Sweets & Other · Food guide
Can dogs eat cinnamon?
A pinch of cinnamon is usually fine, ideally Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon contains a lot of coumarin, which damages the liver. Cinnamon oil is off-limits.
Not a substitute for advice from your vetUpdated Oct 24, 2026
AI imageWhat's in cinnamon?
Composition per 100 g
Energy and macros
| Energy | 247 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 1.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 27.5 g |
| Fiber | 53.1 g |
| Water | 10.6 g |
Minerals
| Calcium | 1,002 mg |
| Phosphorus | 64 mg |
| Ca : P ⓘ | 15.66 : 1 |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Potassium | 431 mg |
| Magnesium | 60 mg |
| Iron | 8.3 mg |
| Zinc | 1.8 mg |
| Copper | 339 µg |
| Iodine | – |
Vitamins and fatty acids
| Vitamin A | 19 µg RE |
| Vitamin D | 0 µg |
| Vitamin E | 2.3 mg |
| Linoleic acid | 0.04 g |
| Omega-3 | 0.01 g |
| EPA | 0 g |
| DHA | 0 g |
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, FoodData Central, SR Legacy, FDC 171320 “Spices, cinnamon, ground”. The BLS 4.0 doesn't list this food.
Key facts at a glance
What to watch out for
- Cassia cinnamon contains about 3 g of coumarin per kg on average, Ceylon cinnamon about 0.3 g at most (BfR)
- Coumarin damages the liver, and dogs are especially sensitive to it (BfR)
- More than a teaspoon of powder can cause problems (Pet Poison Helpline)
- Don't let your dog inhale the powder: coughing, trouble breathing and pneumonia are possible (ASPCA)
- Never use cinnamon oil or cassia oil, not even on fur or skin: potentially toxic to the liver (Merck)
How to feed cinnamon the right way
- 1If you use any, choose Ceylon cinnamon
- 2Only a pinch mixed into food or baked into treats, never on its own
- 3No cinnamon pastries from the table: too much sugar
Safety rating for each dog
Can Romeo handle cinnamon?
This page applies to dogs in general. In Kahuno, you add intolerances to the dog profile, and every ingredient gets a color-coded dot when you log it, checked for your dog specifically. Whoever feeds the dog in your household sees it right away.
Frequently asked questions
Is cinnamon toxic to dogs?
Not in small amounts. According to the ASPCA, small amounts cause mild stomach upset at most, and according to the Pet Poison Helpline, powder usually only causes problems above a teaspoon. Inhaled powder and cinnamon oil are more dangerous.
Ceylon or cassia: which cinnamon is better for dogs?
Ceylon cinnamon. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) found at most 297 mg of coumarin per kg in Ceylon cinnamon, and 1,740 to 7,670 mg per kg in cassia cinnamon powder. Coumarin damages the liver. The limit for humans was based on studies in dogs, because dogs are especially sensitive.
How much cinnamon can a dog eat?
There's no set maximum for dogs. The BfR limit of 0.1 mg of coumarin per kg of body weight per day applies to humans. Stick to a pinch of Ceylon cinnamon in the food and don't make it a daily habit.
My dog ate cinnamon, what should I do?
A small amount usually causes mild tummy rumbling at most (ASPCA). Call your vet if your dog got into more than a teaspoon of powder or any cinnamon oil, is coughing or is having trouble breathing.
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- Pet Poison Helpline: Nutmeg and Cinnamon Toxicity, Abschnitt „Cinnamon", mehr als 1 Teelöffel Pulver, Einatmen, ätherisches Öl. Abgerufen am 24.10.2026.
- ASPCA: When Pumpkin Spice is Not So Nice (13.11.2020), Kleine Mengen Zimt, eingeatmetes Pulver. Abgerufen am 24.10.2026.
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicoses From Essential Oils in Animals (März 2025), Potenziell lebergiftige Öle, darunter Cassia und Zimtöl. Abgerufen am 24.10.2026.
- BfR: Fragen und Antworten zu Cumarin in Zimt und anderen Lebensmitteln (27.09.2012), Cumaringehalt von Cassia- und Ceylon-Zimt, TDI 0,1 mg je kg Körpergewicht. Abgerufen am 24.10.2026.
- BfR-Stellungnahme Nr. 036/2012: Neue Erkenntnisse zu Cumarin in Zimt, Messwerte Ceylon- und Cassia-Zimt, Abschnitt 3.1.2.3 zur Lebertoxizität beim Hund. Abgerufen am 24.10.2026.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, FoodData Central, SR Legacy: Spices, cinnamon, ground (FDC 171320), Nährwerte je 100 g, umgerechnet auf die Einheiten des BLS. Abgerufen am 24.10.2026.