Can Dogs Eat Grapes? Absolutely Not
Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe kidney failure, even in small amounts. Here is what you need to know:
- Unknown Toxin: The exact cause of grape toxicity remains unknown, making it impossible to predict which dogs will be affected or how many grapes it takes to be dangerous.
- Severe Symptoms: Early signs of poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, and increased thirst. Untreated poisoning can lead to decreased or complete lack of urination, indicating kidney failure.
- No Safe Amount: Even one grape can be harmful, regardless of breed, size, or health status of the dog.
FAQs
- What about grape-flavored products? Avoid all grape-related treats, including juice, jelly, and jams. These often contain added sugar and other harmful ingredients.
- Can dogs eat grape leaves or grapeseed oil? Grape leaves can also be harmful, whereas grapeseed oil is generally considered safe due to its refined nature.
- My dog ate grapes! What do I do? Induce vomiting if possible and seek immediate veterinary attention. Time is critical in treating grape toxicity.
Key Takeaways
- Grapes and raisins are a definite NO for dogs.
- Toxicity risk is high and unpredictable. Do not take your time!
- Early veterinary intervention is crucial if your dog ingests grapes.
- Choose safer dog treat options like fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice regarding your dog’s health and diet.
Can Dogs Eat Grapes?
No, the consumption of grapes is not at all suggested for canines because it does not benefit the canines like humans, and it can even lead to grape poisoning. Grape toxicity can lead to the formation of ulcers in the stomach and digestive issues, which can be disastrous for the canine’s health. Thus, it is not suggested.
No, the consumption of grapes is not at all suggested for the canines. This is mainly because these are toxic to dogs, and the dog suffers from numerous health issues after their consumption.
The diseases caused by it can be troublesome for both the pet owners and the dog’s stomach and are also quite difficult to handle.
In some severe cases, the consumption of grapes may even lead to the death of the canine due to its highly toxic nature. Thus, keeping the canine away from this human-benefitting fruit is preferred.
Nutritional Value Of Grapes For Dogs:
This statement will surprise many because doctors everywhere talk about the benefits of grapes. It has a beneficial effect on the entire human body: fibre improves digestion and microelements, among which grapes contain potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and iron, on the nervous system.
Unfortunately, no matter how tasty and healthy a delicacy, grapes or dried raisins are, they are contraindicated for dogs, as they can cause kidney failure.
Many pet owners believe that the more varied the pet’s diet is, the healthier it is, and they focus on what is healthy and tasty for them. However, the dog’s body is arranged somewhat differently, and what is good for a person can be fatal for an animal.
Health Benefits Of Grapes For Dogs:
Grapes are juicy, sweet, or sour-sweet berries that we eat as a light snack and are enjoyed by almost all people. Grapes are also good as food – they are low in calories and rich in nutrients such as potassium and fibre.
However, research scientists and veterinarians know that grapes and grape products are poisonous to dogs. Although this information has been publicly available for over 20 years, the exact cause of toxicity remains unknown.
No matter how strange it may sound, still unknown toxins can cause kidney failure in our smaller brothers. Although some dogs tolerate the consumption of grapes, you should not risk the health of your beloved pet.
Grapes of any colour and size are toxic to dogs, whether they are peeled or seedless. Raisins can be even more dangerous as they are the pulp of the fruit in its dehydrated form.
Potential Hazards Associated With Grapes For Dogs:
The consequences of use can appear both in a short period and after a long period. Intoxication usually occurs within 24 hours.
Usually, within 6 hours, the most common symptoms appear as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. All of the above is accompanied by lethargy and loss of appetite.
However, in addition to vomiting, which helps rid the body of poisons, the effect of consuming grapes can be much more serious.
Substances in sweet berries can cause kidney failure. Signs of the disease may appear within 24 hours after eating the fruit.
Symptoms of kidney failure in dogs include excessive thirst, copious urination, and incontinence. The described symptoms may include vomiting and diarrhoea. The worst sign is excessive drinking without urination. This indicates a reduced functionality of the kidneys.
Possible Side Effects Of Grapes For Dogs:
There are suggestions, and in this direction, research is currently underway, that the “culprit” of intoxication is mycotoxin, a natural substance that can be formed in many food products during storage under the action of microscopic fungi that develop in them.
