Can Dogs Eat Grapes?

Introduction

Grapes are one of those things that we think about as being fun for us to eat, but not so much for our dogs. But can dogs eat grapes? The short answer is yes! Grapes are actually very healthy for dogs and can be a great way to add some extra fiber and vitamins into their diet. In fact, they’re also good for humans too (although maybe not raisins). But don’t just feed your dog any old grape—if you’re going to give them something so delicious then make sure it’s the right kind!

From here on out we’ll look at the possible benefits of feeding your dog grapes along with some potential risks involved if done incorrectly or in excess quantity. So without further ado let’s get started!

Grapes are good for us but are they also good for our dogs?

It’s a question that you might have asked yourself: “Can dogs eat grapes?” The answer is yes, but only in small amounts. Grapes contain a high amount of sugar and should be given in moderation to your dog.

If you are wondering why your dog may want to eat grapes, it could be for the same reason many humans do: because they taste good! Most dogs enjoy eating fruit and vegetables, so don’t be surprised if your pooch goes after them when you’re not looking. If he’s into eating them on his own accord, there’s no harm in letting him indulge once in awhile—just make sure that his diet consists mostly of other types of food first before giving him some table scraps or any type of sweets (like grapes).

They can, unless your dog is allergic to grapes.

You’re probably thinking, “Grapes are a healthy snack for dogs! Of course I should give them to my dog!”

Well, yes and no. Yes, grapes are a fine treat for your pup once in a while—but only if your furry friend doesn’t have an allergy to them. Dogs can be allergic to many things, including grapes. If you’ve never given your dog any grapes before and she or he has never had an allergic reaction (say, red bumps on the skin or itching), then go ahead and try it out! But if you’ve already given your pup grapes in the past and they had an adverse reaction (like diarrhea or vomiting), don’t do it again!

Dogs who are allergic to grapes can get sick from them.

If you’ve ever wondered whether or not your dog can eat grapes, the answer is a resounding maybe. While some dogs may be able to enjoy these fruits without issue, others are much more sensitive to them—so if you notice your pup getting sick after eating grapes, it’s best not to feed him or her any more of them.

Grapes contain a toxin called “rapsin A,” which has been known to cause kidney damage in dogs who consume it. The precise dose at which this occurs isn’t known in all cases (there is no universal minimum recommended daily allowance for rapsin A), but many veterinarians agree that even small amounts of grapes can cause problems for dogs who are allergic to them.[1] In fact, studies have shown that eating less than one pound of raisin seeds per kilogram (2.2 pounds per pound) of body weight can result in acute kidney failure.[2]

Normal reaction to an allergy is vomiting, diarrhea and there may be blood in the stool.

The most common symptoms of a grape allergy in dogs are vomiting and diarrhea. Less commonly, you may see blood in your pet’s stool. Even if there isn’t any blood in their stool at first, it’s important to call a vet immediately if you suspect that your dog has eaten grapes or raisins because this could be a sign of something more serious (see below).

However, even without seeing any blood in their poop yet, they still need to go see the vet ASAP, especially if they’ve ingested large quantities of grapes or raisins!

In some cases the reaction may be more severe than this.

In some cases the reaction may be more severe than this. If your dog is showing symptoms of grape toxicity, or if you notice a purple color in his stool, get him to a vet immediately. Severe symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhea; blood in the stool; seizures (convulsions); coma and death.

Certain breeds of dogs, especially golden retrievers, are more likely to have severe symptoms if they eat grapes.

Certain breeds of dogs, especially golden retrievers, are more likely to have severe symptoms if they eat grapes. In fact, kidneys damage is so common in golden retrievers that it’s known as “grape toxicosis”!

The reason for this is that there are certain chemicals in grapes that can be harmful to the kidneys when they aren’t properly metabolised. Other breeds that are at risk include:

• German shepherds
• Labrador retrievers
• Boxers
• Pugs (and also Jack Russell terriers)

Corgis

Grapes and raisins have a toxin in them which causes kidney damage, not just allergies or intestinal problems.

Grapes and raisins have a toxin in them which causes kidney damage, not just allergies or intestinal problems. The grape toxin is not found in any other fruit, vegetable or plant.

The symptoms of grape poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite and stomach upset.

Veterinarians do not know what this toxin is or how it works.

While veterinarians do not know what this toxin is or how it works, they have been able to identify several important facts about the grape-toxin syndrome. First, they know that dogs of all ages can be affected by the toxic substance in grapes and raisins. Second, they have learned that the disorder usually occurs after a dog has consumed more than one ounce of grapes or raisins within a period of four hours—an amount equivalent to about three grapes for a small dog and six for a large one. Thirdly, this condition appears to affect only those dogs who are susceptible due to factors such as breed (some pure breeds are more likely than mixed breeds), gender (male dogs appear more prone), diet and existing health problems such as kidney disease or gastrointestinal disorders.

Grapes should not be fed to pets by their owners as routine snacks even though the pet may tolerate them well.

Grapes should not be fed to pets by their owners as routine snacks even though the pet may tolerate them well. Grapes and raisins are a common cause of kidney failure in dogs, which can be fatal. If a dog eats enough grapes or raisins, it can cause acute renal (kidney) injury and death within just a few days. Grapes and raisins are thought to cause this toxicity because they contain natural compounds that affect blood pressure, fluid movement through kidneys, chemical balance and other factors.

In addition to acute renal failure, any exposure of grapes or raisins could lead to gastrointestinal (GI) upset like vomiting or diarrhea in dogs. If there is any doubt about whether or not your dog has eaten grapes or raisins you should seek veterinary advice immediately for assistance in determining if admission into an animal hospital is warranted.

Dogs can eat grapes but don’t give many to them because they can cause kidney problems and can be toxic in small amounts

Grapes can be toxic to your dog, so you should only give them a few.

• Grape ingestion can result in acute kidney failure and death.
• The toxic component is unknown, but dogs who have eaten grapes have had symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and lack of appetite.
• The toxic dose varies depending on the size of your dog and how much they’ve eaten. If you suspect that your dog has ingested grapes, contact your veterinarian immediately!

Conclusion

If you think your dog may be suffering from a grape or raisin allergy, take it to the vet and see if they can be tested for it. If they are then you should avoid giving them these treats entirely.