Can dogs eat
Cinnamon?
In moderation
A small amount of cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, but it offers little benefit, larger amounts can irritate the mouth and stomach, and the foods that contain it often are not safe.
Why it’s fine in small amounts
The ASPCA lists cinnamon as non-toxic to dogs, and the AKC notes that a little cinnamon, like the amount used in most baked goods, is not going to hurt your dog. The trouble is the form it comes in and how much.
Ground cinnamon is a fine, dry powder. If a dog inhales it, it can cause coughing, choking and trouble breathing. Chewing sticks or eating ground cinnamon or essential oil can irritate the mouth, and a large overdose can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, changes in heart rate, low blood sugar and liver disease. The Pet Poison Helpline says it takes more than one teaspoon of powder to cause problems for most pets. Cinnamon essential oil can cause problems at lower amounts and is best kept away from dogs entirely.
The bigger danger is often what comes with it. Baked goods and cereals may contain raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts or xylitol, which is very toxic to dogs, and spice mixes may include nutmeg, which contains myristicin and can cause problems in large amounts.
Benefits
- Not toxic in small amounts, according to the ASPCA
Risks
- Inhaled powder can cause coughing, choking and trouble breathing
- Larger amounts may irritate the mouth and cause vomiting or diarrhea
- Cinnamon essential oil can cause problems at low amounts
- Cinnamon foods often contain raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, xylitol or nutmeg
How to serve it safely
Cinnamon is not necessary, but if you want to use it, mix a very small pinch of plain ground cinnamon into your dog's regular food, never sprinkle it where it can be breathed in, and skip it altogether for dogs with breathing problems or sensitive stomachs. Small breeds may react to smaller amounts. Check with your vet before adding any spice for a health reason.
Never give cinnamon rolls, cinnamon-sugar baked goods or sweetened cereals, and keep sticks and essential oils out of reach. Treats should stay under about 10% of daily calories. A safer flavor boost is a small piece of apple.
Related forms
| Food | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ground cinnamon | In moderation | A tiny pinch mixed into food; avoid dusty clouds that can be inhaled. |
| Cinnamon sticks | No | Chewing them can irritate the mouth. |
| Cinnamon essential oil | No | Can be toxic to dogs and causes problems at lower amounts than powder or sticks. |
| Cinnamon rolls and baked goods | No | High in sugar and fat, and may contain raisins, chocolate or xylitol. |
| Nutmeg | No | Often paired with cinnamon in spice mixes; contains myristicin and can cause problems in large amounts. |
If your dog already ate it
A lick or small amount of cinnamon powder usually causes nothing more than mild stomach upset. Offer water and watch your dog.
Call your vet if your dog inhaled a lot of powder and is coughing or struggling to breathe, ate a large amount, chewed sticks, or got into essential oil. Also call if the cinnamon food contained raisins, grapes, chocolate, xylitol or macadamia nuts, as those are the real emergencies, or if your dog ate a lot of nutmeg. In the US you can reach ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply). Do not try to make your dog vomit at home.
Frequently asked questions
Is cinnamon toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic, but that does not mean it is harmless in any form. Powder can irritate the lungs and large amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
How much cinnamon is too much for a dog?
The Pet Poison Helpline says it takes more than one teaspoon of powder to cause problems for most pets, and small breeds may react to less. Essential oil causes problems at much lower amounts.
My dog ate a cinnamon roll. What now?
Check the ingredients for raisins, chocolate, xylitol or macadamia nuts and call your vet or a poison line if any are present or you are unsure.
Can dogs eat applesauce with cinnamon?
A little cinnamon is not going to hurt, and plain unsweetened applesauce is fine in moderation. Check labels for added sugar or xylitol.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy