Cinnamon

184 foods contain this ingredient

Herb

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About Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a tree-bark spice added to some pet products in small amounts for its warm aroma and flavor rather than for nutrition.

Cinnamon is used in pet food mainly as a natural flavoring and aromatic and contains antioxidant polyphenols, but it is not a meaningful source of protein, fiber, vitamins, or minerals for dogs or cats. In small amounts it may impart antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, however cinnamon—especially Cassia cinnamon and concentrated cinnamon oils—contains coumarin and cinnamaldehyde that can cause liver toxicity, gastrointestinal upset, skin or respiratory irritation, or allergic reactions, so it should be used sparingly and avoided in concentrated form or in pets with liver disease; consult your veterinarian before use.

Related ingredients

Ceylon Cinnamon

Derived from: inner bark of Cinnamomum trees (Cassia or Ceylon species)
Primary role: flavoring and aromatic spice

Why it's used

The ASPCA classifies the cinnamon plant as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses, which supports its occasional culinary-style use, though this classification applies to the plant itself rather than concentrated extracts or oils. Manufacturers sometimes favor Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) over Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) because the two species differ substantially in coumarin content.

Common concerns

Coumarin content varies by species Cassia cinnamon, the more common commercial variety, contains substantially more coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon, and coumarin is associated with liver effects when consumed in quantity over time.
Concentrated oil exposure Cinnamon essential oil is far more concentrated in cinnamaldehyde than the ground spice, with documented associations to mouth and skin irritation, drooling and respiratory irritation.
Cat-specific metabolism Cats have reduced capacity to metabolize certain plant compounds compared to dogs, which is a commonly cited reason for extra caution with concentrated cinnamon products in cats specifically.

Also relevant

Ceylon cinnamon is sometimes described as 'true cinnamon' and is distinguished from Cassia cinnamon by its much lower coumarin levels.

2 sources cited