Most people see no issue sharing their meals with their dogs. While this is an act of love, some foods are safe for humans but can cause serious harm to your pup. So, can dogs safely eat grapes?
Most fruits and vegetables are safe and even make healthy and nutritious treats for dogs. Grapes and raisins, however, should be avoided at all costs. Although they are perfectly safe and a favorite for most humans, they are toxic even in small amounts to dogs.
If you are wondering whether or not your dog can eat grapes, the answer is no. Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs. The following article explains why grapes aren’t good for dogs and provides healthy and safe alternative treats for your dog.
Can dogs eat grapes or raisins?
No, dogs can not eat grapes – seedless, peeled, or dried grapes (raisins). Grapes are toxic to dogs in any quantity. Since no amount of grapes or raisins has been proven to be safe, you shouldn’t offer them to your pup at all.
Very little is known about grape toxicity in dogs. Some dogs may suffer severe reactions after eating a small number of grapes while some are less affected.
The age, breed, or sex of your dog has no influence on the severity of the risks involved with feeding your dog grapes. As such, you should always ensure grapes are always out of your dog’s reach. This is because, unlike cats which are picky eaters, dogs will eat just about anything. Your dog may be tempted to eat grapes simply because they are within reach. Also, since he has seen you eating them, your dog will assume they are safe to eat.
How toxic are grapes to dogs?
The toxicity of grapes and raisins is not the same in all dogs. Some dogs can eat several grapes without experiencing severe symptoms of poisoning. Other dogs will eat only a few grapes and develop kidney failure. While it is unlikely for a grape or two to cause problems for medium or large dogs, it is impossible to know which dogs are sensitive or will get sick until it is too late. For small dogs, however, one grape could be enough to cause a problem.
Signs and symptoms of toxic ingestion
Dogs are naturally curious and are enticed by new scents. As you eat your grapes, your dog is probably nearby hoping that one drops. If he does, he may show the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain and the abdomen feels tender when touched
- Loss of appetite
- Gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting and/or diarrhea, often within a few hours
- Lethargy, unusual stillness, and general body weakness
- Dehydration, which is indicated by panting, pale gums, and a dry nose and mouth. Dehydration can be tested by gently pulling the skin at the back of your dog’s neck. If it doesn’t spring back immediately, your dog is dehydrated.
- Increased thirst and/or urine production
- Reduced amount of urine or your dog stops urinating altogether
- Kidney failure, which could be fatal
What to do if my dog ate a grape
If your dog eats a grape, you should immediately take action and call your veterinarian. If untreated, he may suffer from kidney failure, which can be fatal. When you call the vet, they’ll probably recommend that you induce vomiting. However, if your dog is struggling to breathe or is showing signs of shock, you shouldn’t induce vomiting.
There are several illnesses that can cause similar symptoms of grape toxicity. As such, if you aren’t sure that your dog has eaten a grape, it is best to first consult your vet. They will provide further direction so that you don’t induce vomiting or perform other unnecessary treatments.
Can dogs eat grapes safely?
No, there is no safe way for dogs to eat grapes. All forms of grapes are toxic to dogs. This includes seedless grapes, peeled grapes, and raisins. There is also no safe amount of grapes that can be eaten by dogs.
Can dogs eat grapes and strawberries?
Figuring out which fruits are safe for your dog could be challenging. Grapes are definitely toxic to your dog. Strawberries, on the other hand, are safe. However, you should only feed your pup fresh strawberries. You should avoid canned strawberries and strawberries in syrup since they aren’t good for your pet.
Can dogs eat grapes or lettuce?
As mentioned earlier, grapes are extremely toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all costs. Lettuce is safe and would make a healthy snack for your dog. However, it depends on the type of lettuce. Some lettuce varieties should be given in moderation. The safest lettuce types are romaine, iceberg, and green leaf.
