The short answer: No, don’t ever feed your dog grapes, whether they’re fresh or dried (like raisins, currants, or sultanas). Grapes are toxic for dogs, capable of causing kidney failure, comas, or even death.
It isn’t yet known what substance in grapes causes the dangerous reaction in dogs, but even a small amount of the fruit can yield devastating consequences. So, keep your dog away from grapes and foods that contain fresh or dried grapes (like trail mix, fruit cups, or banana bread).
Signs and Symptoms of Grape Toxicity In Dogs
When it comes to dogs and grapes, there’s no such thing as a safe amount. While different dogs react to grapes to varying degrees, the general consensus is that it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If your furry pal accidentally ingests raisins or grapes, you may observe some of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Lethargy and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Coma
Keep in mind that this is by no means an exhaustive list of symptoms. If you suspect that your pup may have gotten into grapes, it’s critical that you contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.
Can Grape Poisoning Be Treated?
Depending on how many grapes were ingested and the subsequent reaction, the course of treatment will vary. In some cases, inducing vomiting may be sufficient. In other instances, intravenous fluid therapy may be necessary, or medications to support kidney function. If the grape poisoning has seriously affected the dog’s kidneys, hemodialysis may be required—or, in rare situations, a kidney transplant. Unfortunately, some cases of grape poisoning cause irreparable damage from which a dog cannot recover.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Grapes
Unlike some less-dangerous canine capers, suspected grape poisoning is nothing to be trifled with. Whether or not your dog is displaying worrisome symptoms, you need to get medical help as soon as possible. Depending on the amount ingested, some vets may recommend inducing vomiting, which can be done at home. If your veterinarian suggests this approach, they’ll let you know how to proceed.
Even if you successfully induce vomiting, you’ll need to get your pup professional help quickly. Your vet will assess the situation and determine the next steps, which could include using charcoal to absorb toxins, running laboratory tests to determine the extent of the damage, or running a urinalysis to ascertain whether kidney failure is a concern.
Can Dogs Eat Other Fruits?
Absolutely! The right fruit can be a great addition to your dog’s diet and provide them with tons of health benefits. Feel free to add some chopped apples, a few bites of banana, or a handful of blueberries to your pooch’s meal — or check out some of these options:
- Dehydrated Grain Free Chicken Dog Food: Apples, bananas, and papaya are just some of the healthy treats included in this grain-free recipe that’ll please even the pickiest pup’s palate.
- Dehydrated Grain Free Fruit & Veggie Base Mix: Gluten-free, rich in antioxidants, and boasting delicious ingredients like apples, bananas, and organic coconut, this vegetarian dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Grain Free Chicken Whole Food Clusters: Fresh, clean ingredients including apples and pumpkin are mixed in small batches, cold-pressed, slow-roasted, and dehydrated to keep all the nutrients and flavors inside.
Health Disclaimer: This post is educational in nature and doesn’t constitute health advice. Please consult your pet's veterinarian or other healthcare professional for specific guidance on this topic.
