Can dogs eat raisins?

No — raisins are highly toxic

No. Raisins carry the same tartaric acid toxicity as grapes but in more concentrated form. A single raisin has caused kidney failure in small dogs.

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✓ Reviewed against PDSA, Blue Cross & Animal PoisonLine guidance · Last updated: 2026-06-17

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Raisins, sultanas, and currants are all dried grapes and carry the same severe risk of acute kidney failure in dogs. Because they're dried, the toxic compound — tartaric acid — is more concentrated per gram than in fresh grapes. A single raisin has caused kidney failure in some small dogs, and even a small handful is a serious risk for any size of dog. The unpredictability makes raisins particularly scary: some dogs eat them without incident, while others develop kidney failure from minimal amounts. There is no reliable 'safe dose'. In the US, raisins are a major cause of Christmas-season vet emergencies because they're hidden in so many seasonal foods.

If your dog has already eaten raisins

  • Call your vet immediately — even if only one raisin was eaten
  • If your vet is closed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661
  • Try to work out how many raisins and what they were in (a mince pie typically contains 15–25 raisins)
  • Do NOT induce vomiting yourself unless your vet tells you to
  • Do not wait for symptoms — treatment in the first 1–2 hours is most effective
  • Save any packaging or remaining food — the vet may want to see it

Risks to watch for

  • Acute kidney failure
  • Vomiting (often first sign)
  • Lethargy and loss of appetite
  • Increased thirst initially, then reduced urination
  • Uraemic (fishy) breath in severe cases
  • Death without treatment in worst cases

Safe portion size

None. Zero. No amount is safe.

Safer alternatives

  • Blueberries (a much safer sweet-treat swap)
  • Frozen banana slices
  • Unsweetened dried apple rings
  • Small apple chunks (seeds removed)

Does size or breed matter?

Raisins carry the same tartaric-acid kidney-toxicity risk as fresh grapes, concentrated further by the drying process — the toxic dose scales with body weight, so small dogs reach a dangerous amount from far fewer raisins than large dogs. There's no known safe quantity for any breed or size; treat any ingestion the same way regardless of how few were eaten.

Common questions

My dog ate one raisin — is that really an emergency?
It can be. The toxic dose varies dramatically between dogs — there are documented cases of kidney failure from very small amounts. Veterinary advice is consistent: any raisin ingestion warrants a phone call, especially for smaller dogs.
What if my dog ate a mince pie?
This is a vet emergency. A typical mince pie contains 15–25 raisins plus sultanas and currants. The pastry fat and sugar add further concerns. Call your vet immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
Are sultanas and currants the same as raisins for this?
Yes. Sultanas, currants (Zante currants specifically), and raisins are all varieties of dried grape and all carry the same toxicity. 'Black currants' from the Ribes genus are different and not in this toxic family.
My dog ate raisins years ago and was fine — are they OK this time?
Previous tolerance is no guarantee. Tartaric acid levels vary between grape batches, and individual sensitivity is unpredictable. Treat every exposure as a new risk.
What if the raisins were cooked into a cake?
Cooking doesn't neutralise tartaric acid. A slice of cake or a scone with raisins carries the same toxicity risk as eating the raisins alone. Plus baked goods often add butter, sugar, and sometimes chocolate or nuts — more concerns.

Related foods

Grapes no Sultanas no Currants no Hot cross buns no
Important: This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different, and individual factors (age, breed, health conditions, medications) can change what's safe. If in doubt, always contact your vet — or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661 in the UK.