No, dogs cannot eat nutmeg because of its toxic compound.
Nutmeg trees belong to the genus Myristica. They bear hard seeds with a reddish hue. After the seeds are dried and ground into powder, they transform into the popular spice used in the culinary world. This spice is known for having a fragrant smell and a warm, sweet taste. Aside from the spice, other nutmeg products include mace (a mildly flavoured spice), essential oil, and butter.
Dogs should not be exposed to nutmeg because of the compound myristicin. Aside from nutmeg, this naturally occurring compound is found in dill and parsley. When a large amount is ingested, your dog may develop a variety of gastrointestinal conditions and other complications. Canines that eat nutmeg are said to initially feel excessively excited, then they crash and become drained. In addition, dogs that inhale the powder can suffer from lung damage.
What to do if your dog accidentally eats nutmeg: Keep a close eye on your dog for the next 48 hours. Depending on his size and how much he ate, he may exhibit various symptoms. A tiny portion of nutmeg may cause minor stomach upset. But large amounts can cause hallucination, disorientation, seizure, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and dry mouth. Serious cases may even lead to death.
Contact your veterinarian immediately and inform him of your findings. If your dog accidentally eats something containing nutmeg, check the rest of the ingredients to make sure they’re not harmful. Additional spices such as garlic and onion can cause instant damage to his internal organs.
In summary: According to Wag, the threshold for nutmeg poisoning in dogs is five grams—roughly one piece of nutmeg in dried form. As such, make sure to store your whole or ground nutmeg properly. That way, your pet dog won’t accidentally get his paws on them. Browse through our “can dogs eat” category to learn which human foods you can safely give your canine pet.
References:
When Pumpkin Spice is Not So Nice
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