Can dogs eat nutmeg?

Updated 24/04/2024

Nutmeg: native to Indonesia and firmly in households and bakeries around the world, there's no mistaking the spice's popularity amongst us humans. And as a favorite when fall comes around in cakes, pastries and all things pumpkin spice, we aren't surprised that heaps of pet parents out there are wondering - can dogs have nutmeg like they can cinnamon? Or is it a different story? It's the latter, sadly. Nutmeg is seriously toxic to dogs, and should never be served up to your pup - even for a nibble. So that means anything pumpkin spiced is out of the window. For more on why nutmeg is bad news for our canine pals, explore below as we unpick questions from pet parents.

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Is nutmeg poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs have nutmeg at all? Or is the Indonesian spice simply bad news for our furry pals altogether? It's the latter - nutmeg is highly toxic to dogs, so never consider sharing even the smallest slither of your pumpkin pie, no matter how large those puppy dog eyes manage to get. Instead, opt for a dog-safe option so they can enjoy the fall festivities alongside you. Consider getting dog-safe pumpkin puree (that's made especially for our canine companions), or blend up plain, cooked pumpkin yourself and sprinkle a little cinnamon or ginger over the top as a treat.

How much nutmeg is toxic to dogs?

The amount of nutmeg your pup needs to experience symptoms of toxicity depends massively on their size, breed and age. While for some dogs, the tiniest, accidental nibble might not cause severe symptoms of toxicity, for others, they may experience a variety of nasty symptoms. So, rather than nailing down how much nutmeg is toxic to dogs, make sure your pup avoids the spice altogether, and call your vet immediately if you think your pooch has eaten any nutmeg at all. It's always better to be safe than sorry in our books!

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Why is nutmeg bad for dogs?

So, just why is the answer to - can dogs have nutmeg - such a hard no? Well the spice naturally contains a compound known as myristicin, which can lead to a variety of nasty symptoms in our furry friends. The compound is often used in insecticides, and if enough nutmeg is consumed, can even cause hallucinations and other mental side effects in humans. Fortunately for us, a small amount is safe, but for our furry pals, eating even the smallest amount of nutmeg can cause dangerous symptoms - take a look below to check these out. 

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What to do if your dog eats nutmeg

If you think your pup let their curiosity get the better of them and they somehow managed to swipe a slice of pumpkin pie, a spiced muffin or even a lap of sauce riddled with the spice, it's an emergency. Call your vet immediately - they'll be able to advise you on the best course of action for your pup. If you can, tell your vet how much your pup ate and when. This will help your vet to decide how severe the toxicity will be, and what treatment your doggo needs.

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Symptoms of nutmeg toxicity in dogs

So, we've settled your query - can dogs eat nutmeg - but what are the symptoms that might show up if your poor pooch somehow managed to have the spice? Well we'll explore those below, but first, know that you shouldn’t wait for symptoms of toxicity to arise before contacting your vet. The sooner you have medical advice from a vet or your pup receives treatment, the better. And the earlier your poor doggo gets the treatment they need, the less likely they are to experience the symptoms on the more severe end. If symptoms do develop, they usually start 3-8 hours from exposure and can last for up to 48 hours. If your pup hasn’t ingested any nutmeg but you simply want to get clued-up, take a look below.

• Panting
• Pale gums
• Sticky saliva
• Cold body temperature
• Vomiting
• Lack of coordination
• Dry mouth
• Stomach pain
• Tremors
• Hallucinations
• Seizures 

If inhaled, nutmeg can also be very irritating to your dog, and could still lead to symptoms of toxicity, so even if your dog hasn’t eaten it but has sniffed some up their nose instead, you should still contact your vet immediately. 

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Other spices

While nutmeg is definitely off the menu for your canine pal, there are certainly other spices you can treat your pup to on occasion. Take cinnamon, for example. A small dusting over plain-cooked and mashed pumpkin will be a delicious treat for your pup, not to mention offer a whole host of health benefits like reduced inflammation and a nice dose of vitamin A. And if you'd like to further expand your pup's palette, always double check the spices you're shaking over the dog bowl are completely canine-friendly.

Meet our veterinary expert, Holly

This article has been checked by veterinarian Holly Anne Hills BVM BVS BVMedSci. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Holly spent two years working as a farm animal vet. She then spent some time traveling and volunteering in India, working at neutering clinics and with injured street dogs. Holly now works in small animal practice, and balances this with writing, volunteering with the comms team at Vet Sustain, and she is also a marine mammal medic!

Other foods that are not safe for dogs

So nutmeg is high on the list of foods dogs can't eat, but what other ingredients should be kept out of paw’s reach? Take a look below to get started.

• Kale (in some cases)
• Macadamia nuts
• Walnuts