Can dogs eat raisins?
No. Raisins are dried grapes, and dogs should never eat them. They can cause kidney failure, and even a small amount can make a dog seriously ill. There is no way to predict which dogs will be affected.
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Why
Raisins, grapes and currants can damage a dog's kidneys. Tartaric acid is suspected to be the toxic part; its amount varies, so effects are unpredictable, and there is no way to tell which dogs are more sensitive. Because the cause is uncertain, any amount is treated as a concern.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting or diarrhoea, often within 6–24 hours
- Tiredness and weakness
- Not wanting to eat
- Tummy pain
- Dehydration and drinking a lot
- Trembling
What to do
Contact your vet or a pet poison helpline right away, even if only a few raisins were eaten. Note roughly how many were eaten. Don't wait for signs: the sooner treatment starts, the better.
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Are raisins worse than grapes?
Both are dangerous. Sources treat grapes, raisins and currants as the same risk and advise calling the vet after any amount.
What about currants?
Currants are named in the same warnings as grapes and raisins, so they are not safe for dogs either.
Related foods
All foods: What can dogs eat?Sources
- Which Human Foods Can Dogs Eat and Which Are Dangerous? — American Kennel Club (Updated Oct 21, 2026)
- Can Dogs Eat Grapes? Grape Toxicity in Dogs — VCA Animal Hospitals
- Grape, Raisin, and Tamarind (Vitis spp, Tamarindus spp) Toxicosis in Dogs — Merck Veterinary Manual
- Poisonous foods for dogs — Blue Cross
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets — ASPCA Animal Poison Control
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.