Cinnamon is a popular aromatic and flavorful spice that comes from several trees that belong to the genus Cinnamomum of the family Lauraceae, perfect for dishes that are sweet and savory, teas, snacks, breakfast cereals, bread, teas, toasts, alcohol, and so on.
Its spicy, aromatic flavor comes from cinnamaldehyde and compounds like eugenol that this spice has. It is one of my favorite spices. I love it, do you?. Is it good for bunnies too?
Can bunnies eat cinnamon?
Spices aren’t part of a rabbit’s diet domain, and we aren’t talking about the cinnamon rabbit. Nevertheless, we will attempt to answer the question that may be of some help.
Bunny can eat a tiny amount of cinnamon. It won’t kill them. Both Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese, common, or cassia) and Cinnamomum verum (true cinnamon) that are less bitter but more expensive and healthier, won’t harm your pet.
Perhaps the only small study is on Rabbit Productivity and Reproductivity as Affected by Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum), also known as Cinnamomum verum (true or Ceylon cinnamon tree). The study concluded that the “improvements in production and reproduction performance in growing and mature Black Baladi rabbits were strongly due to (Cinnamomum zylenicum).”
While studies the above may seem to support it, we don’t recommend giving your bunny cinnamon powder or sticks irrespective of any benefits unless recommended by your veterinarian, something unlikely.
We understand that this herb has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal properties. However, that is not enough. There are tons of other healthier herbs with most of these properties. Why not try varying rosemary, sage, oregano, parsley, thyme, dill, and others.
To make matters worse, some compounds it has, like coumarin, is known to cause allergies, liver damage, and GI issues if taken in large amounts. Also, it may cause oral allergies, lower blood sugar, and interact with other medications.
Furthermore, inhaling cinnamon powder may cause respiratory problems, including coughing and breathing difficulties.
Conclusion
If, as Pet Poison Helpline notes, “1 tablespoon of cinnamon in less than 60 seconds people will often experience difficulty breathing, pain, bloody nose, irritation, bronchospasm, and lightheadedness,” how much worse harm can this herb cause your rabbit? Just don’t let your bunny have this herb.
If your bunny happens to have inhaled or eaten some of this herb, you may notice signs such as oral irritation, stomach problems, diarrhea, coughing, among others. Talk to your vet for further assistance.