--- title: "Can dogs eat grapes? The risks every pet parent should know" id: "6621" type: "post" slug: "can-dogs-eat-grapes" published_at: "2026-08-27T07:05:18+00:00" modified_at: "2026-08-27T07:05:20+00:00" url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/can-dogs-eat-grapes/" markdown_url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/can-dogs-eat-grapes.md" excerpt: "If your dog has a habit of hanging around the kitchen waiting for something tasty to hit the floor, there’s one fruit you definitely don’t want them snapping up: grapes. Grapes, along with their dried cousins, raisins, sultanas, and currants,..." taxonomy_category: - "Health & wellness" --- [Pet Talk](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/) [Health & wellness](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/category/health-and-wellness/) Can dogs eat grapes? The risks every pet parent should know Health & wellness # Can dogs eat grapes? The risks every pet parent should know Written by our RSPCA Pet Insurance Team 27 Aug, 2026 - 7 min read If your dog has a habit of hanging around the kitchen waiting for something tasty to hit the floor, there’s one fruit you definitely don’t want them snapping up: grapes. Grapes, along with their dried cousins, raisins, sultanas, and currants, are toxic to dogs and can result in kidney failure. That’s why the safest approach is to keep grapes and grape products out of your dog’s reach and contact your vet promptly if they ever get hold of some. In this guide, we explain why grapes are toxic to dogs, why they should never be fed to dogs, the signs of grape poisoning to look out for, and how pet insurance may be able to help with vet costs if your dog ingests something toxic. **Table of contents** - [Can dogs eat grapes?](#can-dogs-eat-grapes) - [Why are grapes toxic to dogs?](#why-are-grapes-toxic-to-dogs) - [Why is there no safe amount of grapes for dogs?](#why-is-there-no-safe-amount-of-grapes-for-dogs) - [Signs of grape poisoning in dogs](#signs-of-grape-poisoning-in-dogs) - [What to do if your dog eats grapes](#what-to-do-if-your-dog-eats-grapes) - [What about raisins, sultanas, grape juice, and wine?](#what-about-raisins-sultanas-grape-juice-and-wine) - [Other foods that are harmful to dogs](#other-foods-that-are-harmful-to-dogs) - [How pet insurance can help if your dog needs vet treatment](#how-pet-insurance-can-help-if-your-dog-needs-vet-treatment) ## Can dogs eat grapes? No. Grapes are toxic to dogs and should never be fed to them. The [RSPCA](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/what-should-i-feed-my-dog) lists grapes, along with their dried forms, sultanas, and raisins, among the human foods that should always be kept out of reach of pets. No amount of grapes is considered safe for dogs, so it’s best to avoid feeding them grapes altogether (no matter how convincing those puppy-dog eyes may be). ## Why are grapes toxic to dogs? For decades, vets knew grapes and raisins could cause kidney failure in dogs, but they didn’t quite know why. Research now points to tartaric acid, a natural acid found in grapes, as the likely culprit. According to the [Merck Veterinary Manual](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/grape-raisin-and-tamarind-vitis-spp-tamarindus-spp-toxicosis-in-dogs) , tartaric acid is thought to be responsible for grape toxicity in dogs. However, exactly why some dogs are affected more severely than others is not yet fully understood. For pet parents, the conclusion is simple: grapes and their dried forms are best kept firmly off the doggy menu. ## Why is there no safe amount of grapes for dogs? Unfortunately, no amount of grapes is considered safe for dogs. The exact toxic dose isn’t known, and any ingestion should be treated as potentially dangerous. One reason is that tartaric acid levels can vary between grape varieties and even by ripeness. Dogs can also respond differently to grape ingestion, and it’s not always possible to predict how your dog will be affected based solely on the amount ingested. It’s worth remembering this with puppies too. The RSPCA’s [puppy feeding advice](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/puppies/what-should-i-feed-my-puppy) lists grapes and raisins among the foods to keep away from young dogs. No amount of grapes or raisins is considered safe for puppies. If your puppy or dog has eaten grapes or you suspect they may have, contact your vet for advice as soon as possible. ## Signs of grape poisoning in dogs The first signs usually appear within six to 24 hours of your dog eating grapes or raisins. However, signs can vary between dogs, and not all dogs will be affected in the same way. Vomiting is typically the most common