Can dogs eat currants?
The full picture
Currants — the dried black grapes used in UK baking, not the fresh blackcurrants or redcurrants used in jams — share the same toxicity as raisins and sultanas. They cause acute kidney failure in dogs through tartaric acid and possibly other compounds. Toxicity is unpredictable and not dose-dependent: some dogs fall seriously ill after a small amount. Currants are in hot cross buns, Eccles cakes, fruit scones, Chelsea buns, mincemeat, Christmas pudding, and Garibaldi biscuits. NOTE: fresh blackcurrants and redcurrants are different — they are not the same fruit botanically and are generally considered low-risk (though still not recommended).
If your dog has already eaten currants
Risks to watch for
- Acute kidney failure
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Can be fatal without prompt treatment
Safe portion size
None.
Safer alternatives
- Blueberries
- Apple slices
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