Can dogs eat nutmeg?
✓ Reviewed against PDSA, Blue Cross & Animal PoisonLine guidance · Last updated: 2026-06-17
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The full picture
Nutmeg is a surprisingly dangerous spice for dogs. It contains myristicin, a compound that causes disorientation, abdominal pain, rapid heart rate, and at higher doses, seizures. The practical issue is that nutmeg hides in many autumn and Christmas foods: pumpkin pie, eggnog, mulled wine, spiced biscuits, Christmas pudding, and sweet potato casserole. A light dusting on food probably won't seriously harm a big dog, but any deliberate feeding should be avoided. Cinnamon is much safer if you want a dog-friendly warming spice.
If your dog has already eaten nutmeg
- A light dusting of nutmeg on food rarely causes more than mild stomach upset
- Eating a whole nutmeg, or a nutmeg-heavy dish like pumpkin pie, warrants a vet call — especially for small dogs
Risks to watch for
- Disorientation and hallucinations
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Seizures at high doses
- Abdominal pain and vomiting
Safe portion size
None.
Safer alternatives
- Plain pumpkin (no spice)
- Cinnamon in very small amounts
Does size or breed matter?
Risk with nutmeg scales with the quantity relative to body weight, so small and toy breeds reach a meaningful dose from a much smaller amount than large dogs. Always check for hidden risk ingredients (garlic, onion, xylitol, excess salt) in any prepared or shop-bought version rather than assuming the plain ingredient name on the label tells the whole story.