My dog ate raisins — how bad is it?
Raisins are dried grapes — ~4× more concentrated. The math + thresholds here are raisin-specific. Any ingestion is worth a hotline call.
Dose (g/kg) = raisins_eaten_g / dog_weight_kg Each raisin ≈ 1.5 g. Clinical concern begins around 2.8 g/kg; AKI documented at ~3 g/kg.
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Signs to watch for
Quick answer
Raisins are concentrated grapes (about 4 g of grapes → 1 g of raisins after drying). The toxic compound is tartaric acid; the threshold scales with the concentration. Treatment is identical to grape exposure: induce vomiting if recent, activated charcoal, IV fluids for 48–72 hours, monitor kidney values.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Pet Poison Helpline. Eubig PA, et al. "Acute renal failure in dogs after the ingestion of grapes or raisins." J Vet Intern Med (2005).
Frequently asked questions
How toxic are raisins compared to grapes?
Raisins are dried grapes, so they're ~4× more concentrated by weight in the same toxin (tartaric acid). A 5g grape and a 1.5g raisin pose roughly the same risk. The toxic threshold for raisins is correspondingly lower — clinical concern starts around 2.8 g/kg.
How many raisins are too many?
No proven safe dose, and sensitivity varies. Documented acute kidney injury cases at 2.8 g/kg (about 15 raisins for a 25 lb dog). Use the calculator + call a hotline regardless.
My dog ate raisin bread/cinnamon raisin bagel. What now?
The amount of raisin in baked goods is usually small per slice (~5–10 raisins), but it adds up. Estimate the raisin count, use the calculator, and call a hotline if you're in the moderate band or above. Don't forget the bread's sugar/fat can cause separate GI upset.
What about other dried fruits?
Currants and sultanas are also from grapes and pose identical risk. Other dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, figs) do not contain tartaric acid and are not toxic — though high sugar content can still cause GI upset.