Can Dogs Drink Wine

The Short Answer: No — Wine Is Doubly Toxic to Dogs

Wine is not safe for dogs and is doubly toxic — it contains both alcohol (ethanol) and is made from grapes, which are separately toxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney failure. Even a tiny amount of wine poses serious risk. Red wine, white wine, rosé, sparkling wine, and non-alcoholic wine made from grapes are all dangerous. Never give your dog wine of any kind.

Why Wine Is Doubly Toxic to Dogs

1. Alcohol (Ethanol) Toxicity

Wine contains 11–15% alcohol by volume — significantly higher than beer. Dogs metabolize alcohol far more slowly than humans and have much lower body weight, meaning wine causes severe toxicity even in small amounts. Alcohol toxicity causes:

• Vomiting and disorientation
• Dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Dangerously low body temperature (hypothermia)
• Respiratory depression
• Seizures, coma, and death

2. Grapes — Kidney Failure

Wine is made from grapes, which are toxic to dogs. The exact toxic compound in grapes has not been fully identified, but grapes and raisins cause acute kidney failure in dogs. The toxic dose varies between individual dogs — some dogs develop kidney failure from very small amounts while others tolerate more. There is no established safe amount.

Grape toxicity symptoms:

• Vomiting and diarrhea within hours
• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased or absent urination (sign of kidney failure)
• Acute kidney failure within 24–72 hours

3. Non-Alcoholic Wine — Still Not Safe

Non-alcoholic wine is still made from grapes and retains the grape toxicity risk. It also contains trace amounts of alcohol. Non-alcoholic wine is not safe for dogs.

4. Wine in Food

Wine is used in cooking — in sauces, marinades, and braises. While cooking reduces alcohol content, the grape-derived compounds remain. Never give your dog food cooked with wine.

What If My Dog Drank Wine?

This is a veterinary emergency. Contact your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately — do not wait for symptoms. Kidney failure from grape toxicity can develop within 24–72 hours. Provide the type of wine, amount consumed, and your dog's weight.

Animal Poison Control: ASPCA (888) 426-4435 | Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661

Safe Drink Alternatives

👉 Stella & Chewy's Bountiful Bone Broth for Dogs — a dog-specific drink that is safe, nutritious, and satisfying. The proper celebratory drink for dogs at any dinner or gathering instead of wine.

👉 Virbac Rebound Recuperation Formula for Dogs — a dog-specific hydration formula. Supports healthy hydration without alcohol or grape toxicity risks.

The Bottom Line

Wine is doubly toxic to dogs — alcohol causes hypoglycemia and respiratory depression, while grapes cause acute kidney failure. Non-alcoholic wine is also not safe due to grape content. Keep all wine away from your dog and contact your veterinarian immediately if any is consumed.