Can Yorkies eat nutmeg?
Use caution. A trace of nutmeg baked into food is low-risk, but larger amounts contain a compound called myristicin that can cause disorientation and a racing heart in dogs — and there's no reason a Yorkie needs it.
Nutmeg contains myristicin, which in larger amounts can cause signs such as disorientation, a high heart rate, agitation, and stomach upset in dogs. The pinch baked into a cookie or sprinkled on a latte is a small exposure; the bigger worry is a dog getting into the spice jar itself. Because nutmeg offers no benefit to a dog, the sensible approach is to keep the jar out of reach.
What Yorkie owners need to know
- The concern is myristicin, which in quantity can affect the nervous system and heart.
- A trace baked into food is a low-risk exposure; swallowing the spice by the spoonful is the real worry.
- Signs of a larger exposure can include disorientation, agitation, a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, and stomach upset.
- Nutmeg gives a dog nothing nutritionally, so there is no reason to offer it deliberately.
How preparation changes the answer
| Preparation | Status | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Trace baked into food | Use caution | A pinch is low-risk, but the sugary, fatty baked good around it may not be. |
| Ground or whole nutmeg (the spice itself) | Best avoided | A larger, concentrated dose of myristicin. Keep the jar out of reach. |
Risks & things to watch
- Myristicin can cause disorientation, agitation, and a racing heart in larger amounts.
- Stomach upset, including vomiting, is possible.
- A curious dog getting into the spice jar is a much larger dose than a baked trace.
- Nutmeg often appears in high-sugar, high-fat baked goods that carry their own risks.
If your Yorkie ate too much
A lick of nutmeg-spiced food is usually a minor exposure to watch at home. If your Yorkie got into the spice jar or ate a large amount, note roughly how much and call your veterinarian or a poison-control line.
Frequently asked questions
My Yorkie ate a bit of pumpkin pie with nutmeg — is that dangerous?
The pinch of nutmeg in a slice is a small exposure, but the pie's sugar, fat, and any other spices matter too. Watch for disorientation or an upset stomach, and call your vet if you saw a large amount or your dog seems off.
Is cinnamon safer than nutmeg?
Cinnamon lacks nutmeg's myristicin, so it's generally considered lower-risk in small amounts, but it can still irritate the mouth and stomach. Neither spice benefits a dog — see our cinnamon page.
Sources
We cite authoritative veterinary, regulatory, and nutrition sources so you can check the evidence yourself.
- Poison controlASPCA Animal Poison Control CenterToxic and Non-Toxic Plants / People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
Supports: Classification of foods that are toxic or dangerous to dogs. · Accessed 2026-07-01
- Poison controlPet Poison HelplinePet Poison Helpline (24/7, 855-764-7661)
Supports: 24/7 emergency toxicology guidance for pet owners. · Accessed 2026-07-01
The Yorkiefood Editorial Team
We research Yorkshire Terrier feeding from regulatory bodies, veterinary manuals, poison-control centres, and peer-reviewed nutrition literature, then explain it plainly. We are careful researchers, not veterinarians — our pages cite their sources so you can check the evidence yourself, and we always defer to your own vet for your dog.
First published 2026-07-12 · Last reviewed 2026-07-12
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Related foods
Cinnamon
Use caution. A tiny trace of cinnamon is not considered toxic to dogs, but in any real quantity it irritates the mouth and airways, offers a Yorkie no benefit, and should not be confused with nutmeg, which is a bigger concern.
Cloves
Use caution. Cloves contain a compound called eugenol that can irritate a dog's mouth and stomach and, in concentrated form or large amounts, may harm the liver — and whole cloves are a choking hazard. There's no benefit for a Yorkie.
Garlic Powder
No. Garlic powder is toxic to dogs, and because it's so concentrated it's even more dangerous than fresh garlic. For a Yorkie, an alarmingly small pinch can be enough to matter.
Ginger
In tiny amounts — a small pinch of plain fresh or ground ginger isn't toxic to Yorkies, but it's a strong spice, so keep it minuscule and occasional.
Mustard
No. Mustard seeds can irritate a dog's stomach and cause vomiting, and prepared mustards are salty and seasoned — there's no reason to feed it to a Yorkie.
Onion Powder
No. Onion powder is toxic to dogs, and because it's dried and concentrated a Yorkie can reach a harmful amount from a very small pinch hidden in seasoned food.