Yellow: with caution
A little cinnamon does no harm, but it is still unsuitable as a snack. The ASPCA lists cinnamon as non-toxic to dogs. Larger amounts, cinnamon sticks and cinnamon oil are another matter.
Why cinnamon is marked yellow
The ASPCA plant database lists Ceylon cinnamon as non-toxic to dogs. The American Kennel Club agrees that cinnamon is not toxic, but still advises against giving it regularly. Cinnamon and its oil can irritate the mouth, skin and digestive tract. Inhaling cinnamon powder causes coughing and difficulty breathing. According to the AKC, citing the Pet Poison Helpline, a large overdose can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, changes in heart rate, low blood sugar and liver problems. Cinnamon essential oil has effects in smaller amounts. Non-toxic does not mean without consequences, hence the yellow rating.
What to watch for
- Secure the spice shelf: Spilled cinnamon powder can quickly be licked up and inhaled.
- Lock away cinnamon oil: Fragrance oils and essential oils belong out of reach.
- Cinnamon baked goods: Cinnamon stars, rolls and cakes are fatty and sweet. Some contain xylitol, chocolate or raisins, which are dangerous.
- Nutmeg: It often appears in the same baked goods and, according to the AKC, can be toxic in larger amounts.
What if your dog has eaten cinnamon?
A crumb of cinnamon roll is not an emergency. If your dog has eaten or inhaled larger amounts of powder, licked cinnamon oil, or is coughing and gagging, call your vet. For baked goods, check the ingredients. If xylitol, chocolate or raisins are listed, every minute counts.
If you suspect poisoning, take your dog to a vet or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Snacks count towards the daily food allowance. Our free food calculator works out how much your dog needs, and you can find a complete feeding plan with guidelines for treats in our book “Hundeernährung und Futterplan” (book in German). New to life with a puppy? Our free Puppy Starter Pack can help. And if you would love to see your dog on your living room wall, explore our dog portraits from your own photo, available as a framed portrait or digital file.
Further reading
- Christmas with your dog: what to arrange beforehand
- Calculating your dog’s food allowance: how much your dog really needs
- Is my dog overweight? How to check body shape and ideal weight
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Non-Toxic to Dogs; ASPCA, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (Xylitol, Chocolate, Grapes and Raisins); American Kennel Club, Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?
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