Harper Jefcoat
Harper Jefcoat

Can Dogs Eat Grapes? A Big Fat ‘NO’! Know the Reasons Here

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Can Dogs Eat Grapes?

On This Page

  • Can Dogs Eat Grapes? Read Before You Feed!?
  • How Toxic Grapes Are For Dogs?
  • Why Can’t Dogs Eat Grapes?
  • My Dog Just Ate a Grape, What Should I Do?
  • Vitamins & Supplements Essential for your Dog

Dog owners know that dogs have an insatiable appetite for human food.

Unfortunately, not all fruits make a good treat for your pup. Some fruits could cause severe reactions or even lead to death in worst-case scenarios.

One fruit that should be off the menu is ‘Grapes’ - these little pieces of sweetness can fail your dog’s kidney.

Yes, and it’s a Fact!

Keep reading this blog, if you want to know why grapes are toxic and what are symptoms of grape toxicity in dogs.

Let's get started!

Can Dogs Eat Grapes? Read Before You Feed!?

No, grapes are highly toxic to dogs.

We know dogs are always on the hunt for a snack from their owners' plates. They are as curious about food as we are, but they don't have the ability to tell us what is and isn't safe. They also tend to eat anything on the ground, which can be an issue if you're not careful.

Grapes in particular can pose a severe problem because they contain acid that breaks down tissue in dogs' stomachs. In some cases, this has led to death from complications, including sepsis or peritonitis.

Learn more about it in the next section.

Can Dogs Eat Raisins Instead?

Ingestion of both grapes and raisins can be fatal to your pup.

Toxic substances within grapes or raisins are still unknown. But it’s a fact that grapes can lead your dog to kidney failure, which could even prove deadly if not treated immediately.

Raisins are the dried form of grapes and contain the same ingredients that could be toxic for your dog. So, it's best that we heed the warning for dogs when it comes to these tasty fruits.

What Types of Grapes or Raisins are Toxic to Dogs?

A lot of people ask can dogs eat grapes without the skin? Can dogs eat green seedless grapes? Or can dogs eat purple grapes?

No, not at all. They all are toxic to dogs.

All varieties ranging from seedless to homegrown or organic are toxic to your canine friends. Also, every color of grapes, such as red, green, and purple should be avoided when it comes to dogs, cats, or any pet.

In general, all types of grapes and grape products can set off a reaction that results in severe reactions.

Dried grape types such as raisins and sultanas can also be harmful if consumed by your dog - so watch out!

Some people will say that they know what grapes are safe for dogs, but this is simply not true. The acid in the fruit makes it a toxic snack no matter what color or variety it is.

How Toxic Grapes Are For Dogs?

Can a single grape kill a dog? Yes, even if just one grape was consumed, this could be fatal as well!

This is the reason why vets treat most dogs who've eaten grapes or raisins very aggressively.

All raisins and grapes are a problem: seedless, skinned out of the grocery store or out of the wine vineyard. Brutlag says it's unlikely that one grape will cause problems in medium to large dogs.

He adds, ‘In a small dog, like a Chihuahua, one grape could be enough to cause a problem.’ She says it’s heartbreaking when new dog owners don't know how toxic these common fruit snacks are to dogs.

The new dog owner sees the dog eat some raisins, the dog gets sick, and they had no idea they were causing the problem. They feel terrible because they were the ones to cause harm to their dog.’ she states.

So, it’s better to check fruit bowls before leaving your house so no accidents happen while you're gone.

Here are some other foods that are toxic for your dog:

  • Alcohol
  • Avocado
  • Citrus
  • Coconut and Coconut Oil
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Milk and Dairy
  • Nuts
  • Onions, Garlic, Chives
  • Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs, and Bones
  • Salt and Salty Snack Foods
  • Xylitol
  • Yeast Dough

Want to treat your pup with a fruity treat? Below are the fruits that are good for your dog.

Why Can’t Dogs Eat Grapes?

“What happens if a dog eats grapes?”

Dogs can’t eat grapes because it can cause grape poisoning or toxicity in dogs. The onset of grape poisoning symptoms begins within 12-24 hours after ingestion of grapes. But it can take up to 72 hours in some cases. Symptoms of grape toxicity in dogs include:

  • Dogs drink a lot of water, which causes frequent urination.
  • Decreased urination is also a sign of toxicity in dogs. If a dog is not urinating it is a sign of the kidney shutting down.
  • Abdominal pain (tender when touched).
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy, weakness, or unusual quietness
  • Bad breath
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea, often within a few hours of ingestion, as they try to expel the toxin from their system. You may see pieces of grapes or raisins in your dog's vomit, which is evidence that grapes have caused the sickness.
  • Dehydration leads to panting, dry nose and mouth, and pale gums. To check if your dog is dehydrated, gently pull up the skin at the back of their neck. This should spring right back into place as soon as you let go - any delay means there might be something wrong that means they need intravenous fluid.
  • Acute kidney failure, kidney damage

In case you witness any of these symptoms you can visit an ASPCA (animal poison control center) or contact your veterinarian for further guidance.

My Dog Just Ate a Grape, What Should I Do?

If your dog ate grapes then the first thing you need to do is to take the dog straight to the vet. Even if you suspect your dog has swallowed something that could be toxic, immediately contact a local veterinarian or pet emergency clinic for assistance.

