Cinnamon is a warm, aromatic spice that can be a safe and tasty addition to your dog’s diet when used correctly. This article explains how to share cinnamon with your canine companion and includes a simple, vet-friendly recipe for homemade cinnamon dog treats. These crunchy biscuits are made with whole wheat flour, unsweetened applesauce, and a small amount of cinnamon, creating a treat that supports a healthy coat and digestion while satisfying your pup’s craving for something special.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1/2 cup (40 g) rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon preferred)
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg (pasteurized if you prefer extra safety)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) coconut oil, melted (or olive oil)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water, plus more if needed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- In a separate small bowl, beat the egg, then stir in the applesauce and melted coconut oil.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form. Add the water gradually, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together into a firm ball. You may not need all the water.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness. Use a small cookie cutter (bone-shaped or round) to cut out treats.
- Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between them.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and firm to the touch. For extra crunch, turn off the oven and leave the treats inside for 10 more minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. The treats will harden as they cool.
Tips
- Use Ceylon cinnamon: True cinnamon (Ceylon) has lower levels of coumarin, a compound that can be harmful to the liver in large amounts. Cassia cinnamon, the common supermarket variety, is safe in tiny amounts but Ceylon is a safer choice for regular treats.
- Check with your vet first: If your dog has diabetes, liver disease, or is pregnant, consult your veterinarian before adding cinnamon to their diet. Cinnamon can affect blood sugar levels.
- Watch portion size: Treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. For a medium-sized dog, one or two treats per day is plenty.
- Store properly: These treats contain no preservatives, so keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
Offer these cinnamon treats as a reward during training, or break them into small pieces for a mid-day snack. For a special occasion, crumble one treat over your dog’s regular food as a tasty topper. Always provide fresh, clean water alongside any treat.
Variations
- Peanut Butter Cinnamon Treats: Replace the applesauce with 1/4 cup (65 g) of unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter. Reduce the water to 2 tablespoons (30 ml) as peanut butter adds moisture.
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Treats: Substitute the applesauce with 1/4 cup (60 g) of pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling). This adds fiber and a different flavor.
- Banana Cinnamon Treats: Mash 1/2 ripe banana and use it in place of the applesauce. Omit the water entirely, as banana provides enough moisture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use oat flour instead of whole wheat flour to make the treats suitable for dogs with gluten sensitivities.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cooled treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve frozen treats, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 15 minutes. If you prefer a warm treat, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes, then cool to room temperature before giving to your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cinnamon safe for dogs? Yes, in small amounts, cinnamon is generally safe for dogs. It is not toxic like some other spices, but large quantities can cause digestive upset or irritation. Stick to the amount in this recipe (1 teaspoon per batch) and you’ll be fine.
How much cinnamon can I give my dog? For a medium-sized dog, up to 1/2 teaspoon per day is considered safe. For small dogs, reduce to 1/4 teaspoon. The treats in this recipe contain about 1/12 teaspoon per treat, so one or two treats a day is well within safe limits.
Can I use cinnamon essential oil instead of ground cinnamon? No, never give essential oils to dogs. They are highly concentrated and can be toxic. Stick to ground cinnamon spice only.
My dog has diabetes. Can he have cinnamon? Some studies suggest cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar, but it can also interact with insulin. Always consult your veterinarian before giving cinnamon to a diabetic dog, and monitor blood sugar closely if you do.
What if my dog eats too much cinnamon? If your dog accidentally eats a large amount of cinnamon (more than a tablespoon), watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of liver distress. Contact your veterinarian immediately if symptoms appear.
Can puppies have these treats? Yes, but introduce them gradually and in very small pieces. Puppies have sensitive stomachs, so start with a tiny piece and observe for any adverse reactions.
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