early sign. Other signs include diarrhoea, loss of appetite, drooling, lethargy, and a tender or painful abdomen. Grape ingestion can result in serious kidney damage in dogs. If you know or suspect your dog has eaten grapes, raisins, sultanas, or currants, contact your vet immediately, even if your dog appears well. While vomiting, diarrhoea, and unusual tiredness can have many causes other than grape poisoning, they can be signs that something isn’t quite right. If you’re noticing any changes in your dog’s usual behaviour or health, whether you suspect grape ingestion or not, contact your vet for advice. ## What to do if your dog eats grapes If your dog eats any amount of grapes, raisins, sultanas or currants, call your vet or an emergency animal hospital straight away, even if your dog seems completely fine. Don’t wait for signs of poisoning to appear, and don’t try to make your dog vomit unless a vet specifically tells you to. Depending on when the grapes were eaten and your dog’s individual circumstances, your vet may induce vomiting. Further treatment may include intravenous fluids, blood tests, and hospital monitoring to keep an eye on your dog’s kidney function. Early treatment can make a real difference. Dogs who receive prompt vet care before significant kidney damage occurs generally have a better outlook. Because grape ingestion can result in serious illness, it’s important not to take a ‘wait and see’ approach. ## What about raisins, sultanas, grape juice, and wine? Raisins and sultanas are dried grapes, as are Zante currants. These products are also associated with grape poisoning and shouldn’t be fed to dogs. This includes grapes and dried grapes baked into cakes, muesli bars, trail mix, Christmas puddings, and any other products. Wine should never be given to dogs because it contains alcohol, which is toxic to dogs. If your dog has consumed grape juice, wine, or another grape product, contact your vet for advice. As a general rule, it’s safest to always keep human foods, including grape products and alcoholic drinks, out of your dog’s reach. ## Other foods that are harmful to dogs Grapes aren’t the only food worth keeping away from your dog. [Onions, garlic, and chocolate](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/foods-harmful-to-dogs-and-cats/) are also frequently listed as foods to avoid. Other foods that can be harmful to dogs also include avocado, mushrooms, tomatoes, cherries, xylitol, caffeine, raw dough, macadamia as well as other nuts, and fruit stones or some seeds. [Cooked bones](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/why-you-shouldnt-feed-your-dog-bones/) and corn cobs can also present risks, including choking or intestinal blockage. If you’re ever unsure whether something is safe to give your dog, it’s best to check with your vet first. ## How pet insurance can help if your dog needs vet treatment Grape poisoning can become an emergency quickly, and treatment can mean several days in hospital with ongoing blood tests and monitoring. That’s exactly the kind of unexpected vet bill [pet insurance is designed for](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/what-is-pet-insurance/) . With [RSPCA Pet Insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) , eligible accidents and illnesses are covered, so you don’t have to face these kinds of costs alone. Every policy also contributes to vital [RSPCA animal welfare initiatives](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-insurance-with-purpose/) . So, you’re not just protecting your own pet, you’re also supporting animals in need across Australia. To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click [here](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote [online](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . ### **Disclaimer** As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the [Product Disclosure Statement](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/product-disclosure-statement/) to make sure this cover suits your needs. **References** [1] RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase. *What are common household dangers for pets?* Available from: [https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/what-are-common-household-dangers-for-pets](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/what-are-common-household-dangers-for-pets) [2] Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. *Grape and raisin toxicity.* Available from: [https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/grape-and-raisin-toxicity](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/grape-and-raisin-toxicity) [3] Merck Veterinary Manual. *Grape, Raisin, and Tamarind (Vitis spp, Tamarindus spp) Toxicosis in Dogs.