Can dogs and cats eat Grapes and raisins?
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. Cats appear to be affected less often but should also never have them.
Why
Tartaric acid is the leading suspect; exact mechanism not fully confirmed
Signs to watch for
- vomiting (often within hours)
- diarrhoea
- lethargy
- loss of appetite
- abdominal pain
- reduced or no urination
Good to know
No known safe dose — some dogs react to a few grapes while others eat more without signs. Treat any amount as an emergency. Dried fruit (raisins, sultanas) in cakes, granola and bread counts.
If you think your pet has been poisoned
If you suspect your dog or cat has eaten or touched something poisonous, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately, even if your pet seems fine – some poisons take hours or days to show signs, and early treatment works best. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to, as this can cause more harm. Take the packaging, label or a piece of the plant with you, and note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.
Sources
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Grape, Raisin and Tamarind Toxicosis in Dogs
- Pet Poison Helpline – Grapes
- PDSA – Grape, raisin, currant and sultana poisoning in dogs
- ASPCA – People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
Checked against these sources in October 2026.