Can Dogs and Cats Eat Grapes and Raisins?
By the VetVerdict team · Last updated October 18, 2026 · General information, not veterinary advice
Dogs
ToxicEmergencyGrapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. The toxic mechanism isn't fully understood, so any amount should be treated as an emergency.
Cats
ToxicEmergencyGrapes are considered similarly risky for cats, with the same potential for acute kidney injury, though fewer cases are reported simply because cats eat them less often.
Why grapes and raisins are so risky
Nobody has fully explained why grapes harm dogs. Recent research has pointed to tartaric acid as a likely culprit, but sensitivity varies enormously from dog to dog — some become seriously ill from a small amount while others seem unaffected. Because it is impossible to predict which dog will react badly, vets do not try to calculate a "safe" dose.
Where grapes hide in everyday life
Every kind counts: red, green, seedless, organic, store-bought and homegrown. Dried fruit is more concentrated, so raisins, sultanas and currants are a particular concern. They also turn up in trail mix, cereal, granola bars, raisin bread, cookies, and in grape juice and jelly.
There are fewer documented cases in cats, but because the cause is not fully understood, it is wise to treat grapes as a hazard for cats as well.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting, sometimes with pieces of grape or raisin
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Later: little or no urine, bad breath, and collapse as the kidneys fail
Early vomiting often appears within hours; kidney damage can develop over the following day or two. Treatment works best when it starts before symptoms appear.
What to do
Call your vet or poison control immediately, even if your pet seems fine. Early treatment may include making your pet vomit under professional guidance, IV fluids, and monitoring of kidney values over several days.
Safer alternatives
Good fruit options for dogs include blueberries, strawberries, and seedless watermelon in small portions. Use our Food & Plant Safety Checker to look up other fruits.
Frequently asked questions
My dog ate one grape. Should I worry?
Call anyway. Some dogs eat a few grapes with no problem, but there is no way to know in advance whether yours will be one of them, and early treatment is far more effective than waiting.
Are grapes safe for cats?
They are not recommended. Cats are rarely reported to eat grapes, so there is less data, but the safest approach is to keep them away from both species.