Can dogs eat dried fruit?
It depends on the fruit, and mixes are risky. Raisins, sultanas and currants are dried grapes and are poisonous to dogs, even in very small amounts. Other dried fruits, like figs and peaches, can be high in sugar, and dried dates still contain a pit.
Updated:
Why
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants are all potentially poisonous to dogs; it is impossible to know whether a dog will be badly affected, and some dogs fall ill after very small amounts, especially of the dried fruits. Dried cranberries sometimes come mixed with raisins. Dried figs contain much more concentrated sugar because the water has been removed, and dehydrated peaches often contain excess sugar. Because a dried fruit mix can hide raisins, which need a vet straight away, we use the stricter level and rate dried fruit as toxic overall, like raisins.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Painful belly
- Blood in poo
- Low energy
- Reduced appetite
What to do
If your dog ate raisins, sultanas, currants or a dried fruit mix that may contain them, contact your vet immediately. Don't wait for signs.
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Which foods hide dried grapes?
Raisins, sultanas and currants are often found in foods such as Christmas cake, hot cross buns and cookies, and dried cranberries are sometimes mixed with raisins.
Are other dried fruits safe?
Not as a regular treat. Dried figs and dehydrated peaches are high in sugar, and dried dates still contain a pit that must be removed.
Related foods
All foods: What can dogs eat?Sources
- Grape, raisin, currant and sultana poisoning in dogs — PDSA (published 2020-11)
- Can Dogs Eat Dates? — American Kennel Club, Gemma Johnstone (updated 2025-12-04)
- Can Dogs Eat Cranberries? — American Kennel Club, Anna Burke (updated 2025-05-22)
- Can Dogs Eat Figs? — American Kennel Club, Rylee Johnston (updated 2026-08-20)
- Can Dogs Eat Peaches? Fruits Dogs Can Safely Eat — American Kennel Club (Updated Dec 05, 2025)
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic dog: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.