However, in many studied cases of mycotoxin poisoning, no traces of mycotoxin were found in grapes. Therefore, to date, the dangerous component of grapes has yet to be clarified.
Develops Proximal Tubular Necrosis:
Studies have shown that in most cases of grape poisoning in dogs, severe renal failure develops – proximal tubular necrosis of the organ. This is an acute disease with necrotic lesions of the epithelium of the tubules, which leads to acute renal failure.
Up to 25% of blood passes through the kidneys, and the epithelial cells of the renal tubules are most sensitive to toxins that circulate in the blood. They perform a transport function that requires large amounts of energy. Toxins also disrupt the metabolism of epithelial cells.
Causes Severe Poisoning:
During the studies, a version was expressed that seeds caused poisoning, but the reaction of the dog’s body to seedless grape varieties was similar.
It is more likely that intoxication is caused not by a single element of the composition of the berries but by their combination. If, in microdoses, they are harmless, then their combination causes severe poisoning in a dog.
Poor Digestive System:
Moreover, the digestive system suffers first. After eating grapes, the dog begins to vomit severely, and undigested remains of berries can be found in the vomit. Vomiting is accompanied by diarrhoea.
The kidneys try to neutralize and remove toxins from the body, but an increased load on them causes autointoxication syndrome after a while. Metabolic products accumulate in the blood, and metabolic processes in the body are disturbed.
Acute Renal Failure:
The lethal outcome is a consequence of the development of acute renal failure. Poisoning is caused by the decay of the products of internal organs and the stagnation of urine.
The kidneys cannot cope with the increased load, which leads to irreversible damage to organs. If you seek veterinary help within 12-18 hours after poisoning, the survival rate is 100%. However, hospital treatment is required.
Allergic Reaction To Grapes In Dogs:
It is difficult to determine intoxication immediately; it must take at least a few hours for the first symptoms of grape and raisin poisoning to appear. And every minute counts.
Therefore, the reaction of the animal should be observed if there is even the slightest suspicion that it has eaten sweet berries. A slight change in the condition or behaviour of the pet is a reason to go to the veterinary clinic immediately.
The following symptoms manifest grape intoxication:
- Vomiting, in vomit – the remains of undigested berries;
- Frequent profuse diarrhoea;
- Lack of salivation or, conversely, increased salivation;
- Refusal of food and water;
- Lethargy, apathy;
- Decrease in body temperature.
Dog With Diabetes And Grapes:
Experts say that under no circumstances should you give your dog products that contain or are derived from grapes, including grape juice, grape jellies and jams, and anything flavoured with grapes.
In addition to toxins, grape products often contain other ingredients that are harmful to dogs, such as sugar, preservatives, fats, and artificial sweeteners.
How To Feed Grapes To Your Dog:
Often, grapes are good for humans but toxic to pets. In addition, products of grape origin (grape seed oil) and raisins should be strictly prohibited as poisonous substances when it comes to your four-legged animals.
The toxic effect of eating these berries can be different in representatives of the animal world. While some calmly endure the toxic effect, others show signs of the disease.
So far, the dependence of the severity of intoxication on the amount of the product has not been established. There are cases of immune suppression in a 9 kg dog due to 5 sweet berries.
According to studies, the lethal dose of raisins is in the range of 5 to 20 grams per kilogram of animal body weight! Just a few grams can be detrimental to health. Therefore, do not think that just one or two berries will not harm you.
How Many Grapes Should A Dog Eat:
As per the research done, consumption of one grape is found to be safe for the canine, but if it exceeds that amount, then it can turn fatal for the canine. In some cases, the correct dose may also differ depending on the immune system of the canine.
For some dogs, the appropriate number of grapes can be two or three, but for some, this amount can also be fatal and lead to decreased urination. Thus, a proper discussion with a vet will help you make a decision.
Why grapes are harmful to canines?
Sometimes, dog owners might need to gain the proper knowledge of why this grape and raisin toxicity is considered to be fatal for the canine. In such cases, the owner might also go for feeding some amount of it to the canine.
To avoid such mistakes, dog owners need to know why grapes are considered to be harmful to the canine. The harmful substances of grapes for dogs are mentioned below.
