Can dogs eat grapes?

Updated 13/04/2024

Grapes are one of the most popular fruits across the globe, with heaps of health benefits for us humans, and the same can be said for their dried cousin - the humble raisin. But just because grapes are great on the homo sapien front, it doesn't mean that grapes and dogs are a good mix. So, can dogs eat grapes or are grapes bad for dogs? And can dogs eat raisins? Well the answer is simple, we're afraid: no, dogs can't eat grapes or raisins under any circumstances. For dogs, eating grapes is seriously bad news, causing all kinds of serious reactions (which we'll list below) and sometimes even death. For more on the topic, explore below where we'll take a look at why grapes are bad for dogs, what to do if your dog eats raisins, and the symptoms of grape poisoning in dogs.  

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Can dogs eat raisins?

Now we've settled the important question - can dogs eat grapes - what about the popular dried fruit? Can dogs have raisins or are they just as questionable as grapes for your dog's snack? Well unfortunately, dogs can't have raisins either. In fact, even a small amount can cause nasty reactions in dogs, the key one being kidney failure.

Are grapes poisonous to dogs?

So, now we've cleared up the question - can dogs eat grapes - you might be wondering if grapes are actually poisonous to dogs, or whether you should avoid them because they're some sort of canine irritant. Well if you were wondering - are grapes toxic to dogs - sadly it's a yes. Even the smallest amount can cause grape poisoning in dogs. So, if you're sat there thinking - my dog ate a grape - what do I do - we'd advise contacting your vet immediately. Try to estimate how many grapes or raisins your pup has ingested, as this might help your vet to determine the level of toxicity and the next steps that need to be taken. 

Can dogs eat green grapes?

Sadly, green grapes are highly toxic to dogs - stick to dog treats and always check before feeding your pup foods common to us humans.

Can dogs eat purple grapes?

Dogs can't eat purple grapes, either. Unfortunately, grapes of all shades are poisonous to dogs, and whether they're dried (i.e. in raisin form), seedless or packed with seeds, cooked or uncooked, grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs. 

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Why can't dogs have grapes?

Unfortunately, our canine companions can't metabolize some of the compounds in grapes unlike us humans, which is why grapes and dogs simply don't mix. So, what happens if a dog eats a grape? Well we'll explore some of the symptoms below, but it's important to know that grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs, and pretty rapidly in fact. So does this make grapes deadly to dogs? Well sadly yes - kidney failure can cause death, so eating grapes is really not advised if you're a four-pawed, wet-nosed pup.

And this might all leave you wondering - why are raisins bad for dogs? Do they have the same effect on our canine companions as grapes? It's a yes again - just like grapes, raisins can cause kidney failure and dogs, which can of course be fatal.

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What to do if your dog eats grapes

Whether you're sat here thinking - my dog ate two grapes, three grapes or ten, our advice is always to contact your vet immediately. Based on how many grapes your dog has eaten and their current behavior, your vet will be able to advise you on the next steps. They may take you through how to induce vomiting, or ask you to bring your pup in for assessment and treatment.

My dog ate grapes a week ago - what should I do?

If you're reading this as a diligent pet parent getting clued up on pup nutrition (firstly, kudos to you), but you're also feeling kind of guilty as your pup ate grapes a little while ago, it's still worth contacting your vet. While your pooch may have somehow dodged grape toxicity in dogs, it's still well worth an assessment from a professional. 

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What to do if your dog eats raisins

So grapes and dogs aren't exactly a match made in doggy heaven, and the same can be said for raisins. If you know your dog has eaten raisins recently, contact your vet immediately for an assessment and some advice. If your pup has just munched on a few raisins, contact your vet as a matter of urgency as there is only a small window of time in which your vet can make your dog vomit. 

Symptoms of grape toxicity in dogs

So, grapes are bad for dogs because they can cause kidney failure, so it's important you know the symptoms to look out for. And if you're sat here thinking - my dog eats grapes all the time - what are the symptoms of grape poisoning in dogs and raisin toxicity  - look no further.

• Tiredness and weakness
• Lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Reduced urination 
• Tremors
• Collapse 

Other grape products

As we've mentioned, grapes and dogs, and raisins and dogs simply don't mix. So, whether they're cooked, dried or sprinkled atop a mound of your dog's favorite biscuits, they're still toxic to dogs, so be sure to completely avoid feeding your dog grape products altogether.   

Related article: Can dogs drink milk?

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Other foods that are not safe for dogs

So now we've established why grapes bad for dogs, what are the other common foods us humans consume by the bucket load that should be avoided for dogs? Take a look below and explore our blog for more foods dogs can't eat.

• Corn on the cob
• Unsweetened yogurt
• Foraged mushrooms