Can dogs eat grapes & raisins? And cats?
Toxic. Even a few grapes or raisins can cause acute kidney failure in some dogs.
Assumed toxic. Evidence is thinner for cats, so treat any amount as an emergency.
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, and sensitivity varies unpredictably between individual animals: some dogs react to a handful. The toxic mechanism (likely tartaric acid) was only recently identified. There is no established safe amount, so any ingestion warrants a call to your vet.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Drinking or urinating more or less than usual
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control people-foods guidance, Merck Veterinary Manual, Pet Poison Helpline. Verdicts are conservative by design: where evidence is thin we choose the stricter rating.
This is general educational information, not veterinary advice. When in doubt about your own pet, ask your veterinarian.
If your pet just ate something risky, act now: call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (consultation fees may apply).