Can a dog eat cinnamon?
The one we usually use, in powder or bar, to give flavor and aroma to our preparations, is a species obtained from the inner bark of a perennial tree called Cinnamomum verum, native to the East, grown mainly in Sri Lanka, India and South Asia. . This plant adapts perfectly to warm and humid climates, with sandy soil silt with excellent drainage.
- But.
- After all.
- Can dogs eat cinnamon or is it bad? For many years.
- Cinnamon was thought to be harmful to pets and should therefore be avoided in their diet.
- However.
- Advances in veterinary medicine allow us to know many interesting properties of this ingredient for the health of our four-legged friend.
- That’s why.
- In this Animal Expert article.
- We invite you to learn more about the benefits of cinnamon for dogs: YES.
- Dogs can eat cinnamon!.
Before explaining the benefits of cinnamon for dogs, it is important to know the nutritional composition of this species to better understand its action in the body. According to the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) database, 100 grams of cinnamon contain the following nutrients:
The benefits of cinnamon are widely recognized by popular wisdom. However, for some time, the positive impact of its properties on humans and dogs has been tested by numerous scientific studies. Thus, we conclude that, well managed, cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, and we can offer it without any problem. Below is a summary of the main beneficial properties of cinnamon.
Cinnamon is rich in eugenol, an oily and aromatic substance that exhibits a remarkable anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action. As a result, its compounds are widely used by the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries in the manufacture of medicines, creams and ointments, analgesics, antibacterial and antiseptics. However, eugenol can also be found in high concentrations in natural sources, such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, Jamaican pepper, basil, laurel, etc.
These anti-inflammatory properties also make cinnamon an excellent muscle and analgesic relaxant, being effective for relieving the discomfort of menstrual cramps, bruising or chronic inflammatory processes, such as arthritis. [1]
In addition, eugenol is also considered a natural insecticide, so cinnamon and clove essential oils are often used in the manufacture of domestic repellents against mosquitoes and other insects.
Cinnamon contains natural antioxidants, such as vitamin C and flavonoids, for example. The action of these compounds in the body inhibits the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and prevents the adhesion of insoluble lipids and plaques to the inner walls of the arteries. [2]
Arteriosclerosis (one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease and stroke) begins with the oxidation of LDL cholesterol molecules, leading to the buildup of lipid plaques in the arteries. These plaques end up being barriers to blood flow, affecting the oxygenation of body tissues. Therefore, regular consumption of cinnamon, either through diet or supplements, is indicated to prevent arteriosclerosis and reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, cardiovascular events and stroke.
Due to its high antioxidant content, cinnamon has important anticancer properties, being able to protect DNA from oxidative stress and prevent cell damage. In addition, a study published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture It has highlighted the anticancer effects of regular cinnamon use. Based on the results obtained in this research, cinnamon-based supplements would be recommended to stop proliferation and kill abnormal cells in leukemia and lymphoma. [3]
Antigamente, o chá de canela era usado como um potente tônico estomacal em muitas culturas, já que o seu consumo melhorava a digestão e aliviava o desconforto do estômago. Além disso, devido o seu alto teor de fibras e a sua ação anti-inflamatória, a canela ajuda a melhorar o trânsito intestinal, prevenindo inúmeras desordens gastrintestinais, como gases, vômitos e constipação.
The American Heart Association recently published volume 2017 of its scientific sections on arteriosclerosis, thrombosis and vascular biology/peripheral vascular disease. It shows some preliminary studies showing that regular consumption of cinnamon has a cardioprotective and hypoglycaemic effect. In one experiment, the same high-fat diet was proposed to two groups of rats, but only one group received cinnamon-based supplements on a regular basis. After 12 weeks, animals that had ingested cinnamon were found to decrease body weight and fat concentration in the abdominal area. In addition, their clinical analyses showed a noticeable reduction in blood glucose, cholesterol and insulin levels. Similarly, scientists have also confirmed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action of cinnamon.
As a result, cinnamon is often considered a powerful natural remedy to combat and prevent symptoms of diabetes, cardiovascular problems and dementia. Therefore, we found that cinnamon is good for diabetic dogs.
After checking the amazing properties of cinnamon, let’s see how they affect dogs, highlighting the benefits of cinnamon for dogs:
As we have seen, consumed in moderate doses, cinnamon offers many benefits for dogs and also for humans. However, an overdose increases the risk of bleeding and internal bleeding. On the other hand, because cinnamon is rich in fiber, it can also cause diarrhea if overconsumption. In addition, an excessive dose of eugenol often causes discomfort, vomiting and drowsiness.
Although it is recommended to meet a limit of 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day, there is no specific dose for all dogs. The dose should be appropriate depending on the objective of consumption, weight, height and health status of each animal. Therefore, it is essential that you consult with your veterinarian before including any supplements in your pet’s diet, even if it is a natural product. The qualified professional will be able to guide you on the amount needed and the best way of administration, to have a positive impact on your partner’s health.
The recommended dose of dog cinnamon can be offered by making a natural cinnamon tea and letting the animal drink hot or cold, or mixing cinnamon powder with other foods, such as natural yogurt (sugar-free).
If you want to read similar articles about Can you eat cinnamon?, we recommend that you visit our Homemade Diets section.