Tartaric acid: Tartaric acid is one of the most harmful compounds present in green grapes, which leads to grape toxicity in most cases after its consumption. The presence of this substance in the nutritious compound can lead to many types of diseases in canines, which include sudden kidney failure, acute renal failure, vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, and many others, which can be discomforting for the canine.
Potassium bitartrate: This is another substance present in the grapes, which can lead to grape poisoning in the case of canines.
This toxic substance is the refined form of tartaric acid, whose symptoms are also the same as that of tartaric acid. Even green grapes have an equal amount of toxic compounds. Thus, it is not at all suggested for consumption.
What are the symptoms of grape poisoning in dogs?
Dog owners need to know about the symptoms related to grapes poisoning in canines, as detecting the poisoning earlier can save the condition from getting worse.
The signs of grape poisoning in dogs include loss of appetite, lethargy, drooling, and, in some severe cases, diarrhoea and breathing issues. It is strictly suggested that the owners go to a vet immediately if they notice such symptoms in the canine within 24 hours of grape consumption.
Grapes-Based Recipes For Dog Treats:
So far, veterinarians and scientists have not been able to identify a toxin found in ripe berries that causes poisoning in dogs. According to historical data, in 1989, veterinarians identified one pattern: an association was found between the consumption of grapes and raisins and the resulting kidney failure.
Theoretically, the effect of the substances contained in grapes on the dog’s body remains unconfirmed: heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins (fungal toxin), and herbicides.
A deadly dose for a dog weighing up to 20 kg is 8-10 berries; poisoning can already be caused by 3-4 grapes eaten. For a small breed dog, this dose is much less.
Conclusion:
Do not give grapes to dogs. If you notice that your pet has eaten grapes, then at the very least, you need to keep a close eye on him because it all depends on the number of grapes and the weight and health of your dog.
If you have a small breed dog, it is better to induce vomiting in her immediately and then monitor the condition. Moreover, If signs of poisoning appear (vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, thirst, etc.), you should immediately go to the veterinary clinic.
FAQ:
Do dogs like the taste of grapes?
Some dogs might enjoy the taste of grapes, but grapes can be toxic to dogs and should be avoided. Eating grapes can lead to kidney failure in dogs, so it is best to keep grapes and raisins out of reach of pets.
Can dogs eat grape juice?
No, the consumption of grape juice is not at all suggested for the canines. This is mainly because it can induce vomiting in canines, and much sugar and other additionals are added during the preparation of the grape juice, which can be even more toxic for its health.
Can dogs survive after eating grapes?
As per the research done, eating one grape at a time usually does not harm the canine until he has been suffering from a fatal disease. Thus, discussing with a vet first is preferred to avoid this problematic circumstance.
Can a dog eat grape jelly?
No, the consumption of grape jelly is also not suggested for the canines. This is because the toxic compound of grapes is present in almost all the food products prepared from it.
Can dogs eat grape leaves?
Yes, dogs can eat grape leaves but they should avoid them as grape leaves can lead to diseases like gastrointestinal disorders, improper kidney function, high blood pressure, diarrhoea, trouble breathing, decreased urination, and even kidney failure in most dogs.
Can dogs eat white grapes?
No, the consumption of white grapes is not suggested for the canine. This is mainly because the amount of toxic substance present in the grapes does not differ in colour. It will be equally toxic to the canine and will also lead to the same fatal diseases after consumption.
Can dogs eat grapeseed oil?
Yes, the consumption of grapeseed oil is safe for the canine. There might be a misconception that grapeseed oil is toxic to canines due to its name, but it is refined, which is why the tartaric acid in the grapes is eliminated.
Can dogs eat grapes and raisins?
No, the consumption of grapes and raisins is not suggested for the canines. This is mainly because raisins are the dried form of grapes, and raisin poisoning can be fatal for the canine; even in the dried form of this fruit, tartaric acid is present in large amounts, which can lead to different types of diseases in the canine.
Should you induce vomiting if your dog ate grapes or raisins?
Inducing vomiting in the canine can be one of the safest methods when the dog ingests a large number of grapes or raisins and the owner gets the early signs of it.
