You may have had those moments when you want to give a type of food to your dog, but you pause because you are not sure whether it is suitable for it. Canines love to eat what humans eat. Also, owners feel a sense of connection when they share their meals with their pets. However, not every food you eat is safe for your pet.
More than just the food itself, you may also be concerned about the ingredients and how safe they are for your pet. One of such ingredients is cinnamon. It is one of the spices often used in cooking various food because of its enticing aroma and sweet taste.
So, if you have this spice in your food, and you wish to share your meal with your pup, you may wonder, can dogs take spices? This article will provide you with a definite answer to your question.
Can Dogs Take Cinnamon?
You can breathe a sigh of relief because cinnamon is not harmful to your pup. Yes, you can feed this spice to it. This cooking ingredient, just the bark of a plant (Cinnamomum Verum), is highly nutritional. Its nutritional value is not limited only to humans but is suitable for your pup as well.
So, when you wish to share your meal with your playmate, if other ingredients are safe for it, you can go ahead. The link here https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324453 has more on human foods that are safe for canines can enjoy.
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Why You Should Give Cinnamon to Your Dog?
Aside from the sweet taste that lingers after you have eaten this spice, it has a lot of nutritional value that you do not want your dog to miss. Because it is a spice that you add to the main meal, it makes it easier for your pet to gain extra nutritional value without disrupting its main diet. Nutrients present in the spice include;
- Calories
- Carbohydrates
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Vitamin
What Happens When Your Dog Overeats Cinnamon?
Now that we have answered the question, can dogs take cinnamon, it is essential to note that consuming the plant’s bark in large quantities will negatively affect your dog. Although the healthy spice for dogs is nutritional when your pet takes it in moderation, it can pose a significant threat to your pup’s health when it eats it in large quantity. In addition, initial exposure may only result in mild symptoms.
However, continuous exposure of your furry friend to the spice can lead to low blood sugar and liver disease. Also, if the overdose is through inhalation of the powdered plant bark, it can result in lung irritation which will, in turn, cause breathing difficulty, cough, and choking.
Also, it is better not to give the spice to your pregnant furry friend. The ideal amount of spicy food for your pet is 1/8 teaspoon per 15lbs weight.
What to Look Out for if Your Pup Consumes Excess Cinnamon
If your pet manages to get hold of your bottle of spice, or if you mistakenly give it more than the required quantity, do not panic. Excess consumption of sauce does not lead to death, but the side effects are harmful to your pet. Instead, stay calm and observe your pup closely.
If you notice symptoms like; vomiting, changes in heart rate, and diarrhea, call your veterinarian immediately. You can even do that as soon as you see that your pet has eaten more spice than it should. It is a better way of curbing the damage.
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How to Serve Cinnamon to Your Dog?
There are different ways you can serve the spice to your dog to help you control the quantity that your dog consumes at a time. Because it is a spice, most pet owners who use it usually add it to their pup’s food or treat, even though some provide them the powder to lick. However, it would help if you were careful about the latter because of possible cough or choking.
If you love to bake, this is an excellent way to serve it to your pet. However, it would help if you avoided already made pies as there is a possibility that they may contain other ingredients that are not healthy for your dog.
For example, most pastries made with cinnamon also have nutmeg, which can cause significant harm to your pup. So instead, create lovely treats with only natural ingredients that will not harm your furry friend.
You can also add powdered tree bark to your pet’s regular meal. This way, it enjoys the refreshing taste of the spice while taking in every other nutrient it needs. You can check here for more on the nutrients your dog needs in their diet.
Types of Cinnamon
You need to know that there are two types of cinnamon with different properties.
Ceylon or True Cinnamon
This type is not so common, and it is expensive. It has a sweet taste and light brown color.
Cassie Cinnamon
This prevalent type is dark brown and has a strong taste. However, it is not as safe for your dog as Ceylon is because it contains coumarin, which is poisonous to animals, including pups. Coumarin is a chemical substance found in many plants. But, the quantity present in Cassie is not enough to harm your pet. Regardless, it would help if you fed it in a very moderate amount to your pup.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon
Some of the benefits of feeding the spice to your playmate include
- Anti-inflammation
- Regulates blood sugar which is necessary for the management of diabetes
- Reliefs stomach upset
- May reduce damage and protect brain cells
- It contains antioxidants needed to protect your dog by fighting free articles.
- It helps to protect your pet from viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Conclusion
By now, you not only know the answer to the question “can a dog take cinnamon?” but you also know how much is good for them. More so, you know the different types and which is better for your pet. So, when you want to give spices to your dog, you know what to do.