Can dogs eat it?
Can dogs drink wine?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Wine should never be given to dogs. It contains 11 to 15 percent alcohol, much more than beer, so a small glass can seriously poison a small dog. Wine is also made from grapes, which are toxic to dogs; it is not clear how much of that risk carries over into wine, but it adds another reason for caution. Call your vet if your dog drinks any wine.
Alcohol strength
A standard 175 ml (6 oz) glass of wine holds far more alcohol than a dog's body can handle, and even a few laps can matter for a small dog of 5 kg (11 lb). Signs of alcohol poisoning include wobbliness, drowsiness, vomiting, low blood sugar, low body temperature, slow breathing, and collapse. They can appear within an hour.
Fortified wines such as port and sherry are stronger still.
Grapes and wine
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney injury in dogs. Wine is fermented grape juice, and whether the substance responsible for grape toxicity remains in wine is not well studied. Vets therefore treat wine exposure seriously and consider both alcohol and possible grape effects.
Mulled wine and sangria often contain raisins or fruit pieces too.
Cooking with wine
Sauces, stews, and risottos made with wine lose some alcohol during cooking, but not all of it, especially with short cooking times. These dishes also usually contain onion and garlic. Do not share wine-based dishes with your dog.
Wine-soaked desserts such as trifle may also contain alcohol.
Preventing accidents
Glasses on coffee tables and spilled wine at parties are the typical sources. Place drinks on high surfaces, clear glasses as soon as they are empty, and wipe spills immediately. Watch for dogs licking from bottles left in recycling bags. Wine corks are another hazard; they smell of wine, and a swallowed cork can block the gut of a small dog.
Key takeaways
- Wine contains 11 to 15 percent alcohol, which can poison dogs quickly.
- Wine is made from grapes, adding extra caution.
- Wine-based sauces and desserts still contain some alcohol.
- Keep glasses and bottles out of reach.