Quantity
Even more dangerous per gram than fresh grapes due to concentration. A small handful of raisins could be a lethal dose for a small dog. No safe amount exists.
Notes
Sultanas and currants carry the same risk — they're all dried grape products. Watch for raisins in trail mix, oatmeal raisin cookies, fruit cake, cinnamon raisin bread, and cereal. Kids dropping raisin snacks is a common exposure scenario.
Negative Signs
* Vomiting and diarrhea, often within hours
* Loss of appetite and lethargy
* Abdominal tenderness
* Decreased urination or no urination at all
* Kidney failure — often faster onset than with fresh grapes
FAQ
Q: My dog ate a cookie with a few raisins in it. Is that an emergency?
A: Yes, treat it as one. Even a few raisins can cause problems. Call your vet and let them make the call — don't try to guess whether it was "enough" to matter.
Alternatives
Dried blueberries or small pieces of banana make great dog-safe snack alternatives with a similar sweet, chewy appeal.
Risks & Disclaimer
Same emergency protocol as grapes — call your vet immediately, don't wait for symptoms. Bring the packaging if you can. Raisins are small enough that dogs can eat a large number very quickly, so the exposure can be severe even from a small spill.
