Dog parents want to share everything with their furry family member, including tasty snacks. However, some foods that seem harmless can actually be toxic for dogs. Grapes and raisins are among the most toxic foods your canine companion can eat.
Why Are Grapes and Raisins So Dangerous?
Scientists have recently discovered that tartaric acid and its salt form are likely the toxic parts of grapes and raisins. These chemicals are found in high amounts in fresh grapes, raisins, sultanas, and Zante currants. The scary part is that we don’t know exactly how many grapes or raisins will make a dog sick. Some dogs might get very ill from just a few grapes, while others might eat more and show fewer signs. Because we can’t predict which dogs will be affected, any amount should be treated as dangerous.
ASPCA toxicologists revealed what the suspected toxic component in grapes and raisins was (tartaric acid) in a 2022 research study published in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. Since dogs are not able to process tartaric acid, exposure to grapes and raisins can lead to gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, excessive thirst, tremors, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, irreversible kidney damage.
Veterinary professionals have long known that grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, but the specific toxic agent had not been clearly identified. While evaluating clinical signs, laboratory findings, and histopathological lesions in animals exposed to cream of tartar and tamarinds—substances that often cause kidney damage—ASPCA toxicologists discovered that the kidneys of affected dogs resembled those of dogs exposed to grapes and raisins. From these observations, the toxicologists concluded that the harmful agent in all these cases, including poisonings involving tamarinds, cream of tartar, grapes, and raisins, is tartaric acid.
What Happens When Dogs Eat Grapes or Raisins?
The main concern is acute kidney injury, which can be life-threatening. Signs usually show up within 6 to 24 hours after your dog eats grapes or raisins. Watch for these early warning signs:
- Vomiting (this happens most often)
- Diarrhea
- Not wanting to eat
- Being very tired
- Drooling more than usual
- Belly pain
If the poisoning gets worse over 1 to 3 days, you might notice:
- Drinking and urinating much more than normal
- Weakness or trouble walking
- Swollen legs
- Shaking or seizures
- Unable to urinate at all
What Should You Do Right Away?
If your dog eats any grapes or raisins, don’t wait to see if symptoms appear. Call your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately. You can also contact these poison control hotlines:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
- Pet Poison Helpline
Tell them exactly what your dog ate, how much, and when it happened. Time is very important because early treatment gives your dog the best chance of recovery.
Treatment and Recovery
There’s no specific cure for grape poisoning, so treatment focuses on getting the fruit out of your dog’s system and supporting their body while it heals. Your vet might make your dog vomit and give IV fluids in the hospital. Dogs need careful monitoring for at least two days with blood tests to check kidney function.
The good news is that dogs who get treatment quickly and never develop symptoms usually do very well. However, once kidney problems start, the situation becomes more serious.
Prevention is always better than treatment. Never give your dog or cat grapes, raisins, or foods containing them. Keep these foods stored safely away from curious noses, and make sure your trash cans are secure. Dog and cat owners both should be more cautious when using products containing tartaric acid, including homemade playdough and tamarind paste.
