Can Dogs Eat Grapes or Raisins? Australian Guide
Emergency
If your pet has eaten this, contact your local vet now. After hours, call the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.
What it means for dogs and cats
πΆ Dogs
Dangerous β do not feed
Grapes and dried grapes can cause acute kidney injury in dogs; tartaric acid is thought to be involved. Never feed grapes, raisins, sultanas or foods containing them, and contact a vet immediately after any suspected ingestion.
π± Cats
Caution β small amounts
Do not offer grapes or raisins to cats. Cornell lists them among foods cats should avoid; ask your vet promptly after ingestion because feline evidence is limited.
Where Australian pets run into it
Grapes are harvested in Australia during autumn, and dried grapes can appear in hot cross buns, fruit mince pies and Christmas pudding. ACA says grape-related kidney injury has rarely been seen in Australia; this does not make exposure safe.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
What to do
Contact your local vet immediately; do not wait for signs. Keep the food or packaging details and call the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 for Australian triage advice.
What to say when you call
My (dog/cat) weighs about __ kg. About __ hours ago they ate __ (how much). Symptoms so far: __.
Common questions
My dog ate one grape β what should I do?
Treat any ingestion as urgent because the effect varies between dogs and a safe amount is not established.
Are raisins toxic to cats?
Do not offer them; because feline evidence is limited, ask your vet promptly after ingestion.
Sources
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets β ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- Common Dog Poisons: Risks, Symptoms & Emergency Care Tips β Animal Poisons Helpline
- Animal Care Expert Newsletter, March 2025 β Animal Care Australia
- Common Cat Hazards β Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Grape Toxicity in Dogs β Animal Poisons Helpline
Content checked against these sources on 2026-10-10.
General information only, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your local vet.