If your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Do not wait for symptoms. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).
Why
Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas have all been linked to acute kidney injury in dogs. Some dogs become very ill after eating only a few, while others eat more with no obvious effect, so it is impossible to predict how your dog will react.
For years the toxic substance was unknown. Research published in 2022 points to tartaric acid, which grapes contain in varying amounts, as the likely cause. Dried fruit is especially risky because it is concentrated, and raisins are hidden in many foods such as bread, cereal bars and cakes.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting, often within a few hours
- Diarrhea and loss of appetite
- Lethargy and weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Drinking and urinating less than usual, which can signal kidney damage
- Kidney failure can develop within 24 to 72 hours
What to do if your dog eats it
- Treat any amount as an emergency and contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Early treatment, often making the dog vomit and giving intravenous fluids, gives the best chance of protecting the kidneys.
- Keep fruit bowls, trail mix and baked goods with raisins out of reach.
Related foods
Sources
- Wegenast CA, Meadows ID, Anderson RE, et al. Acute kidney injury in dogs following ingestion of cream of tartar and tamarinds and the connection to tartaric acid as the proposed toxic principle in grapes and raisins. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2022;32(6):812–816.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.
- American Kennel Club (AKC). “Can Dogs Eat…?” article series.