Today, we’re diving into a crucial query: “Can dogs eat grapes?” And this goes for raisins too, which are just dried grapes. The answer is easy: No, dogs should never eat grapes.
Many of us have pondered why can dogs not eat them, what would happen if they ate one, and how bad can they really be?
Why Can’t Dogs Eat Grapes?
Grapes are surprisingly toxic to dogs. Despite extensive research, the specific toxic compound in grapes remains a mystery.
This toxicity is not dose-dependent, meaning even a tiny amount can be harmful. It’s crucial to understand that any grape or grape product can pose a significant risk to your dog’s health.
What Types of Grapes Are Dangerous to Dogs?
All types of grapes, whether cooked, seedless, peeled, dried, or fresh, are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. You should also avoid giving your dog any grape products such as sultana, raisins, juices, jelly, or jam.
Wine and grape juice such as Chardonnay & Merlot are also believed to be poisonous to dogs. The toxic component, potentially linked to tartaric acid found in grapes, varies with the fruit’s ripeness, making every form potentially dangerous.
Can a Single Grape Kill a Dog?
The question, “Can one grape kill a dog?” is a valid concern. The answer is that even a small number of grapes can be toxic. Reactions vary widely among individual dogs.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Grapes?
If you find yourself asking, “What to do if my dog ate grapes?” or “My dog ate 2 grapes, should I worry?” the answer is a resounding yes.
How about in the cases where “my dog ate a grape but seems fine, what should I do?”. Even if your dog seems fine after eating a grape, immediate veterinary consultation is crucial due to the unpredictability of the toxic reaction.
Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 ($85 USD per incident fee applies).
Symptoms of Grape Poisoning in Dogs
The early symptom of grape or raisin toxicity is often vomiting, usually within 24 hours after ingestion.
Lack of appetite, lethargy, and possibly diarrhea are also common within the next 12-24 hours.
More severe signs, indicating acute kidney damage, include nausea, uremic breath, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, and urination, and may not appear until 24-48 hours after ingestion.
Preventing Grape Poisoning in Your Dog
Prevention is key. Take note of food that has grape in it, such as wine cakes, raisin bread, raisin cookies, cereal bars, granola mix, waldorf salad etc. Always check food labels before sharing with your dog, and educate everyone in your household about the dangers of grapes to dogs.
Be especially cautious with visitors who might unknowingly offer harmful treats to your pooch.
Misleading Online Calculators
Beware of “grape toxicity calculators” online. They may not accurately predict your dog’s reaction. No proven amount is safe.
Can Puppies Have Grapes?
Absolutely not. Puppies, like adult dogs, should never be given grapes due to the same risks of toxicity and potential kidney failure.
Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Grapes?
In summary, can dogs eat grapes? The answer is a definitive no.
The risks are significant, and the consequences potentially severe. Always err on the side of caution and keep grapes and their products out of reach from your beloved pets.
Stay vigilant and informed to ensure the health and happiness of your furry family member!
Additional Guides on Dog-Friendly Foods:
Explore what your pup can and can’t safely eat
- Can Dogs Eat Corn? Read This Before You Share The Cob!
- How to Switch Your Dog’s Diet: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Can Dogs Eat Chocolate? Uncover the Shocking Risks and Prevention Tips
References:
[1] Acute kidney injury in dogs following ingestion of cream of tartar and tamarinds and the connection to tartaric acid as the proposed toxic principle in grapes and raisins by Colette A Wegenast, Irina D Meadows, Rachele E Anderson, Teresa Southard, Cristy Rocío González Barrientos, Tina A Wismer
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35869755/
[2] Acute Renal Failure in Dogs After the Ingestion of Grapes orRaisins: A Retrospective Evaluation of 43 Dogs (1992–2002) by Paul A. Eubig, Melinda S. Brady, Sharon M. Gwaltney-Brant, Safdar A. Khan, Elisa M. Mazzaferro, andCarla M.K. Morrow
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2005.tb02744.x
[3] Toxicosis with grapes or raisins causing acute kidney injuryand neurological signs in dogs by Ariane Schweighauser, Diana Henke, Anna Oevermann, Corinne Gurtner, Thierry Francey
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jvim.15884
