Why Dogs Can't Eat Grapes (2024)

Grapes and raisins are highly toxic for dogs, regardless of breed, age, or gender. There is ongoing research about why that is.

There isn't a safe amount of grapes or raisins that your dog can consume.

Why Can't Dogs Eat Grapes?

Grape toxicity is linked with kidney damage. Eating the fruit can result in sudden kidney failure and even death.

The toxic substance in grapes is unknown, but dogs cannot metabolize tannins, flavonoids, and monosaccharides from grapes. This could be the primary reason for grape toxicity in dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Green Grapes?

When dogs eat grapes of any kind and in any form, they are at risk of kidney (renal) failure. All types of grapes, whether cooked, seedless, peeled, dried, or fresh, are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.

You should also avoid giving your dog any grape products such as raisins, juices, jelly, or jam.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Grapes?

Since there isn't a well-established toxic dose of grapes for dogs, even very low amounts of it could be harmful to your pet. For example, an amount as low as 0.3 ounces of grapes per pound of body weight could also cause various symptoms of food toxicity.

If your dog consumes even tiny amounts of grapes, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. They may be able to induce vomiting so your pet is in the clear instead of waiting for serious symptoms that can be fatal. Keep an eye out for serious symptoms such as increased blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting.

If you are unaware of the food product that your dog has consumed, it is wise to induce vomiting. However, if your dog has trouble breathing or exhibits any signs of distress, you should visit the vet as soon as possible.

Your dog will need prompt care since there isn't an antidote for grape poisoning. The veterinarian can induce vomiting just after ingestion. It will help remove the grapes from the dog's system. Your vet may also suggest giving your dog activated charcoal to help minimize the absorption of toxins in the intestines.

What Are the Symptoms of Grape Poisoning in Dogs?

Acute symptoms develop within 24 hours of eating the fruit. Initial signs of grape toxicity include weakness and loss of appetite.

Severe signs of kidney failure are noticeable 24 to 48 hours after eating the fruit and include abdominal pain, nausea, and uremic breath (fishy odor). Here are some other signs of grape poisoning:

  • Vomiting
  • Anorexia
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Increased thirst
  • Excessive urination
  • Anuria (no longer peeing)
  • Dehydration
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Coma
  • Seizures
  • Oliguria (decreased urination)

If you suspect that your pet has eaten grapes or raisins and you observe any of these symptoms, you should take your dog to the hospital as soon as possible.

How Do I Prevent Grape Poisoning in My Dog?

Grapes, raisins, currants, and sultanas should never be fed to dogs. You should also make sure your dog does not consume raisin bread, grape juice, or grape jam and jelly. Be aware that some protein bars contain raisins, making them a source of toxicity to your dog.

The best way to prevent grape toxicity in dogs is to keep these food items away from your pet.

Make sure that family members and friends visiting your house are aware of the risk of giving grapes or grape products to dogs.

Why Dogs Can't Eat Grapes (2024)

FAQs

Why Dogs Can't Eat Grapes? ›

Grape toxicity is linked with kidney damage. Eating the fruit can result in sudden kidney failure and even death. The toxic substance in grapes is unknown, but dogs cannot metabolize tannins, flavonoids, and monosaccharides from grapes. This could be the primary reason for grape toxicity in dogs.

What happens if a dog eats a grape? ›

After eating grapes, some dogs may be sick or have diarrhoea within 6 to 24 hours, while others may not show any signs until later. Some dogs' kidneys may begin to stop working from one to three days after eating grapes. These dogs may not wee as much as usual or may stop weeing altogether.

How many grapes can a 50 pound dog eat? ›

Even if your dog eats one grape, contact their veterinarian and get your pup checked before their health gets affected because grapes in any amount are toxic for dogs. Will one grape hurt a 50-pound dog? One grape may not hurt. But avoid risking your dog's health, and do not let them eat even one grape.

