No, dogs shouldn’t eat grapes or raisins in any amount. Grapes and their dried forms can cause sudden kidney injury in dogs, and there is no known safe amount. Because individual dogs can react differently, even a small amount should be taken seriously.
At Thanksgiving, grapes and raisins can turn up in more places than you might expect, from stuffing and raisin bread to cookies, salads and snack mixes. With guests coming and going, it can also be easier for dogs to grab something from a plate, countertop or trash can.
If your dog has just eaten grapes or raisins: Call your veterinarian, an emergency veterinary hospital or a pet poison control service now, even if your dog seems completely fine. Don’t make your dog vomit unless a veterinarian or poison control professional tells you to.
Why Are Grapes Bad for Dogs?
Grapes can be dangerous for dogs because they may cause acute kidney injury, which means the kidneys can become suddenly damaged and may stop working properly.
One of the challenges with grape poisoning is that dogs don’t all respond in the same way. Some dogs have become seriously ill after eating a small amount, while others may appear unaffected. There is no way to tell in advance which dogs will have a serious reaction.
The exact reason grapes cause kidney injury is still being investigated. Your veterinarian can provide the most up-to-date advice on what is currently understood about grape toxicity.
It’s also important not to assume that one type of grape is safer than another. Keep all grapes away from your dog, including:
- Green, red and purple grapes
- Seeded and seedless grapes
- Peeled grapes
- Raw grapes
- Grapes used in cooked dishes
The safest approach is simple: don’t give your dog grapes, and call your veterinarian if they have eaten any.
Can Dogs Eat Raisins?
No. Dogs shouldn’t eat raisins either. Raisins are dried grapes and can cause the same type of kidney injury. Golden raisins and Zante currants, which are small dried grapes, can cause the same kidney injury as raisins.
Raisins can be particularly easy for dogs to eat without their owners noticing. A dog might grab a piece of raisin bread, eat a cookie left within reach or get into a bag of trail mix. They can also be hidden inside dishes where you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find them.
Chocolate-covered raisins are another concern because they combine raisins with chocolate, which is also toxic to dogs. If your dog has eaten a food containing both, tell your veterinarian or poison control service exactly what they ate.
If you think your dog has eaten raisins, Zante currants or golden raisins, don’t wait for symptoms to appear before asking for advice.
Grapes and Grape Products: What’s Risky?
The safest choice is to keep grapes and grape products away from your dog unless your veterinarian has specifically advised otherwise.
| Food | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh grapes | Dangerous | Any color or type can pose a risk. |
| Raisins | Dangerous | Dried grapes can cause kidney injury. |
| Zante currants and golden raisins | Dangerous | These dried grape products can pose the same risk. |
| Baked goods containing raisins | Dangerous | Check cookies, breads, cakes and other recipes carefully. |
| Grape juice, jelly or jam | Ask your veterinarian | If your dog has eaten a grape product, tell your veterinarian exactly what it was and how much they ate. |
If you’re unsure whether a food contains grapes, raisins or another potentially toxic ingredient, check the packaging or recipe and keep it available when you call your veterinarian.
Signs of Grape or Raisin Poisoning in Dogs
Signs can take time to appear, so a dog that looks normal after eating grapes or raisins may still need urgent veterinary attention.
Possible signs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Not wanting to eat
- Belly pain or discomfort
- Changes in how much your dog drinks
- Changes in how often your dog urinates
- Passing very little urine or being unable to urinate
Kidney injury can develop after the initial signs, which is why waiting to see whether your dog becomes sick isn’t recommended.
If your dog has eaten grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian, an emergency veterinary hospital or a pet poison control service right away, even if they have no symptoms.
For more information about other foods and household items that can be toxic to pets, see our guide to common household toxins and what to do in case of poisoning.
My Dog Ate Grapes or Raisins. What Should I Do?
If you know or suspect your dog has eaten grapes, raisins, Zante currants or golden raisins, treat it as an emergency. Don’t wait for symptoms.
1. Remove any remaining food
Move your dog away from the food and make sure they can’t eat any more.
2. Figure out what they ate
If you can, find out what food your dog ate and roughly how much. Note when it happened and your dog’s weight. Keep the packaging, ingredient list or recipe if you have it. This can help your veterinarian or poison control service understand what your dog has been exposed to.
3. Call for advice right away
Contact your veterinarian, an emergency veterinary hospital or a pet poison control service. Two national resources commonly used by pet owners are the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and Pet Poison Helpline. Tell them what your dog ate, approximately how much, when they ate it and whether they have any symptoms.
4. Don’t make your dog vomit unless you’re told to
Do not try to make your dog vomit at home unless a veterinarian or poison control professional specifically tells you to. They can assess the situation and tell you what, if anything, should be done next.
5. Go to an emergency veterinary hospital when needed
If your dog is very unwell, or you need help outside your veterinarian’s normal hours, go to an emergency veterinary hospital.
You can also learn more about when a dog needs emergency veterinary care.
The important thing is not to wait for your dog to become visibly sick before getting advice. Early veterinary assessment can help determine the safest next step.
