- Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants: Toxic
- Chocolate: Toxic
Grapes, raisins and dogs: why even a few matter
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants are toxic to dogs. Some dogs become seriously ill after eating very small amounts, while others seem mostly unaffected. 3 sources
In short
Are grapes and raisins toxic to dogs?
Yes. Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants are all toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. 3 sources
Nobody knows yet exactly what in the fruit causes the poisoning. 2 sources
How many grapes are dangerous?
There is no safe number. Some dogs seem mostly unaffected, while others become very ill, or even die, after eating very small amounts. 2 sources
“Even a single grape can cause serious illness in some dogs, including kidney failure.”
American Kennel Club
Raisins are dried and more concentrated, so a dog can eat a lot of them before anyone notices. Treat both as dangerous. Source
Where do grapes and raisins hide?
Poisonings are most common around festive times, when the fruits are in foods such as Christmas cake, hot cross buns, cookies and chocolate. 2 sources
What are the signs of grape poisoning?
Stomach upset comes first, followed by kidney injury. Vomiting or diarrhoea often starts within 6 to 12 hours, but kidney damage may not show until 24 to 72 hours later. 3 sources
Signs to watch for Source
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Tremors
- Tummy pain
- Lethargy
- Extreme thirst
- Little or no urine
What should I do if my dog ate a grape or raisin?
Contact your vet straight away. Do not wait to see if symptoms develop, because they may not appear for some time. 2 sources
Call now, even at night. The emergency page has what to do first and the animal poison helplines for your country.
Emergency helpSources: show 16 quoted passages
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American Kennel Club: Can dogs eat grapes?
Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and should never be considered a safe treat.
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American Kennel Club: Can dogs eat grapes? (one grape)
Even a single grape can cause serious illness in some dogs, including kidney failure.
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American Kennel Club: Can dogs eat grapes? (cause)
experts haven't identified a single ingredient or compound that triggers symptoms.
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American Kennel Club: Can dogs eat grapes? (raisins)
dogs may consume a larger amount before owners realize there is a problem, but both should be considered dangerous.
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American Kennel Club: Can dogs eat grapes? (timing)
Symptoms often begin within six to 12 hours but kidney damage may not be evident until 24 to 72 hours later.
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American Kennel Club: Can dogs eat grapes? (symptoms)
Symptoms may include: Vomiting Diarrhea Loss of appetite Dehydration Tremors Abdominal pain Lethargy Polydipsia (extreme thirst) Little or no urine output
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American Kennel Club: Can dogs eat grapes? (urgency)
always treat any suspected ingestion of grapes or raisins as a veterinary emergency.
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Pet Poison Helpline: Grapes
Ingestion of the fruit of the Vitis spp plants including Common Grape, Muscadine, Raisin, Sultana, Zante or Corinthian Currant is toxic for dogs.
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Pet Poison Helpline: Grapes (signs)
Clinical signs of poisoning begin with gastrointestinal upset followed closely by kidney injury.
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PDSA: Grape, raisin, currant and sultana poisoning
dogs can become extremely poorly (and sometimes even die) after eating very small amounts of them
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PDSA: Grape, raisin, currant and sultana poisoning (cause)
We don't currently know how these fruits cause poisoning
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PDSA: Grape, raisin, currant and sultana poisoning (dogs vary)
Some appear to be mostly unaffected by the fruits, whereas others develop severe symptoms just a few hours after eating them.
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PDSA: Grape, raisin, currant and sultana poisoning (festive foods)
Poisonings tend to be most common around festive times
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PDSA: Grape, raisin, currant and sultana poisoning (foods)
when the fruits are readily available in foods such as Christmas cake, hot cross buns, cookies and chocolate.
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PDSA: Grape, raisin, currant and sultana poisoning (what to do)
if you believe your dog has eaten grapes, raisins, currants or sultanas - do not wait to see if they develop symptoms.
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Merck Veterinary Manual: Food hazards (grapes)
Dogs develop vomiting and/or diarrhea within 6 to 12 hours of eating grapes or raisins.
Read on 28 October 2026