Can dogs have pumpkin spice?

Updated 24/04/2024

Pumpkin spice: it's that warming blend of autumnal aromatics found in sweet treats throughout fall - and it doesn't even contain pumpkin, by the way. Even so, as such a delicious marker to the colder months, its use has become even more widespread than ever, with the wintry spice blend found in cakes, muffins and coffees everywhere. And on those blustery walks with a pumpkin spice muffin in one hand and Fido's lead in the other, we wouldn't be surprised if you've found yourself wondering - can dogs have pumpkin spice? Sadly, it's a no, dogs shouldn't ever try pumpkin spice, or any products containing it. Pumpkin spice blends vary from place to place, and there's a high chance they contain nutmeg - a spice that's highly toxic to our furry friends. The solution? Simply sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon over their kibble - all the autumnal feels, without the worry. For more on why pumpkin spice is bad news for dogs, take a look below as we explore popular questions from pet parents on the topic.

Related article: Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?

Is pumpkin spice poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs have pumpkin spice in any way? Or is the (ironically pumpkin-free) spice blend always toxic to dogs? Well while we certainly can't speak for every pumpkin spice blend in the world ever, pumpkin spice is often toxic to dogs, as it commonly contains nutmeg, which is highly poisonous to our canine pals. So, while this is the case, we simply don't think it's worth taking the risk of poisoning your pup. 

Other ingredients pumpkin spice is often paired with are also poisonous to dogs. Take xylitol, for example. It's a sweetener often found in canned pumpkin puree that's highly toxic to dogs, and can cause symptoms that range all the way from vomiting to seizures and coma. The takeaway message? Keep the treats you serve up to your pup completely dog-friendly, taking no risks whatsoever.

Related article: Can dogs eat walnuts?

Can dogs eat pumpkin pie?

We wouldn't blame you for wondering - can dogs have pumpkin pie - those puppy dog eyes sure are irresistible when the sweet treats come out the oven. Sadly though, pumpkin pie is bad news for dogs. It's packed with ingredients either bad for canine health (think sugar, condensed milk and butter), or simply toxic to them (nutmeg and xylitol). So, while your furry pal might beg and pine for a slice of your famous pumpkin pie, it's simply not worth the risk. And if you'd like your fluffy companion to enjoy the festive fun without any health risks, simply cook and blend fresh pumpkin, then sprinkle a little cinnamon over the top as an occasional treat, making sure they don't exceed that all-important calorie intake. Stick to feeding treats like this just a couple of times a week.

Related article: Can dogs eat wheat?

Why is pumpkin spice bad for dogs?

Firstly, pumpkin spice often contains nutmeg - a spice that's highly poisonous to our canine pals. In fact, ingesting nutmeg can cause symptoms that range all the way from vomiting to tremors and even seizures. 

And aside from the very serious risk of toxicity, the ingredients pumpkin spice is often paired with are pretty horrendous for canine health. Take cakes, cookies and muffins, for example. They’re packed with sugar and fats which put dogs at risk of pancreatitis and obesity. Plus, they often contain raisins which are of course highly toxic to dogs. Plus, don’t even consider letting your pooch have a lap of your pumpkin spice latte - not only is the spice blend highly likely to contain nutmeg, caffeine is also seriously bad for dogs. In fact, consuming caffeine causes a raised blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, tremors, seizures, and a range of other nasty symptoms.  

If all of this is a little bit of a let down as you naturally want to include Fido in the festive fun, instead track down pumpkin spice dog treats (that will of course be free of toxic ingredients), or get adventurous in the kitchen and make a pooch-friendly pumpkin pie filling for your dogs at home.

Related article: Can dogs eat nutmeg?

What to do if your dog eats pumpkin spice

Your pup ingesting something containing pumpkin spice for humans is a matter of emergency, so we suggest you contact your vet immediately. Try to know how much was ingested and when, but don’t worry if you’re not sure. The most important thing is that you get medical help for your furry friend as soon as possible.  Your dog will need to be made sick to get the toxic substance out of their system, and then symptomatic treatment if required. 

Related article: Can dogs eat onions?

Symptoms of pumpkin spice poisoning in dogs

If you think your pooch has eaten something containing pumpkin spice that was really a ‘people food’, don’t wait for symptoms to arise to call your vet. Otherwise, if you’re simply looking to get clued-up should your pup eat something they shouldn’t, take a look below for the symptoms of pumpkin spice poisoning in dogs.

• Panting
• Pale gums
• Sticky saliva
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Lack of coordination
• Stomach pains
• Mouth irritation and dry mouth
• Cold body temperature
• Lethargy
• Tremors
• Seizures 

Other spice mixes

As is probably clear now, there's no room for assumptions when it comes to deciding which foods are safe for dogs, and which aren't. Generally, we don't advise adding premade spice blends to your dog's bowl - these could easily be contaminated with other ingredients and spices unfit for canine consumption. Instead if you'd like to make your pup's bowl more interesting every now and then, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or another dog-safe spice (and always double check it's canine-friendly before sharing with your pooch).

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, pumpkin spice and dogs are certainly on the list of foods dogs can't eat. But what about other ingredients unfit for your dog's bowl? Take a look below to get started.

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