Is cinnamon toxic to dogs?

The ASPCA lists cinnamon as non-toxic to dogs. ^[1] That means a lick of a cinnamon-dusted spoon or a sprinkle that lands on the kitchen floor is not usually a cause for concern.

Non-toxic does not mean risk-free, though. Like many foods, cinnamon can upset a dog's stomach or irritate their mouth if they have a lot of it, and some forms are more troublesome than others. ^[2]

Ceylon vs cassia: not all cinnamon is the same

There are two main types of cinnamon you are likely to find in UK shops:

• Ceylon cinnamon, sometimes called “true” cinnamon, which has a milder, sweeter flavour.
• Cassia cinnamon, the more widely used type.

The difference that matters is a natural compound called coumarin. Cassia contains relatively high levels of coumarin, while Ceylon contains only low levels. ^[3] In people, regularly eating large amounts of coumarin has been linked to liver problems in especially sensitive individuals, which is why food safety experts advise moderate use of cassia. ^[3] A crumb or two is not a realistic worry for your dog, but it is one reason not to make cinnamon a regular addition to their food.

How much is too much?

Problems are linked to larger amounts. According to Pet Poison Helpline, it takes a larger amount of cinnamon powder to cause problems in pets (more than 1 teaspoon of powder for most pets), but only a small amount of the essential oil. ^[2] Large overdoses of the powder, or exposure to the oil, can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, changes in heart rate, low blood sugar and liver disease. ^[2]

Cinnamon powder

Ground cinnamon is very fine and dry. If a dog gets into the spice jar or inhales a mouthful of powder, it can irritate the mouth, throat and airways, leading to coughing, choking and difficulty breathing. ^[2] The ASPCA adds that inhaled cinnamon can also lead to pneumonia. ^[8]

Cinnamon oil

Cinnamon essential oil is far more concentrated than the spice, and only a small amount is needed to cause problems. ^[2] Keep oils and scented products well out of reach.

Cinnamon sticks

Pet Poison Helpline lists cinnamon sticks left in drinks such as cider among the ways pets come into contact with cinnamon, and cinnamon can irritate the inside of the mouth. ^[2] It is best to keep sticks, including those in festive decorations, away from your dog.

The real Christmas risk: what cinnamon comes with

At this time of year, cinnamon is rarely on its own. The bigger danger is usually the other ingredients in festive foods and drinks:

• Mince pies, Christmas pudding and Christmas cake contain raisins, sultanas and currants, which are potentially poisonous to dogs. Some dogs become very poorly after eating only small amounts, and in serious cases these fruits can cause kidney failure. ^[5]
• Nutmeg is often paired with cinnamon in mixed spice and contains a toxin called myristicin. The small amount used in recipes is very unlikely to cause serious problems, though it may upset the stomach, but a very large amount can cause disorientation, a fast heart rate and high blood pressure. ^[2]
• Chocolate, in anything from brownies to festive biscuits, contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. ^[4]
• Xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free bakes, sweets and peanut butters, can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and, at higher doses, liver failure. ^[6]
• Mulled wine and boozy desserts contain alcohol, which is toxic to pets. ^[4]
• Cinnamon rolls and pastries are rich, sugary foods that are not made for dogs. Raw yeast dough is a particular danger, as it can rise in the stomach and cause painful bloating that can become a life-threatening emergency. ^[7]

So if your dog snatches a cinnamon-scented treat, check the ingredients rather than worrying about the cinnamon itself.

Signs your dog has had too much

If your dog has eaten a large amount of cinnamon, or got into the powder or oil, watch for:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Coughing, choking or difficulty breathing (especially after powder)
• Irritation inside the mouth
• Changes in heart rate

These are the effects described by Pet Poison Helpline. ^[2] Symptoms from a festive food may look different depending on what else was in it.

When to call your vet

Call your vet straight away if your dog:

• Has eaten a large amount of cinnamon powder, any cinnamon oil or a whole stick
• Has eaten anything containing raisins, chocolate, xylitol, nutmeg, alcohol or raw dough
• Is coughing, struggling to breathe or showing any of the signs above

Try to note what they ate, roughly how much and when, and keep any packaging. If it is out of hours, contact your nearest emergency vet.

Can you share cinnamon with your dog safely?

Your dog does not need cinnamon in their diet, so there is no reason to add it. If you would like to share, keep it simple:

• Stick to a tiny pinch of plain cinnamon, ideally Ceylon, in a dog-friendly recipe.
• Never share human bakes, which often contain sugar, fat, nutmeg, raisins or sweeteners.
• Avoid sticks, oils and loose powder.
• Introduce anything new in a small amount and check with your vet first if your dog has a health condition or takes medication.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat cinnamon?

Small amounts of plain cinnamon are not toxic to dogs, but it offers them no real benefit and large amounts can cause upset.

Can dogs eat mince pies?

No. Mince pies contain dried fruit such as raisins and currants, which are toxic to dogs.

My dog ate a cinnamon roll. What should I do?

Check the ingredients for raisins, chocolate, xylitol or nutmeg. If any are present, or your dog seems unwell, call your vet.

Is Ceylon cinnamon safer than cassia?

Ceylon contains much lower levels of coumarin than cassia, so it is the better choice if you use cinnamon in a dog-friendly recipe.

Sources

1. ASPCA, Toxic and non-toxic plants: Cinnamon
2. Pet Poison Helpline, Nutmeg and cinnamon toxicity
3. German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Frequently asked questions about coumarin in cinnamon and other foods
4. PDSA, Poisons and hazards for your pets
5. PDSA, Grape, raisin, currant and sultana poisoning in dogs
6. VCA Animal Hospitals, Xylitol toxicity in dogs
7. ASPCA, People foods to avoid feeding your pets
8. ASPCA, When pumpkin spice is not so nice