Are Raisins Bad for Dogs? Yes—What to Do If They Ate Any (Grapes Too)

“Can dogs eat grapes?” is one of those questions where the safest answer is simple: don’t risk it. Grapes (and especially raisins) can cause sudden kidney injury in some dogs, and we still can’t predict which dogs will react badly or what dose will trigger it.

This guide shows what to do today if your dog ate any grapes/raisins, what symptoms to watch for, and safer fruit alternatives.

Quick answer

No—dogs should not eat grapes or raisins. In some dogs, even small amounts can be toxic and may cause serious illness. If your dog ate any grapes or raisins, don’t “wait and see”—contact a veterinarian or a poison hotline as soon as possible.

Do this now (5-minute checklist):

Remove any remaining grapes/raisins and stop access (trash, trail mix, baked goods).
Estimate what was eaten (grapes vs raisins), how much, and when (minutes/hours ago). Save the packaging if relevant.
Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a vet tells you to.
Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away—early treatment is time-sensitive.

Go now / call urgently if any of these apply:

Your dog is vomiting, very lethargic, shaking, has diarrhea, seems painful, or won’t drink water
You’re not sure how much was eaten
Your dog is very small, a puppy, a senior, or has kidney disease/other chronic illness

What symptoms to watch for (even if your dog seems fine at first):
vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, tiredness, belly pain, increased thirst, or changes in urination.

If your dog already ate raisins, follow this step-by-step emergency guide: Dog Ate Raisins: What to Do Today (Emergency Steps + When to Call a Vet)

Not sure about another food? Use the quick checker here: Food Safety Checker.

Steps

Step 1 — Confirm what was eaten (and when)

Quickly gather:

What it was: grapes, raisins, sultanas, currants, trail mix, cookies, granola, bread, etc.
How much (best estimate is fine)
When it happened (minutes ago vs hours ago)
Your dog’s size and any health issues

You’ll be asked these when you call a vet.

Step 2 — Call a vet/ER clinic first (don’t “watch and wait”)

With grapes/raisins, the risk is that kidney injury can start before obvious symptoms. The best outcomes happen when you get early advice and treatment.

If it’s after hours, call:

Your local veterinary emergency hospital/urgent care
Your regular vet’s after-hours line (if available)

Step 3 — Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to

Some dogs should not be made to vomit (risk of aspiration, breathing issues, seizure history, certain anatomy/conditions). A vet will decide if inducing vomiting is appropriate based on time since ingestion and your dog’s risk factors.

Step 4 — Don’t “balance it out” with food, milk, or extra water

Home “antidotes” don’t neutralize grapes/raisins. Giving random foods can delay proper care or make nausea worse.

If your dog seems thirsty, you can offer normal access to water, but don’t force water.

Step 5 — Watch for early warning signs (but don’t rely on them)

Symptoms that can appear include:

Vomiting, diarrhea
Lethargy, weakness, not acting normal
Abdominal discomfort
Decreased appetite
Increased thirst or changes in urination

Important: some dogs can look okay at first—this is why calling early matters.

Step 6 — After the vet plan, keep meals simple for 24–48 hours

If your vet has cleared the immediate risk or your dog is being monitored:

Keep meals plain and predictable
Avoid new treats/chews and “extras”
Track water intake, energy, vomiting/diarrhea, and urination

If your dog’s stool becomes soft after stress or a diet change during this period, use this guide:
Soft Stool During a Dog Food Transition: What to Do + When to Worry

Vet red flags

Call a vet urgently if:

Any grape/raisin ingestion is suspected (even “a few”)
Repeated vomiting/diarrhea, blood in vomit/stool, or obvious belly pain
Severe lethargy, weakness, collapse, trembling
Not drinking, signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes)
Very small dogs, puppies, seniors, or dogs with known kidney disease

Why we treat this as urgent (authoritative references):

ASPCA Animal Poison Control lists grapes/raisins among foods that can be dangerous to pets, and advises contacting a professional resource promptly after exposure:
People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets ASPCA
Merck/MSD Veterinary Manual explains that gastrointestinal signs (vomiting/diarrhea), abdominal pain, dehydration, and appetite changes can be important warning signs in digestive illness—exactly the cluster we use for “don’t wait” guidance:
Introduction to Digestive Disorders of Dogs MSD (Merck) Veterinary Manual

If you’re unsure whether your dog’s reduced appetite is already “too long,” use:
How Long Can a Dog Go Without Eating? Safe Limits + When to Worry