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Grapes and raisins
sultanas, currants, Vitis vinifera
A professional reference for veterinary specialists. It does not replace clinical judgement.
Species and toxic dose
| Species | Risk | Toxic dose |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Toxic | No safe dose is known; any amount is treated as potentially toxic. In reported cases: raisins 2.8-36.4 g/kg (median 19.6), grapes 19.6-148.4 g/kg (median 40.6). Scientific article A study or review published in a scientific journal. Its findings apply to the animals and conditions it studied. |
| Cat | Little data | Not established in the open sources |
Toxic principle
Most likely tartaric acid and its salt, potassium bitartrate. Grapes contain 0.35-2% tartaric acid, which may explain why toxicity varies from case to case. Matching kidney injury has been seen in dogs after cream of tartar, tamarind and homemade play dough made with cream of tartar.
Onset
Vomiting within 6-24 hours; acute kidney injury develops over 1-3 days.
Clinical signs
Vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, polyuria and polydipsia, then oliguria or anuria.
Organs affected
Kidneys (acute kidney injury).
Treatment principle (for veterinarians)
No antidote. Emesis is still worthwhile hours after ingestion, because the fruit stays in the stomach; then repeated activated charcoal. Intravenous fluids for at least 48-72 hours, with kidney values, electrolytes, urine output and blood pressure monitored for 72 hours or longer; haemodialysis for anuria.
A summary of the principles in the sources, not a protocol: doses and the plan are the treating veterinarian's decision.
Notes
Juice, jelly, leaves, seed oil and wine have not been linked to poisoning (Cornell). Churchkhela is made from thickened grape juice and walnuts; it has not been studied separately. Old churchkhela with mouldy walnuts is a source of tremorgenic mycotoxins (see Mouldy food).
See also: Mouldy food and mouldy walnuts (tremorgenic mycotoxins)
Sources
- Scientific article. Cortinovis C, Caloni F. Household food items toxic to dogs and cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 3:26 2016
- Reference book. Cohen A. Grape and raisin toxicity. Riney Canine Health Center, Cornell University 2025
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic component in grapes and raisins identified. aspcapro.org 2025
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People foods to avoid feeding your pets. aspca.org
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This reference is still growing. Missing a product? Let us know. · Report an error or request an addition · Updated: 22 Oct 2026