Many conflicting ideas about pet food circulate the internet. However, some food items have a definite ranking as safe or forbidden. A common question pet owners ask is can dogs eat grapes. Today we will explore if this juicy fruit is truly toxic to our canine friends. The answer is more serious than you might have thought.
Can Dogs Eat Grapes?
One of the most frequently searched dog food questions asks if a single grape can kill a dog. This leads many pet owners to ask themselves if dogs can have grapes at all. The answer is a definitive no. The American Kennel Club (AKC) lists grapes and raisins as highly toxic for dogs to eat.
Dogs need to avoid all types of grapes even if they are seedless or peeled. The AKC states there is no amount of grapes that is determined to be safe for dogs to consume. Therefore it is very important for dogs to avoid eating any grape or raisin products.
Why Are Grapes Bad for Dogs?
Unfortunately, the AKC finds that research has not yet been able to determine exactly what element of the grape causes a negative reactive in dogs. It is understood that the risk of dogs being poisoned by grapes will not be affected by factors such as age, breed, and gender.
Furthermore, people are not overreacting when they question if grapes can kill dogs. Grape and/or raisin toxicity can actually be fatal to dogs. The AKC warns that consuming grapes or raisins could lead to sudden kidney failure in dogs.
In severe cases, consuming grapes or raisins could result in the dog dying due to this condition.
What to do if your dog eats grapes
We all love our pets and work to keep them out of harm’s way. However, sometimes mistakes happen. Dogs steal food. This is a reality for pet owners. If you believe your dog has consumed a grape, you must take action.
The AKC lists signs of a toxic ingestion to include visible lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain when touched, dehydration (seen through panting or dry nose), increased thirst or urination, diminished urination, and kidney failure.
Administer treatment as soon as possible if you believe you dog has consumed a grape. You should contact your vet immediately. They may advise you to induce vomiting in your dog.
What Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
The toxicity of grapes for dogs might have you frightened, but there are many fruits that your dog can safely enjoy.
Pet website Chewy lists the 13 best fruits for dogs to eat. These safe fruits include apples, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberries, kiwis, oranges, pears, pumpkin, raspberries, strawberries, and watermelon.
With so many safe options available, there are plenty of ways for your dog to enjoy fruit. Be sure to research the product if you ever find yourself questioning whether or not a produce item is safe for dogs to eat.
Do not let any pseudoscience or misleading information fool you. Grapes are not good for dogs, and dogs cannot have grapes in any form. The answer to can dogs eat grapes will always be a no.
To read about fruit that is good for dogs, check out can dogs eat apples.
