Can Dogs Eat Grapes? Are Grapes Safe or Toxic for Dogs?

Are Grapes Safe for Dogs to Eat?

Grapes are a tasty, nutrient-dense fruit enjoyed by humans. However, you may be wondering: can dogs eat grapes safely too? This is an important question, as grapes and raisins can potentially cause kidney damage and failure in dogs. Keep reading to learn more.

Grapes and Raisins are Toxic to Dogs

First things first: grapes and raisins should always be avoided when feeding your dog. Experts believe the toxins contained in grapes, raisins, and currants - even in small amounts - can lead to potentially fatal kidney damage in dogs.

The toxic substance in grapes and raisins is still unknown. However, even a few bites can result in severe, acute kidney injury. All breeds and sizes of dogs are at risk.

Signs of Grape and Raisin Toxicity

Within 6-24 hours of ingesting grapes or raisins, you may notice some of the following symptoms in your dog:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

As toxin levels build up in the bloodstream, dogs may develop:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness and tremors
• Bad breath
• Lack of coordination

Kidney Failure in Dogs After Ingesting Grapes/Raisins

Without treatment, dogs can rapidly develop kidney failure after eating grapes or raisins. This life-threatening medical crisis is marked by:

• Complete loss of appetite
• Severe vomiting
• Diarrhea or bloody stools
• Extreme lethargy, weakness, or collapse
• Bad breath
• Leg swelling
• Heart arrhythmias
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

Amount of Grapes that are Toxic

Experts are not sure what exact amount of grapes leads to toxicity. Some dogs develop kidney failure after eating just a few grapes or raisins. Others eat a bunch and show no adverse effects.

To be safe, no amount of grapes or raisins should be considered harmless to your dog. Just one or two bites could potentially lead to poisoning and quick deterioration of kidney function.

At Greatest Risk for Grape/Raisin Toxicity

While all dogs are at risk, some breeds and ages tend to be more sensitive to grape and raisins toxicity, including:

• Smaller dog breeds
• Younger dogs
• Older dogs
• Dogs with existing kidney disease

Why Grapes and Raisins are Harmful

It is still a mystery exactly why grapes, raisins, and currants can damage dog's kidneys. However, we have a few theories behind their toxicity to dogs:

Moldy Grapes Contain Mycotoxins

One current theory is that moldy grapes contain high levels of mycotoxins, which are toxic substances linked to kidney failure. Make sure not to feed dogs bruised, rotting, or moldy grapes.

Pesticides May Play a Role

Another theory is overuse of fertilizers and pesticides on grapes could be causing their toxicity. Always wash grapes thoroughly before eating and avoid conventionally grown grapes if feeding to dogs.

Dogs Lack Digestive Enzymes

Dogs may lack certain digestive enzymes that allow humans to break down grape compounds safely. Their kidneys struggle to filter out grape toxins.

Grapes Change Kidney pH

Some speculate that grapes may contain high amounts of acid that significantly alters kidney pH in dogs. This could explain their link to rapid kidney damage.

How to Prevent Grape and Raisin Toxicity

While the exact mechanisms behind their danger is still unknown, one thing is for sure: grapes and raisins can be toxic and potentially lethal to dogs. Here are some tips to prevent poisoning:

• Avoid Feeding Dogs Grapes or Raisins Entirely
• Check Ingredient Labels on Dog Food/Treats
• Keep Grapes and Raisins Safely Out of Reach
• Never Leave Dogs Unattended Around Grapes/Raisins
• Teach Family About Dangers
• Learn Signs of Toxicity
• Call ASPCA Poison Control Hotline If Ingested

When in doubt, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away if you suspect your dog ate grapes or raisins.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Grapes or Raisins

If your dog gets ahold of grapes, raisins, or grape plants - don't wait "wait and see".

• Call your vet or emergency clinic immediately
• Call ASPCA Poison Control Hotline 24/7 at 888-426-4435
• They will advise you based on your dog's specific size/symptoms

Treatment within the first 24 hours improves outcomes greatly. Most vets will recommend inducing vomiting if recently ingested.

Your vet may also give your dog activated charcoal, intravenous fluids for hydration, kidney function testing, kidney protectant medications, vitamin C supplements, electrolyte monitoring, and other grape toxicity treatments.

Dogs that develop kidney failure may require several days of intensive hospitalization care and supportive therapies to survive.

The Bottom Line on Dogs and Grapes

In the end, no grape or raisin, even in tiny amounts, is healthy for a dog to ingest. Their toxicity can vary wildly between breeds and individual dogs - but why take the risk? Speak to your vet if you have any other questions.

FAQs

Why are grapes bad for dogs?

The toxins contained in grapes, raisins, and currants can cause severe kidney damage and failure in dogs. The exact mechanisms behind their toxicity is still unknown, but they should be avoided when feeding dogs.

What happens if a dog eats grapes?

Grapes and raisins can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, abdominal pain, weakness, bad breath, lack of coordination, and kidney failure.

How many grapes will hurt a dog?

Experts are unsure the exact amount that is toxic. Some dogs may suffer kidney failure after eating just a few grapes or raisins. To be safe, it's best to avoid feeding any grapes or raisins to dogs.

What do I do if my dog ate grapes?

If your dog ate any grapes or raisins, call your vet or emergency clinic immediately. You can also call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline 24/7 for guidance. Treatment within 24 hours greatly improves outcomes.

How can I prevent grape toxicity in dogs?

Avoid feeding grapes/raisins entirely. Check dog food ingredient labels. Store grapes safely out of reach. Supervise dogs around grapes. Educate family about grape dangers. Learn signs of toxicity. Have the vet/poison control hotline number handy.