Can Dogs Drink Eggnog? No — Nutmeg, Alcohol, and Dairy Make It Toxic

This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.

Eggnog is not safe for dogs. It contains dairy, raw eggs (in homemade versions), high sugar, and often alcohol — making it harmful from multiple angles. Alcoholic eggnog causes alcohol toxicity. Non-alcoholic versions still cause digestive upset from dairy and sugar.

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Warning Signs & Symptoms

Alcohol: toxicity — low blood sugar, seizures, organ failure. Raw eggs: Salmonella risk in homemade versions. High dairy content: lactose intolerance in most dogs. Nutmeg common in eggnog: toxic to dogs causing neurological symptoms.

If Your Dog Ate This

If your dog drank eggnog that contained rum, brandy, bourbon or any other alcohol, or you are not sure whether it did, call your vet, an emergency vet clinic, or an animal poison-control service such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435; a consultation fee may apply) right away, even if your dog seems fine; alcohol can cause dangerously low blood sugar, low body temperature, wobbliness and collapse, especially in small dogs. Also call right away if the eggnog was sugar-free or the label lists xylitol (sometimes listed as birch sugar). For plain, alcohol-free eggnog, call your vet for advice if your dog is small or drank more than a few laps, and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, a painful belly or lethargy. Have the carton or recipe, your dog's weight and how much was drunk ready. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a veterinarian or poison-control expert tells you to.

What to Avoid

all eggnog — alcoholic and non-alcoholic

Preparation & Serving

Check for nutmeg and alcohol. Call vet immediately if alcoholic or nutmeg-containing eggnog consumed.

Portions & nutrition

Serving (medium dog): never
Serving (large dog): never
Calories (per 100g): 196
Safe frequency: Never

Source

Source: SAFEFOODFORDOGS

What You Need to Know

Traditional eggnog can contain several concerns at once. Alcohol is an urgent hazard when present; nutmeg in some recipes can cause neurological signs such as disorientation, tremors or seizures; dairy and sugar can upset the stomach. Homemade versions made with raw eggs also carry a Salmonella risk. Even non-alcoholic commercial eggnog is high in sugar and dairy. Never give dogs any form of eggnog.

Not sure what to do next? Read our emergency guide What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic

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If Your Dog Ate This — Act Now

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Frequently asked questions

Is Eggnog safe for dogs?: No, Eggnog is not safe for dogs. Eggnog is not safe for dogs. It contains dairy, raw eggs (in homemade versions), high sugar, and often alcohol — making it harmful from multiple angles. Alcoholic eggnog causes alcohol toxicity. Non-alcoholic versions still cause digestive upset from dairy and sugar.
What happens if a dog eats Eggnog?: If a dog eats Eggnog, they may experience: Alcohol: toxicity — low blood sugar, seizures, organ failure. Raw eggs: Salmonella risk in homemade versions. High dairy content: lactose intolerance in most dogs. Nutmeg common in eggnog: toxic to dogs causing neurological symptoms.
How much Eggnog can a dog eat?: Traditional eggnog can contain several concerns at once. Alcohol is an urgent hazard when present; nutmeg in some recipes can cause neurological signs such as disorientation, tremors or seizures; dairy and sugar can upset the stomach. Homemade versions made with raw eggs also carry a Salmonella risk. Even non-alcoholic commercial eggnog is high in sugar and dairy. Never give dogs any form of eggnog.

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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making dietary changes for your pet.