Red: toxic
No, dogs must not eat grapes or raisins. Both can lead to acute kidney failure in dogs.
Why grapes are dangerous
According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, tartaric acid is suspected to be the toxic component in grapes, raisins and dried currants. Dogs lack certain transporters that other animal species use to excrete these organic acids. The acid accumulates in the kidneys. Because the content varies between fruits, dogs react very differently, and there is no safe amount. Tamarinds are also on the list. Currants of the genus Ribes, however, have not been linked to kidney damage.
What are the signs?
Most dogs vomit or develop diarrhoea within 6 to 12 hours. Other signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weakness and intense thirst. Kidney failure can develop within 24 to 72 hours. Acting quickly is therefore essential, even if the dog initially seems well.
What to watch for
- Hidden raisins count too: muesli, stollen, raisin buns, trail mix and cakes.
- Do not eat grapes while walking or leave them on the coffee table.
- Explain the risks to children who like to share.
What if your dog has eaten grapes?
Act immediately; do not wait. Call your vet or an emergency veterinary service and explain what your dog ate, roughly how much, when it happened and how much your dog weighs. According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, early treatment at the practice and intravenous fluids are crucial. Do not give home remedies or induce vomiting yourself.
If you suspect poisoning, take your dog to a vet or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Snacks count towards the daily food allowance. Our free food calculator works out how much your dog needs, and you can find a complete feeding plan with guidelines for treats in our book “Hundeernährung und Futterplan” (book in German). New to life with a puppy? Our free Puppy Starter Pack can help. And if you would love to see your dog on your living room wall, explore our dog portraits from your own photo, available as a framed portrait or digital file.
Further reading
- Christmas with your dog: what to arrange beforehand
- Puppy checklist: essentials and the first 3 days
- Calculating your dog’s food allowance
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: MSD Veterinary Manual, Grape, Raisin, and Tamarind (Vitis spp, Tamarindus spp) Toxicosis in Dogs; ASPCA Animal Poison Control, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (Grapes and Raisins).
The links to our books are affiliate links. Buying through them supports us at no extra cost to you.