Dogs have a different digestive system than humans and can't just brush it off as we can. So, it is more likely that their stomachs will be upset for days. The veterinarian might even recommend surgery in some cases.

While calling for assistance, there are some steps you can take in the meantime. Such as keeping an eye on their breathing and level of consciousness (and even trying to induce vomiting if they're conscious).

When your dog has eaten something toxic like grapes or raisins, a veterinarian may ask you to try to induce vomiting at home.

Brutlag says, ‘We want to get the grapes or raisins out of the stomach as soon as possible

A veterinarian may recommend giving your dog a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Also, guiding you on the correct dose for your dog's weight and age. You'll pour or squirt the hydrogen peroxide into the back of the dog's mouth or into the back of your dog's cheek.

Brutlag says, ‘If we get that grape or raisin back [in the vomit], the dog owner may be able to monitor the dog at home.’

But Brutlag warns that pet owners should NOT try to induce vomiting if the dog is struggling to breathe or unconscious, especially for brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs.

Their short, flat noses make them more likely to breathe in or aspirate vomit if they throw up (which can be fatal). Also, if you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic with the grapes or raisins (like a household chemical), vomiting is not safe for your dog, and you need to visit the veterinarian immediately.

Are Grape Seeds Bad for Dogs?

Grapes are a common allergy-inducing fruit, but grape seed extract seems to be safe for dogs with arthritis. Grape seeds contain antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, which help reduce inflammation associated with arthritis.

It is especially helpful in managing their pain levels and stiffness without any adverse effects that have been reported so far.

But since each dog's toxic reaction can be different from one another, veterinarians recommend that owners avoid giving their pets any grape products in order to prevent harm.

Can I Give Grape Juice to My Dog?

Grape juices come from the skin and flesh of grapes, so they contain all-natural toxins that include resveratrol (a chemical that is found in red wine but also has been studied extensively as an antioxidant).

In addition to this risk, cooked foods containing raisins or currants pose as much danger due to their other risks such as choking hazards and allergic reactions.

Vitamins & Supplements Essential for your Dog

It is important to give them vitamins in addition to their food. What kind of vitamin supplements should you get for your pup, though?

Dogs have specific vitamin requirements, which includes:

  • Vitamin K: To prevent major medical conditions such as blood clots and osteoporosis. It also aids in the activation of proteins for clotting factors, bone formation, and other bodily processes.
  • Vitamin B1: It’s also known as thiamin. It is a vital nutrient for the carbohydrate metabolism process and plays an important role in allowing ion channels to function properly.
  • Vitamin B2 and B3: These are also known as riboflavin and niacin respectively for their enzyme functions.
  • Vitamin B6: Essential for the production of red blood cells, maintaining blood sugar levels, and helping regulate hormones.
  • Folic acid: It is essential for metabolism and protein synthesis.

According to Dr. Gary Richter, the award-winning vet said, ‘All dogs are of the species Canis familiaris and as such have very similar nutritional needs.’

Commercial dog food is specifically formulated to meet those needs. If your dog’s food is labeled ‘complete and balanced,’ it contains all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs.

So, as far as the question stands, “Are Grapes Good for Your Dogs?”

The answer is No! It’s proven and it turns out that grapes are actually deadly for your dogs! So be careful dog owners you shouldn’t be feeding grapes to your dog. However, you can always resort to alternate sources of vitamins and minerals.

Keeping an ESA can be a great way to manage mental and emotional issues, but it can also come with some unexpected challenges.

With an ESA dog letter from us, you can have peace of mind knowing that your ESA is legally protected wherever you go.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many grapes will kill a 50-pound dog?

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Dangerous doses start as low as 1–2 grapes for a 10-pound dog and 3–4 grapes for a 20-pound dog. It means that a 50-pound dog could be poisoned by eating 15 ounces of grapes or 2 to 3 ounces of raisins.

How many dogs have died from eating grapes?

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According to a study, out of the 43 dogs that ingested raisins or grapes, 23 survived and recovered with no side effects. Surprisingly enough, 15 received euthanasia procedures for unknown reasons while 5 died due to unidentified causes.

What percentage of dogs die from eating grapes?

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A frightening fact is that between 50 and 75 percent of dogs who suffer from acute renal failure, die as a result of eating grapes.

Will 1 grape hurt a dog?

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Yes, even a single grape can hurt a dog regardless of the size or overall health of the dog. Though the impact may be less severe it will affect your dog’s health.

Can dogs survive if they eat grapes?

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No, dogs can not survive if they eat grapes. Grapes are highly toxic and poisonous for dogs.

How many grapes are toxic to dogs?

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The lowest amount that is reported to be toxic for dogs is 0.3 ounces of grapes per pound of body weight.

Harper Jefcoat

WRITTEN BY

Harper Jefcoat

Harper Jefcoat is a dedicated pet enthusiast and esteemed author at RealESALetter.com. With a profound passion for animals, Harper combines extensive knowledge and personal experience to provide insightful and informative content. Specializing in canine behavior and wellness, he strives to empower pet owners with the tools and understanding they need to nurture and care for their furry friends effectively. Harper’s writings reflect his commitment to enhancing the lives of pets and their owners, making him a trusted voice in the pet community.

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