Are grapes really toxic to dogs?

The consumption of grapes and raisins presents a potential health threat to dogs. Their toxicity to dogs can cause the animal to develop acute renal failure (the sudden development of kidney failure) with anuria (a lack of urine production). The phenomenon was first identified by the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), run by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). A trend was seen as far back as 1999. Approximately 140 cases were seen by the APCC in the one year from April 2003 to April 2004, with 50 developing symptoms and seven dying.

Not 100% proven, but studies have shown that grapes can lead to acute renal failure (sudden kidney failure). A unknown mycotoxin is believed to be the cause. The estimated toxic dose is 32 g/kg (1.1oz/kg) (32 grams of grape per kilogram of dog)

I prefer to learn from others' pain.

Go to www.avma.org and do a search.

Note! To those that claim to have fed grapes with no problems: People get away with many risky things. How sensitive dog are to grapes, raisins, and many other things varies greatly. Do you really think your limited experience out weighs everybody else's?

I see no end of very dangerous advice from people relying on nothing but their own experience. If you lack reading and training, you are not qualified to give advice.

Not personal experience, but this is from the Merck Vet Manual, so I am willing to believe it is not made up

"Ingestion of grapes or raisins has resulted in development of anuric renal failure in some dogs. Cases reported to date have been in dogs; an anecdotal report exists of a cat developing renal failure following ingestion of 1 cup of organic raisins. It is not known why many dogs can ingest grapes or raisins with impunity while others develop renal failure following ingestion. The condition has not been reproduced experimentally.

Pathogenesis:

The mechanism of toxicity is unknown. Affected dogs develop anuric renal failure within 72 hr of ingestion of grapes or raisins. Estimated amounts of grapes associated with renal injury in dogs are ~32 g/kg; amounts of raisins associated with signs range from 11-30 g/kg. "

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=...

The cause is unknown as noted. Mold was a suspect, as well as pesticides, but it is still not clear what the problem is.

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Keep in mind, that it has been noted that some dogs are more affected than others. Again, the reason is unknown.

Grapes, raisins, chocolate- all are poisonous to dogs. The level of toxic varies due to the dogs weight.

Someone on my cross stitching group just lost a lab to kidney failure due to ingestion of grapes. It was in the vets for several days on IV, unable to pee they finally had to put him down.

So YES they are toxic to dogs.

Just becasue not every dog dies or gets sick from a potentially deadly/poisonous food does not mean that you should ignore the warning. I am sure both of my dogs are eaten a piece of chocolate before. They are still alive, but I know that I should not let them get to chocolate. My best advice to to avoid all foods that are listed by vets as dangerous. It is way better to be safe. That way you can never blame yourself for hurting the dog.

No experience with it, but I have heard that they're toxic from a reliable source (the origin of which I forgot).

yes grapes are bad for dogs think what is made of fermented grapes and then think of what the grape is doing in the dog s tummy

i have fed my dog grapes i never heared they where toxic but she seems fine to me :)