No, dogs should not eat cinnamon rolls. Cinnamon rolls are sugary treats that are high in calories with limited nutrients and therefore are not advisable for dogs to eat. While cinnamon rolls are not the healthiest option for dog treats, this does not mean they are toxic.
Cinnamon, the star ingredient of this dish, is actually quite beneficial to dogs when consumed in limited quantities. However, other ingredients in the cinnamon rolls could be toxic to your dogs. These include chocolates or raisins. Therefore it is important to know what ingredients are included in the cinnamon roll if you are to feed it to your dog as a treat.
Table of Contents
What are Cinnamon Rolls?
Cinnamon rolls are made from rolled dough, sprinkled with loads of cinnamon and sugar. This is then cut into individual rolls right before baking, and the product is the deliciously crunchy and sweet cinnamon rolls! These sweet treats may be served with some icing on top as well!
Cinnamon roll originated in Sweden in 1999. This is why October 4th is celebrated as the National Cinnamon Roll day in Sweden, where this dish is known by the name ‘Kanelbulle.’ Traditionally, Swedish kanelbulle dough contains cardamom powder, giving it a distinctive flavor.
Cinnamon Roll Traditions
In countries like Sweden and Finland, cinnamon rolls are traditionally enjoyed with piping hot coffee alongside. This social practice of people gathering during a coffee break is known as Fika in Sweden, where it is viewed as a time to refresh your state of mind and strengthen relationships.
In the United States, cinnamon rolls are a popular breakfast food. In this region, cinnamon rolls contain a good amount of cinnamon, sugar, and raisins. Cinnamon rolls are often associated with Philadelphia, as coffee shop counters lined with sticky buns are still a common sight in this city.
Are Cinnamon Rolls Safe for Dogs?
Cinnamon rolls might be safe for your dog depending on the additional ingredients that are a part of the recipe; still, it is to be noted that this baked good is not the healthiest option as a treat for your dog. Keep an eye on the number of cinnamon rolls your dog consumed, as there a few concerns regarding these treats, that include:
Quantity of cinnamon used: Keep in mind that your dog’s gut cannot handle excessive amounts of cinnamon, and that could result in vomiting and diarrhea.
High sugar content: The huge quantity of sugar in this pastry dish is not suitable for your dog’s consumption.
Allergic or sensitivity issues: Consult a vet to ensure your dog is not allergic or sensitive to this particular spice.
Additional ingredients that could be toxic to your dog: Add ons like chocolate, raisins, and nutmeg are toxic for dogs and must be avoided from the recipe of these treats altogether, when they are to be consumed by your dog.
So what are you waiting for? Read ahead to learn the benefits of cinnamon and how to make dog-safe cinnamon treats for your adorable pup!
Why are Cinnamon Rolls Good for Dogs?
Cinnamon rolls in large amounts can work against your dog’s health, but cinnamon itself is a very healthy ingredient that should be a part of your dog’s diet, in limited amounts. Here is a list of reasons, why and how cinnamon can help out your pet dog:
Mental Health Benefits
Cinnamon can play a vital role in your dog’s brain development by improving memory and cognitive functions. In addition, it can also prevent neurological disorders as it is packed with antioxidants.
Improves Heart Health
Studies have revealed that cinnamon can help improve the heart rate and blood pressure of canines.
Useful To Combat Obesity and Diabetes
Another benefit of cinnamon is that it helps to regulate your dog’s blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. Cinnamon works by slowing down the absorption of sugar levels in the blood to keep things optimal when your dog consumes a carbohydrate-rich diet.
Counters Arthritis
Arthritis and muscle soreness are among the biggest problems that an aging dog might face. Cinnamon works wonders here as well because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Sprinkling a recommended amount of this spice on your dog’s meals can help in reducing swelling and joint pain.
Ingredients in Cinnamon Rolls that are Harmful to Dogs
Chocolate: Chocolate is a common ingredient found in most desserts, yet this is very toxic to dogs. The component ‘theobromine’ present in chocolates cannot be handled by the dog’s stomach.
Nutmeg: This spice is highly toxic for dogs as it could cause conditions like seizures and hallucinations in your dog.
Macadamia Nuts: Dogs that consume macadamia nuts commonly experience weakness in the hind legs, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Raisins: Dried grapes known as raisins are as toxic to your dogs as grapes themselves. Here are some symptoms to detect when dogs consume raisins:
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dehydration
Kidney failure
Xylitol: Artificial sweeteners like Xylitol are also not suitable for dogs. So, it is best to avoid any treats with this as a sugar substitute.
Aside from the above mentioned toxic ingredients , cinnamon rolls contain high amounts of fat, sugar, and excessive calories, leading to obesity, diabetes, and medical complications such as pancreatitis.
Therefore, it is best to keep your pets away from cinnamon rolls for their own safety and health related concerns.
How Many Cinnamon Rolls to Feed your Dog?
1/8th teaspoon of cinnamon is an ideal quantity to be added to your dog’s diet for a 15 pounds weighing dog. In addition, this superfood helps prevent your dog from facing health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, and obesity.
Cinnamon roll is a dessert that even us humans reach out for on occasions only. Go for a sprinkling of cinnamon in their food instead or treat them to sweet-smelling, dog-safe cinnamon rolls baked right at home!
What if my Dog ate Cinnamon Rolls?
We understand your concern if your pup accidentally eats a dozen cinnamon rolls when left unsupervised. Take a look at some signs to watch out for when your dog has consumed a lot of cinnamon at once.
NOTE: Ensure to be extra cautious with the cinnamon intake of small dog breeds specifically.
Solutions and Treatment
A dog’s stomach cannot handle the digestion of excess quantities of any food item, especially a strong spice like cinnamon. Here are some simple steps to ensure your pet dog is feeling alright –
Give them a fresh source of water to drink to help detoxify their system and avoid dehydration.
Feed small meals frequently.
Provide them a bland diet of boiled rice, skinless chicken mixed with some homemade chicken broth until their vomiting and diarrhea pass.
If your dog is very nauseous and vomiting repeatedly, then he should be seen by a veterinarian on an emergency basis for treatment. Your vet can use injectable medications to control nausea.
Alternatives to Cinnamon Rolls
Here is a safer substitute of cinnamon rolls for your favorite pup to enjoy, while being nourished with the healthiest ingredients!
Dog-safe Cinnamon Rolls to your rescue!
We know that dogs love peanut butter and pumpkin from their inherent attraction towards pumpkin pie. So combine these two ingredients with some cinnamon to make scrumptious rolls for your pet.
Ingredients required:
2 ½ cups of whole wheat flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 eggs
½ cup of pumpkin
2 tablespoons of peanut butter
Cooking time: 40 minutes approx
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Whisk the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon together in a bowl. Add water if needed, to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be on the dry and stiff side.
Roll out the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick roll.
Cut individual portions of 1/2-inch thickness.
Place these rolls in a tin, lined with parchment paper and bake these in the pre-heated oven until the pastry puffs up.
Voila! you have decadent cinnamon rolls! This is a great way to treat your dog once in a while wherein they would reap the benefits of cinnamon as well!
Conclusion
Choosing to treat your dog with some cinnamon rolls might not be a healthy food choice, but the cinnamon itself in these treats is beneficial to your dog’s health Therefore, it is advisable to give your dogs an opportunity to enjoy alternate, safer cinnamon-based treats. Dog-safe cinnamon rolls baked at home are the best option and isn’t that the best of both worlds?
