Can Dogs Eat Nutmeg? NZ Safety Answer

Quick answer

Avoid nutmeg for dogs. A trace baked into food is different from a dog eating spice directly, but nutmeg is not a dog treat and is best kept out of reach.

Why

Pet Poison Helpline's nutmeg and cinnamon toxicity guidance says nutmeg contains myristicin and can be a concern in large amounts. ASPCA's pumpkin spice guidance also warns about nutmeg exposure in pets. In NZ, likely sources include spice jars, eggnog-style drinks, pumpkin spice baking, hot cross buns, Christmas cake, custard, biscuits and cafe scraps.

If your dog ate it

Contact your NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.

Safer alternatives

Use plain dog-safe treats or your dog's normal complete food. If baking for dogs, use a pet-specific recipe from a reputable source and keep spice jars, mixed spice and Christmas baking away from pets.

Related reading

• Dog Food Guide NZ
• Pet Emergency Kit NZ Civil Defence Guide
• New Dog Owner: First 30 Days NZ

References

• Pet Poison Helpline, Nutmeg and Cinnamon Toxicity, checked 2026-06-13: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/uncategorized/nutmeg-cinnamon-toxicity/
• ASPCA, When Pumpkin Spice is Not So Nice, checked 2026-06-13: https://www.aspca.org/news/when-pumpkin-spice-not-so-nice

Important notice

*General food-safety information for NZ pet owners, reviewed against ASPCA/VCA guidance (June 2026). For any suspected ingestion or illness, contact a NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.*