Dogs · FAQ
Can dogs eat grapes or raisins?
Gilbert JonesResearch summary · sources below · Reviewed October 17, 2026
Why grapes are dangerous
Vets have known for years that grapes and raisins can damage a dog’s kidneys, but nobody knew why. In 2022 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reported that the likely culprit is tartaric acid, a natural acid found in grapes.
The amount of tartaric acid in grapes varies a lot, from about 0.35% to 2%. That is why one dog can eat a handful with no problem while another gets very sick from a few. You can’t tell in advance which one your dog will be.
What counts
- Fresh grapes of any colour, seeded or seedless
- Raisins, sultanas and currants
- Foods that contain them: fruit cake, hot cross buns, trail mix, cereal bars
- Cream of tartar and tamarind, which are also high in tartaric acid
What to do if your dog eats some
- Call your vet, an emergency clinic or a pet poison helpline right away. In the US, ASPCA Animal Poison Control is (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
- Don’t wait for signs. Treatment works best early, often by making the dog vomit and giving fluids.
- Tell them roughly how much your dog ate, when, and your dog’s weight.
Early signs can include vomiting, diarrhoea, low energy and not eating. Later signs of kidney trouble include drinking and peeing much more, or much less, than usual.
What the evidence says
Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney injury in dogs
Strong evidenceMany documented cases from poison control records and vet reports show the same pattern of kidney damage.
Tartaric acid is the toxic part of grapes
Moderate evidenceIdentified in 2022 from poison control cases, including a dog harmed by homemade playdough made with cream of tartar. Convincing, but based on case reports rather than controlled studies.
A few grapes are safe for a big dog
Not supported evidenceTartaric acid levels vary widely between grapes, so the risk can’t be predicted from size or amount. Vets treat any amount as an emergency.
Related notes
Is chocolate dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs clear very slowly. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Cocoa powder and baking chocolate are the worst, white chocolate has very little.
A warm, dry nose means your dog is sick
Not true. A dog’s nose changes temperature and wetness through the day. A healthy dog can have a warm, dry nose and a sick dog can have a cold, wet one. Look at eating, drinking, energy and behaviour instead.
Dogs only see in black and white
Not true. Dogs see colour, just fewer colours than we do. They see blues and yellows well, while reds and greens look dull, greyish or brownish to them.