Why can't dogs eat avocado? ›

as they contain persin, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting and heart congestion. If your dog ate a small piece of avocado, it will probably be okay, but ensure you monitor your dog for any symptoms. The most dangerous part of an avocado is the pit, both because it is a choking hazard and because it's full of persin.

Can a single grape hurt a dog? ›

Unfortunately, even consuming one grape or raisin can be fatal. Ingesting the fruit could potentially lead to acute (sudden) kidney failure in dogs.

Can you save a dog that ate a grape? ›

Grapes and raisins are toxic, so you either need to make your pup vomit at home using hydrogen peroxide, or you can take her to an emergency vet so that they can induce vomiting with an injectable medication.

What if my 70 pound dog ate 10 grapes? ›

When in doubt, seek treatment immediately by contacting your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline for advice following any grape, raisin, or currant ingestion.

Will one grape hurt a 20 pound dog? ›

Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in NYC, says if dogs have even one grape, seek emergency medical care. “The negative effects of grape ingestion vary greatly, she adds. “There is no way to know if your pet will become sick.” Peeled, seedless, or whole grapes can be toxic to dogs.

How many grapes are toxic to a 75 pound dog? ›

The estimated toxic dose of grapes is 0.5 ounces per pound (for example, 1 pound of grapes can be toxic for a 30 lb dog). Raisins are toxic at 0.18 to 0.48 oz/lb (for example, 8 oz of raisins can be toxic for a 30 lb dog).

Are eggs bad for dogs? ›

Eggs are nutritious for both people and dogs. They can be tasty treats or a hearty breakfast, whether they're hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, or over easy. A cooked entire egg or yolk can be good for your dog, unless your pet has a pre-existing health condition like acute pancreatitis or diabetes.

Can dogs eat watermelon? ›

Good news: Your pooch can eat watermelon. However, this does come with precautions, according to the American Kennel Club. First, the watermelon must be seedless or you should remove the seeds before giving it to your pet. The seeds could lead to an intestinal blockage, so be sure that you pick a seedless watermelon.

Can dogs have bananas? ›

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.

Can dogs eat strawberries? ›

Yes, dogs can eat strawberries. “Dogs can eat strawberries in moderation,” says Dr. Jennifer Power, D.V.M., senior veterinarian at Small Door Vet, a chain of veterinary facilities in the Northeast. “They are a safe and healthy treat for most dogs due to their low-calorie and high-nutrient content.”

Can dogs eat tuna? ›

It's generally safe to feed your dog small amounts of cooked tuna as an occasional treat, but it should not be a regular part of their diet. Never give tuna to dogs that are small, young, or have any health problems.

Can dogs eat bacon? ›

While a nibble of bacon won't harm your dog, it's not a food you should be giving your pup due to the high fat and salt content. Dogs can, however, eat commercial dog treats with small amounts of bacon or bacon flavoring—we'll share our favorite options shortly!

How much grape is toxic to dogs? ›

Grapes and Raisins

Toxic dose: The dose that can cause serious problems is 0.7 ounces per kilogram of grapes and 0.1 ounce per kilogram of raisins. This means that 3 grapes (or 3 raisins) could be fatal for a 2.5 pound puppy, and 12 grapes (or 12 to 15 raisins) could potentially kill a 10-pound animal.

Will my dog be ok if he ate a few raisins? ›

Based on known cases of grape toxicity in dogs, even one or a few grapes or raisins can cause acute kidney failure, which can be fatal. Kidney failure is not seen in all dogs that eat raisins, but we don't know why some dogs are affected excessively while others are not.

How long does it take for a dog to show signs of poisoning? ›

Affected dogs show signs 30 minutes to 4 hours after ingesting the poison. Initially affected dogs become anxious and have an elevated body temperature. Panting is usually seen. Progressively they become worse and staggery.

What part of the grape is toxic to dogs? ›

ASPCA Poison Control Center (APCC) veterinarians solved the 20-year mystery of why grapes, raisins and sultanas are poisonous to dogs. It turns out that the tartaric acid in grapes causes these symptoms: Vomiting.

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