Can Dogs Eat Grapes? No: Here Is Why and What to Do
Short answer: no. Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, and some dogs have been poisoned by only a few. If your dog ate any, call your vet or a pet poison hotline now, even if your dog seems fine.
Why grapes are dangerous for dogs
Veterinary toxicologists have known for years that grapes and raisins can damage dogs' kidneys. In 2021, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reported that tartaric acid, which grapes contain in large and varying amounts, is the likely cause. Dogs appear to be especially sensitive to it. Because the amount differs from grape to grape and dog to dog, there is no dose that is known to be safe.
- All kinds count: red, green, seedless, organic, peeled, and grape juice.
- Dried forms are more concentrated: raisins, sultanas and currants, and foods that contain them such as trail mix, cereal, cookies, fruit cake, bagels and hot cross buns.
- Some dogs eat grapes and show no signs, while others develop kidney failure. You cannot tell in advance which group your dog is in.
Signs of grape poisoning
| When | What you may see |
|---|---|
| Within 6 to 24 hours | Vomiting (often with pieces of grape or raisin), diarrhea, not eating, tiredness |
| 24 to 72 hours | Belly pain, weakness, drinking and urinating more, then less urine or none |
| Later | Acute kidney failure, which can be fatal without treatment |
What to do right away
- Call now, do not wait for signs. Your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (both charge a fee).
- Say how many grapes or raisins and when, and your dog's weight. Keep the package.
- Do not make your dog vomit at home unless a vet tells you to. Vets can do it safely with medicine, usually within a couple of hours of eating.
- Your vet may give activated charcoal, IV fluids for 48 hours, and blood tests to check kidney values.
Dogs that are treated early usually do well. Waiting until signs of kidney failure appear makes treatment harder and more expensive.
Safe fruits to give instead
These are safe in small pieces as treats: blueberries, strawberries, watermelon without seeds or rind, apple slices without the core, banana, mango without the pit, and pineapple. Check any other food in the can dogs eat it checker, which lists 98 foods as safe, careful or toxic.
Other foods dogs must never eat
Besides grapes and raisins: chocolate, onions, garlic and chives, xylitol (birch sugar), macadamia nuts, alcohol, raw yeast dough and cooked bones. If chocolate is the problem, the chocolate toxicity calculator shows how serious the dose is for your dog's weight.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (tartaric acid findings, 2021); Merck Veterinary Manual; Pet Poison Helpline.
Try the can dogs eat it? food checker
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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your pet may differ: ask your vet. Terms
Frequently asked questions
How many grapes can kill a dog?
There is no known safe or lethal number. Some dogs have developed kidney failure after only a few grapes or raisins, while others ate more without signs. Treat any amount as an emergency and call your vet.
My dog ate one grape. What should I do?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline. One grape is often harmless, but because some dogs react to small amounts, most vets will want to advise you based on your dog's size.
Are raisins worse than grapes for dogs?
Raisins are dried grapes, so the toxic substance is more concentrated per bite. A small handful of raisins is a bigger risk than the same number of grapes.
Can dogs eat grape jelly or grape juice?
No. Grape juice and grape jelly come from grapes and should be avoided. Many jellies also contain lots of sugar or xylitol.
Why are grapes toxic to dogs but not people?
The ASPCA has linked the toxicity to tartaric acid. Dogs appear to be far more sensitive to it than people or cats.