Raisins (and grapes, currants, and sultanas) are a true emergency food for dogs because they can trigger acute kidney injury in some dogs—and there’s no reliable way to predict which dog will be affected or how much is “safe.”
If your dog ate any raisins (even a small amount), treat it as time-sensitive: the sooner you contact a vet, the better the outcome.
Quick answer
No—dogs should not eat raisins. If your dog ate any raisins, call your vet or an animal poison hotline right now and follow their instructions.
Don’t wait for symptoms. Some dogs look fine at first, then develop vomiting, lethargy, and signs of kidney injury later. The safest approach is: assume risk, act fast, and get professional guidance immediately.
Not sure what your dog ate? Use the Food Safety Checker here:
Food Safety Checker (Can Dogs Eat This?)
Paste this line at the end of the Quick answer paragraph:
Authority source: Grape/raisin toxicity in dogs is documented as a cause of acute kidney injury; there is no reliably “safe” dose. [Merck Vet Manual]
Steps
Step 1 — Call a vet now (don’t “watch and wait”)
Tell them: your dog ate raisins, roughly how many, and when. Even if the amount seems tiny, the recommendation is usually to treat this as urgent.
If your regular vet is closed, contact an urgent-care clinic or an animal poison hotline for triage guidance.
Step 2 — Collect the details your vet will ask for (2 minutes)
Before you call (or while you’re on the phone), write down:
- Your dog’s weight
- Time of ingestion (estimate if unsure)
- What form: plain raisins, trail mix, raisin bread, cookies, cereal, etc.
- Any current symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, sleepiness)
- Any medical history (especially kidney disease, diabetes, very small/young/senior)
Bring the packaging if you’re heading to the clinic.
⚠️ Trail Mix Warning: If your dog ate Trail Mix, check for Macadamia Nuts too. They cause leg weakness and paralysis. See the Macadamia Nut Emergency Guide
Step 3 — Don’t try home “fixes” unless a vet tells you to
Avoid:
- Salt water, hydrogen peroxide, “natural detox,” activated charcoal at home (unless instructed)
- Making your dog vomit without professional direction (it can be unsafe in some cases)
Your vet may recommend decontamination and IV fluids depending on timing and risk—those decisions should be guided by a professional.
Step 4 — If you’re within the early window, act immediately
If ingestion was recent, your vet may prioritize treatment quickly. Timing matters most in the first hours—so don’t delay.
If your dog ate raisins as part of baked goods (raisin bread/cookies), still treat it as urgent.
Step 5 — Watch closely for the next 48 hours (even if your dog seems fine)
Raisin toxicity can progress. Your vet may recommend monitoring and/or bloodwork to check kidney values.
Common early signs can include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Low appetite
- Lethargy / “not themselves”
- Increased thirst or changes in urination
If anything worsens, go in immediately.
Vet red flags
Go to a vet today / emergency if your dog has any of these:
- Repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, or can’t keep water down
- Extreme lethargy, weakness, collapse, tremors
- Abdominal pain, bloating, or obvious distress
- Not peeing, peeing much less than normal, or signs of dehydration (dry gums)
- Your dog is a puppy, senior, very small breed, or has known kidney issues
Next steps
Pick the path that matches your situation:
• I need a fast safety check for another food:
Food Safety Checker
• I want the full grapes/raisins guide (including prevention):
Can Dogs Eat Grapes or Raisins? No—What to Do If They Ate Any
• I’m worried about a different toxin (quick action steps):
Dog Ate Chocolate: What to Do Today
• I think my dog ate xylitol (urgent):
Can Dogs Eat Xylitol? No—What to Do If They Ate Any (Today)
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice.
Related guides
Can Dogs Eat Grapes or Raisins? No—What to Do If They Ate Any
Dog Ate Chocolate: What to Do Today
Can Dogs Eat Xylitol? No—What to Do If They Ate Any (Today)
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? Safe Amount + When It’s Not Safe
