breath. In an advanced soft-baked chew formula, we feature a unique blend of phytogenics, seaweed, pomegranate peel extract, green tea extract, fennel seeds, parsley, and spirulina. Scientific evidence indicates that these functional ingredients can help maintain dental health in dogs by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. All in the convenient form of a daily chew! 

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Cinnamon has natural anti-inflammatory qualities, which may support dogs with joint issues, arthritis, or other inflammatory conditions. By reducing inflammation, cinnamon can help improve mobility and comfort.

Still, cinnamon should complement, not replace, any prescribed treatment or balanced nutrition. 

For preventive support, try a daily supplement chew to provide the ideal support for your dogs joints. Marleybones Joint Health Supplement is expertly formulated to support your dog's mobility and joint health. With a powerful blend of glucosamine, phytodroitin (sustainable alternative to Chondroitin), MSM, and Green Lipped Mussels, our soft-baked chews help maintain healthy joints and cartilage. 

Risks and Precautions

While cinnamon is generally safe in small amounts, it’s important to understand the risks associated with overconsumption or improper use.

Toxicity and Side Effects

Cinnamon isn’t toxic to dogs when used sparingly. However, too much cinnamon can irritate the mouth, throat, or stomach. Ingesting large quantities may cause:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Low blood sugar
• Mouth or stomach irritation

Avoid cinnamon essential oils, which are highly concentrated and can be dangerous to pets.

Appropriate Dosage

Moderation is key. For most dogs, less than one teaspoon of powdered cinnamon is sufficient — and smaller breeds require far less.

A light sprinkle on food or in a homemade treat is enough to provide flavour and potential health benefits. Avoid cinnamon sticks entirely, as they can splinter and cause choking or digestive blockages.

Allergic Reactions

Though rare, some dogs may have an allergic response to cinnamon. Symptoms can include:

• Skin irritation or rashes
• Excessive scratching
• Gastrointestinal upset

If any symptoms appear, stop feeding cinnamon immediately and consult your vet.

Safe Administration of Cinnamon

If your vet gives the go-ahead, cinnamon can be safely added to your dog’s diet — but only in the right form and amount.

Suitable Forms of Cinnamon

Ceylon cinnamon is the safest choice, as it contains low levels of coumarin (a compound that can be toxic in large doses).

Avoid Cassia cinnamon, which has higher coumarin content.

Consulting With a Veterinarian

Before introducing any new food or spice, check with your vet. They can advise on:

• Whether cinnamon is appropriate for your dog’s age, breed, and health.
• The correct dosage for your dog’s size.
• Any possible interactions with medication or pre-existing conditions.

Regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet, such as Marleybones Pantry Fresh® Meals, ensure your dog’s health stays in top shape — with or without extra add-ins like cinnamon.

The Final Woof

Cinnamon can be a safe, natural addition to your dog’s diet when used carefully and in moderation. It may offer health benefits such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory support — but only under the right conditions.

Always choose Ceylon cinnamon, avoid large quantities, and speak to your vet before introducing it. Combined with a healthy, fresh diet like Marleybones, small touches like cinnamon can support your dog’s overall wellbeing and make their meals even more enjoyable.