What the Vet May Do
Your veterinarian will decide what treatment is appropriate based on what your dog ate, when they ate it, how they are feeling and other factors.
Depending on the situation, treatment may include safely making your dog vomit, activated charcoal, IV fluids and blood tests to monitor kidney function.
Your veterinarian may also recommend monitoring and repeat testing because kidney injury can develop after the initial exposure.
Thanksgiving Foods That Can Hide Grapes and Raisins
Thanksgiving meals can contain grapes and raisins in dishes that don’t immediately look like a risk to dogs. Checking recipes and keeping food out of reach can help prevent an accidental exposure.
| Dish or food | Where grapes or raisins can hide | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Stuffing and dressing | Some recipes contain raisins or other dried fruit | Check the recipe and keep the dish away from your dog. |
| Rolls and raisin bread | Raisins may be mixed throughout the dough | Don’t leave bread or rolls unattended where your dog can reach them. |
| Oatmeal raisin cookies and pies | Raisins may be easy to miss in baked goods | Keep desserts on counters or tables your dog can’t access. |
| Salads | Grapes may be added to Waldorf, broccoli or chicken salads | Don’t share salads with your dog unless you’ve checked every ingredient. |
| Cheese and appetizer boards | Grapes and dried fruit are often served alongside cheese | Keep the whole board out of reach. |
| Trail mix and snack bowls | Raisins and other dried fruit may be mixed with nuts or other ingredients | Keep bowls and packets securely away from pets. |
A few simple precautions can make a big difference around a busy holiday meal:
- Keep prepared dishes away from the edge of counters and tables.
- Ask guests not to give your dog food from their plates.
- Clear plates and leftovers promptly rather than leaving them within reach.
- Keep trash cans securely closed, particularly if they contain food scraps.
- Give your dog a quiet space away from the kitchen and dining area if guests are making it difficult to keep track of what they can reach.
- Have dog-safe treats available if you want your dog to feel included.
And remember that grapes and raisins aren’t the only potential food hazards at Thanksgiving. Keep turkey bones, fatty leftovers, onions, garlic and other foods that may be unsafe for dogs out of reach.
For more on what dogs can and can’t eat from the Thanksgiving table, see our guide, Can Dogs Eat Turkey?
Other Times Grapes and Raisins Are Around
Grapes and raisins aren’t just a Thanksgiving concern. Around Christmas, they can appear in fruitcake, stollen, panettone and other festive baking. They’re also found in some Easter treats, children’s lunchboxes, trail mixes, picnic foods and cheese boards.
Chocolate is another common holiday hazard for dogs, so keep chocolate treats well out of reach too.
When preparing food for your family, check labels and recipes before leaving snacks where your dog can reach them. For more advice, see our
holiday safety tips for pets.
Dog-Safe Fruit Snacks Instead
If you’d like to share a little fruit with your dog, ask your veterinarian which options are appropriate for them. Some dogs may be able to enjoy small amounts of vet-approved fruits such as apple, banana, blueberries or strawberries.
Always prepare fruit safely, remove any seeds, pits, stems or other parts your veterinarian advises you to avoid, and keep portions small. If your dog has a medical condition or follows a special diet, check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods.
Get Help From Hometown Veterinary Partners
If your dog has eaten grapes or raisins, don’t wait for symptoms before seeking advice. Call your veterinarian, an emergency veterinary hospital or a pet poison control service as soon as possible.
For non-emergency concerns, Hometown Veterinary Partners offers same-day appointments to help when your dog needs veterinary attention. Hometown is not a 24-hour emergency veterinary service, so dogs who need emergency care should be seen at an emergency veterinary hospital.
Book an appointment or find a Hometown Veterinary Partners location.
Frequently Asked Questions
My dog ate one grape. What should I do?
Call your veterinarian now, even if your dog seems completely fine. There is no known safe amount of grapes for dogs, and individual dogs can react differently. Note when your dog ate the grape and, if possible, your dog’s weight. Don’t make your dog vomit unless you’re told to.
How long after eating grapes does a dog get sick?
Signs can take hours to appear, and kidney problems may develop over the following days. That means you shouldn’t wait to see whether your dog becomes sick before calling your veterinarian. If your dog has eaten grapes or raisins, seek veterinary or poison control advice right away, even if they appear normal.
Are Zante currants and golden raisins dangerous for dogs too?
Yes. Zante currants and golden raisins used in foods are dried grape products and can pose the same risk as raisins. They can be easy to overlook in baked goods, fruit mixes and other recipes, so check ingredient labels carefully. If your dog has eaten them, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control service.
Can dogs eat grape jelly or drink grape juice?
Don’t give grape products to your dog without first checking with your veterinarian. If your dog has already eaten grape jelly, jam, juice or another grape-based product, tell your veterinarian exactly what they consumed and approximately how much. They can advise you on the appropriate next step based on the specific product.
My dog ate stuffing with raisins at Thanksgiving. Is that an emergency?
Treat it as an emergency and call a professional now. Stuffing may also contain onions or garlic, which are toxic to dogs. Tell the veterinary professional about every ingredient you know was in the stuffing, not just the raisins.
