Reference thresholds come from published veterinary toxicology sources. They describe where risk becomes likely — they are not a safety line. Toxicity has been reported well below them, which is why every result here tells you to call. This tool is information, not veterinary advice.
Questions people ask
Why is there no safe amount if you can calculate a threshold?
Because dogs respond very differently to the same dose. Research points to tartaric acid as the likely culprit, and its concentration varies enormously between grape varieties, growing conditions and ripeness — so two identical-looking grapes can carry very different loads. Some dogs eat a bunch with no lasting harm; others have gone into kidney failure after a handful. The threshold tells you when risk becomes likely, not when it begins.
Are raisins really worse than grapes?
By weight, considerably. Drying removes the water and concentrates everything else, so the reference threshold for raisins is roughly six times lower than for fresh grapes. In practice this matters because raisins come in handfuls — a scoop from a snack box is a much larger exposure than it looks.
What about raisin bread, cookies or trail mix?
Count the raisins if you can, or estimate. Baked goods add two other problems: they are often rich and sugary, and trail mix frequently contains macadamia nuts or chocolate, which are separate toxicities. Mention everything in the product when you call.
What will the vet actually do?
If it was recent, they will usually induce vomiting and give activated charcoal to limit absorption. After that, the standard of care is 48 to 72 hours of IV fluids to protect the kidneys, with blood tests to track kidney values. It sounds like a lot for a few grapes — but treating early is dramatically more effective than treating kidney failure once it has started.
Should I make my dog vomit at home?
Only if a vet or poison-control line tells you to, and only with what they specify. Home remedies can cause their own damage, and inducing vomiting is unsafe in a dog that is already unwell, very young, flat-faced, or has swallowed something else alongside. Make the call first.
Are grapes toxic to cats too?
The reaction is far better documented in dogs, largely because cats rarely eat fruit. The safest assumption is that the same risk applies, so call if your cat has eaten grapes or raisins.