Cinnamon – it smells great and is often used to enhance human food. However, as a spice, you might be concerned if Fido gets hold of food that has been seasoned with cinnamon.
Your fears are unfounded, even if cinnamon is not something we associate with a canine diet. In fact, ingesting the proper amount of cinnamon is highly beneficial for your dog!
I Know Cinnamon Is A Cooking Spice, So How Can It Help My Dog’s Health?
Cinnamon is grown and harvested in many countries across South America, the Middle East, and Asia. Cinnamon itself is made from the bark of a cinnamon tree; the bark is dried, then ground into a fine powder.
You might also be surprised to find that there are multiple varieties of cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is the lighter, sweeter version of cinnamon. It is also the more expensive. Cassia cinnamon is a darker version; it is the one you’ll find in your local grocery store. Both varieties can be found in an organic version.
When dogs ingest cinnamon, you’ll see improvement:
- Brain function
- Fight insulin resistance
- Prevent yeast infections
- Promotes the freshness of food
How Does Cinnamon Improve My Dog’s Brain Function?
A recent study showed dogs that sniffed cinnamon regularly presented with improved brain function. This held no matter the dogs’ age or the presence of any other health issues. One of the most notable signs of improved brain function had to do with the test dogs’ attention span.
Experts state that pet parents working with their dogs to learn tricks (or working on training of any kind) should allow their dog to sniff a cinnamon stick just before training sessions; your dog will not only be more alert, but he will also retain more information.
How Does Cinnamon Improve A Dog’s Insulin Resistance?
A dog that regularly ingests cinnamon daily will not only see an improvement in his insulin resistance, but this daily dose of cinnamon will help the dog to self-regulate the production of insulin. As little as one-half teaspoon (yes, this small dose of cinnamon is powerful when it comes to fighting diabetes) can help your dog to regulate blood sugar. This small dose of cinnamon will improve your dog’s insulin levels.
Cinnamon is particularly helpful to older dogs and those dogs who are considered overweight. Simply sprinkle one-half teaspoon over your dog’s meal. Experts recommend feeding a senior dog or one that is overweight a low-glycemic index dog food with the tasty cinnamon sprinkled over the food.
I Wasn’t Aware That Dogs Could Develop Yeast Infections! Even So, How Does Cinnamon Treat A Yeast Infection?
Let’s address the idea of a dog developing a yeast infection. Dogs with allergies often develop yeast infections on their skin. You may notice Fido begins to lose hair or that he is constantly scratching. Usually, this is due to his diet. By sprinkling cinnamon over your dog’s food, you can help to prevent these yeast infections.
Cinnamon is thought to possess anti-fungal properties. However, you should also address your dog’s diet in order to get the maximum benefit of ingesting cinnamon.
Many times, allergies are caused by what your dog is eating. Look at many of the ingredients on your dog’s dry food bag. If you notice artificial preservatives, meal by-product or meat by-products, and any dyes (Yellow 5, for example) in the list of ingredients, then you should steer clear of that particular food. Opt for organic dog food, food that is made in the USA (these foods are made to a higher standard than foods made outside the United States), and food that lists real meat (lamb, chicken, pork, or beef – never a meat “by-product”). More natural foods are less likely to provoke an allergic reaction in your dog.
However, even if you do switch your dog’s food and still notice her scratching or biting at her skin a great deal, then add the sprinkle of cinnamon to her organic food to help naturally kill the fungus that plagues her.
How Can I Use Cinnamon To Make Sure My Dog’s Food Is Fresh?
Cinnamon helps to naturally preserve wet dog food. Cinnamon is a natural anti-bacterial agent, so, when you have a partial can of dog food leftover, sprinkle half a teaspoon over the remaining food (which you should have spooned into a container with a lid; never attempt to store refrigerated canned dog food in the can), then store in the fridge.
Cinnamon has been found to stem the growth of E.Coli bacteria in unpasteurized products.
You might also be surprised to find that cinnamon also aids in the health of dogs with arthritis. Cinnamon is a natural anti-inflammatory, and senior dogs with arthritis have seen great improvement in their symptoms when regularly fed a honey-cinnamon mixture.
Typically, you should give your senior dog a half-teaspoon of cinnamon with one TABLEspoon of honey on a daily basis. Much anecdotal evidence exists to show that senior dogs that ingested this combination daily showed a much-improved gait and no longer struggled to walk without pain.
Are There Other Benefits My Dog Will Experience From Ingesting Cinnamon Regularly?
A great number of studies show that dogs who regularly ingest cinnamon will see improvements in their LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and has shown evidence of fighting incidences of certain cancers, such as leukemia.
What Are Some Ways I Can Add Cinnamon To My Dog’s Diet?
Most of the above information mentions simply sprinkling cinnamon powder over your dog’s existing food. However, you can add it to a tablespoon of organic honey for palatability. Some pet parents add cinnamon to rice pudding or to baked apples if they make their dog’s food.
Should I Use Caution At All When Giving My Dog Cinnamon?
It is best if you give your dog organic Ceylon cinnamon. The darker cinnamon, Cassia, contains coumarin, which, at high levels, can cause liver damage. However, keep Cassia cinnamon to under one teaspoon per day, and you won’t cause any health issues in your dog.
Also, avoid cinnamon capsules. They often contain high amounts of coumarin which can be detrimental to your dog’s health.
Pregnant dogs should be monitored when taking cinnamon. Consult your veterinarian before beginning a cinnamon regimen with pregnant dogs.
Dogs that are taking a blood thinner should avoid taking much cinnamon. Cinnamon contains some anti-coagulant properties that might cause internal bleeding in those with this issue.
Learn More: What Can Dogs Eat? A Comprehensive List Of Dog-safe Foods
