Can dogs eat cinnamon?

Caution

Best avoided. Cinnamon is not toxic, but it can irritate a dog's mouth, and cinnamon essential oil can be toxic.

Also searched as: cinnamon powder, cinnamon oil

When it is a problem

AKC says cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, but cinnamon essential oil can be. Cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon and the oil can irritate a dog's mouth, inhaled powder can make a dog cough, choke and struggle to breathe, and a large overdose can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, changes in heart rate, low blood sugar and liver disease.

Sources

American Kennel Club: Can dogs eat cinnamon? checked 29 October 2026 cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, though cinnamon essential oil can be toxic for dogs Chewing on cinnamon sticks and consuming ground cinnamon or essential oil can cause irritation in your dog's mouth inhaling cinnamon powder can cause your dog to cough, choke, and have difficulty breathing a large cinnamon overdose can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, changes in heart rate, low blood sugar, and liver disease

Last reviewed 29 October 2026. How we check foods

This is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog ate something concerning, contact your vet or a poison helpline immediately.