Quick answer: Never feed this. Nutmeg contains myristicin, which in dog-sized doses causes hallucinations, racing heart, tremors, and seizures. The amounts in a holiday pie spice blend are exactly the problem.
Why Nutmeg Is Dangerous for Dogs
Nutmeg contains myristicin, which in dog-sized doses causes hallucinations, racing heart, tremors, and seizures. The amounts in a holiday pie spice blend are exactly the problem.
The danger: myristicin poisoning; tremors and seizures.
Reactions vary with the dog’s size and how much they ate, and there is no safe home remedy — treatment for nutmeg poisoning is a job for a veterinarian.
What to Do If Your Dog Already Ate Nutmeg
Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a professional tells you to. If you can, note how much they ate and when it happened — that helps the vet decide on treatment.
Quick Questions
Can puppies eat nutmeg?
Absolutely not. Nutmeg is toxic to dogs of any age, and puppies are at even greater risk because of their small size. Keep it well out of reach.
How much nutmeg can a dog eat?
None. There is no safe amount of nutmeg for a dog — even a small taste can be dangerous.
What happens if a dog eats nutmeg?
Nutmeg contains myristicin, which in dog-sized doses causes hallucinations, racing heart, tremors, and seizures. The amounts in a holiday pie spice blend are exactly the problem. If your dog ate nutmeg, call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 right away — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Keep checking: onion powder, onions, play dough, raisins, raw bread dough — or run any food through the Can Dogs Eat This? checker.
General information from published veterinary guidance (ASPCA, AKC, PetMD), not a substitute for your own veterinarian’s advice. Every dog is different — when in doubt, ask your vet.
