Pastry Ingredient Safety

Can dogs eat nutmeg?

Use caution

Short answer: Only the trace in a recipe: a pinch is very unlikely to matter, but large amounts are toxic.

Also called or found in: pumpkin pie spice, myristicin

Why it matters

Nutmeg contains myristicin. Pet Poison Helpline says the small amount used in recipes is very unlikely to cause serious poisoning, though it might upset the stomach.

Large amounts can cause disorientation, a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, belly pain and possibly seizures, lasting up to 48 hours.

What owners may notice

With a large amount: disorientation, fast heart rate, belly pain and seizures (Pet Poison Helpline).

This list can't tell you if your dog is OK. Only a veterinarian can.

If your dog ate some

If your dog ate a lot of it, or seems unwell afterward, call your veterinarian or an animal poison line: ASPCA (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.

In the kitchen

The jar is the risk, not the pie. Whole nutmegs are easy for a dog to swallow.

Sources

  1. Nutmeg and Cinnamon Toxicity, Pet Poison Helpline. Checked October 22, 2026.

Last checked against these sources: October 22, 2026.

Related guides

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Written by VanillaGoods from the cited sources. Not reviewed by a veterinarian. Not a substitute for veterinary advice.