Wondering if dogs can eat nutmeg?
That’s good, because the your dog’s diet is a science in itself and when it comes to nuts, there are a few things to keep in mind.
But wait a minute…
…are nutmegs nuts at all?
In this article, we explain what nutmeg actually is and whether you can feed it to your dog.
In a nutshell: Can my dog eat nutmeg?
No, dogs are not allowed to eat nutmeg! Nutmegs are toxic to both humans and dogs, even in small amounts. Dogs and cats react to the contained myristicin from a quantity of about five grams. Myristicin is highly toxic for dogs and can quickly lead to death in addition to severe symptoms of poisoning.
What are nutmegs?
Nutmegs are on the spice shelf for us two-legged friends to refine many dishes with their unique taste.
From a botanical point of view, they cannot be fully assigned to either the nut or the flower.
Strictly speaking, the nutmeg is the Nutmeg tree seeds. It is native to the tropical climates of South and Central America, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.
Freshly grated, nutmegs have an intense, warm and spicy-sweet aroma that goes well with spinach or mashed potatoes.
Is Nutmeg Toxic to Dogs?
Yes, nutmeg is actually highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts! Here you have to be careful.
Nutmeg seed oil contains toxins or hallucinogens such as myristicin, elemicin, and safrole.
The mind-altering effect of hallucinogens leads to life-threatening intoxication in dogs, even in small amounts.
Already knew:
Nutmeg also harbors dangers for humans. For us, it is also considered toxic even in small amounts. Even three nutmegs can be life-threatening for an adult.
Symptoms of nutmeg poisoning in dogs?
Your dog accidentally ate some nutmeg?
Foods that contain nutmeg usually only have a very small amount, which will hardly harm your dog.
Nevertheless, the consumption of nutmeg in dogs is not to be trifled with, because it can serious nerve damage cause.
If your dog exhibits one or more of the following symptoms after eating nutmeg, you should contact a veterinarian immediately:
- nausea and vomiting
- stomach pain
- hallucinations
- muscle tremors
- seizures
- disorientation
- drowsiness
- Increased heart rate
- weakness
- respiratory paralysis
Danger:
Even a small pinch of nutmeg is enough to cause severe symptoms of poisoning in your dog. Nutmeg definitely has no place in your dog’s diet!
Can Dogs Eat Nutmeg Foods?
If you like to use nutmeg in the kitchen yourself, you should always be careful that your dog does not steal anything from your creation!
A processed amount of nutmeg is unlikely to be enough to cause severe symptoms of poisoning in your dog, however Better safe than sorry!
Upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea however, are more likely to occur if your dog has eaten processed foods that contain nutmeg.
So the correct answer is: No, dogs are not allowed to taste dishes in which nutmeg has been used!
Alternatives to nutmeg
There are plenty of nuts, herbs and spices (and among the latter we count the nut, which isn’t actually a nut) that are good for your dog.
So you really don’t have to reach for nutmeg!
Dogs can safely eat these herbs:
Is myristicin an anesthetic?
Yes, the active ingredient myristicin in nutmeg actually has narcotic properties.
These narcotic properties are the reason for behavioral problems and signs of intoxication such as drowsiness, epilepsy-like convulsions, neurological damage and, in the worst case, death.
Can dogs eat nutmeg? Key facts at a glance
No, under no circumstances should dogs eat nutmeg!
Nutmeg is already in the smallest amounts for dogs highly toxic and can next signs of intoxication also quickly to death of your pet to lead.
You should always keep nutmeg out of reach of your dog’s nose so he doesn’t get a chance to taste it.
Fortunately, many dogs instinctively know what is and isn’t good for them. Most dogs keep their distance from the spicy nutmeg on their own.
Do you have any questions about feeding nutmeg? Then please write us a comment under this article.