Can Dogs Safely Eat Grapes and Raisins?
Every dog owner knows that resisting your dog’s puppy eyes is a tough task. When they turn on the charm it sometimes feels like a magic spell. One moment you’ve got a tasty snack in your hand and the next, your pup is licking their lips and you’re still hungry. It's important to note that not all human food is fit for our four-legged friends. In fact, some of it can be downright dangerous. Let's examine whether or not dogs can eat grapes and raisins.
Grapes and Raisins: Are They Safe for Dogs to Eat?
The short answer is no, dogs should never eat grapes or raisins. Small amounts can be toxic to dogs and cause serious health issues, such as kidney failure. While there are many fruits that dogs can eat, even one grape or raisin could be fatal for your pup, so it's never worth the risk.
The Mystery of Why Grapes are Bad for Dogs
People have been eating domesticated grapes for over 6,000 years so you’d think we’d know everything about this little fruit. However there still isn’t a consensus about why they’re dangerous for dogs to eat.
The link between dogs eating grapes and kidney failure was first observed in 2004 by the Animal Poison Control Center but we still don’t know the exact cause. That’s a long time to wait for something. In fact if we let grapes sit around that long they’d become wine… yet another thing that people enjoy and that dogs shouldn’t!
Potential Symptoms if Your Dog Eats Grapes
The symptoms of grape and raisin toxicity can vary depending on the amount ingested and the size of the dog, but they may include:
- Vomiting/diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Increased thirst and urination.
If you suspect that your dog has ingested grapes or raisins, it's important to contact your veterinarian right away to get professional advice.
Not all dogs will have the same reaction to grapes or raisins. Some dogs may be able to eat small amounts, while others will have a severe reaction to even a single grape or raisin. There is no known factor that has an influence on their likelihood of being affected, so it's never worth the risk.
Whilst dogs can't eat grapes and raisins, there are plenty of other safe treats you can give them, including homemade dog biscuits. As a responsible dog owner, it's important to be aware of what foods are safe for your furry friend and to always err on the side of caution. Check out our post about 16 Common Foods That Could Harm Your Pup to find out more foods your dog should avoid. Stick to safe and healthy treats, and your dog will thank you for it! Shop our range of Dog Hand Towels - the perfect accompaniment to baking doggy treats!
