ToxicEmergency
Can dogs eat grapes? No: toxic
Toxic. Grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts, and no safe amount is known.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.
- Go to the vet right away, even if your dog seems fine.
- Move your dog away from any remaining grapes.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Don't wait for signs; kidney failure can develop days later.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Belly pain
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Ammonia-smelling breath
When signs appear: Vomiting often within 6-24 hours; kidney failure can follow within 1-3 days
Why
The exact toxin is not known for certain; tartaric acid is the leading suspect. Reactions are unpredictable and don't clearly depend on how much was eaten.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Grape, Raisin, and Tamarind Toxicosis in Dogs
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Grape, Raisin, and Currant Poisoning in Dogs
- Pet Poison Helpline: Are Grapes and Raisins Poisonous to Dogs?
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.