Not Safe for Dogs
Medium dog serving: never
Key warning: all mince pies — homemade and commercial
Can Dogs Eat Mince Pies? No — Contain Raisins That Cause Fatal Kidney Failure
This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.
Mince pies are extremely dangerous for dogs. Despite the name they contain no meat — they are filled with mincemeat which is a mixture of dried fruits including raisins, currants, and sultanas that cause fatal kidney failure in dogs. A Christmas emergency.
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Warning Signs & Symptoms
Raisins, currants, and sultanas in mincemeat filling: kidney failure — potentially fatal. Suet in traditional recipes: high fat causing pancreatitis risk. Brandy or alcohol in some recipes: alcohol toxicity.
If Your Dog Ate This
If your dog ate, or may have eaten, any mince pie or mincemeat filling, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) right away, even if it was only a small piece and your dog seems fine. Mincemeat is made mostly of raisins, sultanas and currants (dried grapes, not blackcurrants). Tell the vet if the filling contained brandy or other alcohol, as this adds a separate risk. Do not wait for symptoms. Prompt veterinary assessment and treatment can help reduce the risk of kidney injury. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a veterinarian or animal poison-control expert instructs you to.
What to Avoid
all mince pies — homemade and commercial
Preparation & Serving
Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 IMMEDIATELY. Kidney failure develops silently — early treatment is critical.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (medium dog)
- never
- Serving (large dog)
- never
- Calories (per 100g)
- 325
- Safe frequency
- Never
Source
What You Need to Know
Mincemeat pies are a traditional British Christmas food that contain a mixture of dried vine fruits — raisins, sultanas, and currants — which are all acutely toxic to dogs causing kidney failure. Many dog owners are unaware that 'mince pie' refers to dried fruit rather than meat. A single mince pie can contain enough raisins to cause serious kidney damage in a small dog. This is a veterinary emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Not sure what to do next? Read our emergency guide What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
Want to know what other dangers are hiding in your home?
Take the 60-second kitchen safety assessment to find out your dog's risk score.
Take the safety assessmentIf Your Dog Ate This — Act Now
- Toxicity Emergency AdvisoryWho to contact if your dog ate something toxic
- Emergency GuideWhat to do in the next 60 minutes
- Dangerous Foods Dogs Cannot EatThe toxic foods list every owner should know
- Dog Poisoning SymptomsKnow what to watch for
- Dog Poisoning TreatmentWhat vets actually do
- Emergency Vet CostHow much will treatment cost?
- Best Online Vet ServicesAsk a vet online right now
- Best Pet InsuranceBe prepared before the next emergency
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Frequently asked questions
- Are Mince Pies safe for dogs?
- No, Mince Pies are not safe for dogs. Mince pies are extremely dangerous for dogs. Despite the name they contain no meat — they are filled with mincemeat which is a mixture of dried fruits including raisins, currants, and sultanas that cause fatal kidney failure in dogs. A Christmas emergency.
- What happens if a dog eats Mince Pies?
- If a dog eats Mince Pies, they may experience: Raisins, currants, and sultanas in mincemeat filling: kidney failure — potentially fatal. Suet in traditional recipes: high fat causing pancreatitis risk. Brandy or alcohol in some recipes: alcohol toxicity.
- How many Mince Pies can a dog eat?
- Mincemeat pies are a traditional British Christmas food that contain a mixture of dried vine fruits — raisins, sultanas, and currants — which are all acutely toxic to dogs causing kidney failure. Many dog owners are unaware that 'mince pie' refers to dried fruit rather than meat. A single mince pie can contain enough raisins to cause serious kidney damage in a small dog. This is a veterinary emergency requiring immediate treatment.
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