Can dogs and cats eat Nutmeg?
Nutmeg contains myristicin, which can cause disorientation, a fast heart rate and high blood pressure if eaten in larger amounts.
Why
Myristicin
Signs to watch for
- disorientation, hallucination-like behaviour
- racing heart
- high blood pressure
- dry mouth
- abdominal pain
- seizures (large amounts)
Good to know
A pinch baked into food is unlikely to cause problems. Whole nutmegs or spoonfuls of ground nutmeg are the concern.
If you think your pet has been poisoned
If you suspect your dog or cat has eaten or touched something poisonous, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately, even if your pet seems fine – some poisons take hours or days to show signs, and early treatment works best. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to, as this can cause more harm. Take the packaging, label or a piece of the plant with you, and note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.
Sources
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline – Pumpkin spice: naughty or nice (nutmeg)
- ASPCA – People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
Checked against these sources in October 2026.