Can dogs eat Raisins?
No - Raisins is toxic to dogs
No - raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause sudden kidney failure, exactly like grapes. They hide in cakes, biscuits and cereals, which makes them easy for a dog to grab.
Last reviewed
How much is safe?
None. Raisins is never safe for dogs - not even a little.
There is no safe amount of raisins for a dog. They should never be given as a treat or left where a dog can reach them. Take particular care with fruit cakes, mince pies, hot cross buns, flapjacks and cereals, where raisins are common.
Symptoms to watch for
Signs include vomiting, often within hours, then lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and belly pain. As the kidneys are damaged the dog may urinate more and then less, and become increasingly unwell. Full kidney damage can take a day or two to develop, so do not wait for severe symptoms.
Think they have eaten Raisins?
Contact your vet or an emergency line immediately if your dog eats raisins or any food containing them, even a small amount, and even if they seem well. Early treatment to limit absorption and protect the kidneys offers the best chance of recovery.
We read labels, we are not vets - in an emergency your vet is the only right answer.
What happens
Raisins, along with sultanas and currants, are simply dried grapes and carry the same serious risk of acute kidney failure. Because they are concentrated and often baked into everyday foods, they are especially easy for a dog to swallow without anyone noticing. As with grapes, the reaction is unpredictable, so even a small number must be taken seriously.
Can dogs eat these?
Common questions
Are raisins more dangerous than grapes for dogs?
They carry the same risk of kidney failure, and because they are dried and concentrated and often hidden in foods, they can be easier for a dog to eat in quantity. Treat any amount as an emergency.
My dog ate a raisin biscuit - what should I do?
Contact your vet or an emergency line straight away, even for a small amount. Tell them roughly how many raisins were in the food and your dog's weight. Prompt treatment gives the best outcome.
Which foods hide raisins?
Fruit cake, mince pies, hot cross buns, flapjacks, some cereals and trail mixes often contain raisins, sultanas or currants. Keep all of them out of reach, especially around Christmas and Easter.
Sources
Veterinary and animal-welfare references behind this verdict. We are not vets - these are the published sources we read.
- Grape, Raisin and Tamarind Toxicosis in Dogs MSD Veterinary Manual
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- Foods Dogs Can't Eat Battersea
Looking for a food to feed instead? browse the directory or read the guides.
This is label analysis, not veterinary advice - if your dog has a health condition, talk to your vet before switching foods.