* Available from: [https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/grape-raisin-and-tamarind-vitis-spp-tamarindus-spp-toxicosis-in-dogs](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/grape-raisin-and-tamarind-vitis-spp-tamarindus-spp-toxicosis-in-dogs) [4] Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia). *Grapes & raisin toxicity in dogs: signs, treatment & prevention.* Available from: [https://www.animalpoisons.com.au/news/grapes-and-your-dog/](https://www.animalpoisons.com.au/news/grapes-and-your-dog/) [5] RSPCA South Australia. *10 human foods that are bad for dogs (and what to give them instead).* Available from: [https://www.rspcasa.org.au/what-not-to-feed-dogs/](https://www.rspcasa.org.au/what-not-to-feed-dogs/) [6] RSPCA Australia. *What should I feed my dog?* RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: [https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/what-should-i-feed-my-dog](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/what-should-i-feed-my-dog) [7] RSPCA Australia. *What should I feed my puppy?* RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: [https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/puppies/what-should-i-feed-my-puppy](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/puppies/what-should-i-feed-my-puppy) ## FAQs ### Can dogs eat grapes? No. Grapes, as well as raisins, sultanas, and currants, are toxic to dogs, and should never be fed to them. There is no known safe amount, and some dogs can become seriously ill after eating even a small quantity. If your dog has eaten grapes, raisins, sultanas, or currants, contact your vet immediately for advice, even if they seem well. ### How long after eating grapes do dogs show signs of poisoning? Signs don’t always appear straight away. Early signs, such as vomiting, often develop within a few hours of ingestion. However, kidney damage may take one to three days to become apparent on blood tests. Because serious effects may be delayed, don’t wait for your dog to become unwell before seeking advice. If your dog has eaten grapes, raisins, sultanas, or currants, contact your vet as soon as possible, even if they seem completely normal. ### Are raisins and sultanas as dangerous for dogs as fresh grapes? Yes. Raisins, sultanas, and currants are all forms of dried grapes and are toxic to dogs. That means foods containing them can be a risk too (think fruit cake, hot cross buns, raisin toast, trail mix, and other baked goods). If your dog has eaten something containing grapes, raisins, sultanas, or currants, contact your vet for advice. ### Is grape juice or wine safe for dogs? No, wine should never be given to dogs because it contains alcohol, which is toxic to dogs. If your dog has consumed grape juice, wine, or another grape product, contact your vet for advice. The safest approach is to keep grape products and alcoholic drinks out of your dog’s reach. ### How can pet insurance help if my dog eats grapes? Grape poisoning can become an emergency fast, and treatment can mean several days in hospital with ongoing blood tests and monitoring. That’s exactly the kind of unexpected vet bill [pet insurance is designed for](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/what-is-pet-insurance/) . With [RSPCA Pet Insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) , eligible accidents and illnesses are covered, so you don’t have to face these kinds of costs alone. Every policy also contributes to vital [RSPCA animal welfare initiatives](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-insurance-with-purpose/) . So, you’re not just protecting your own pet, you’re also supporting animals in need across Australia. To learn more, visit the RSPCA Pet Insurance [website](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) or get a commitment-free quote [online](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) today. As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the [Product Disclosure Statement](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/product-disclosure-statement/) to make sure this cover suits your needs. [See more](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/faqs/) ## Related blogs [Can dogs eat Vegemite? Understanding the risks involved Aug 2026 - 7 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/can-dogs-eat-vegemite/) [Cushing’s disease in dogs: signs, causes, and treatment explained Aug 2026 - 7 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/cushings-disease-in-dogs/) [Flea and tick treatment for dogs: an Australian pet owner’s guide Aug 2026 - 11 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/flea-and-tick-treatment-for-dogs/)