Easter: Dog owners warned not to let pets eat hot cross buns due to ‘toxic effects of raisins’

Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Dog owners have been warned against allowing their pets to eat hot cross buns during Easter as raisins can pose a serious threat to their health. “Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas are all toxic to dogs and it is believed the dried forms of these fruits are more toxic than grapes,” the Kennel Club states.​ “At this time of year, it is therefore important that hot cross buns are kept well away from your dogs.” The Veterinary Poisons Information Service provides further detail on how these food items affect dogs when consumed. However, “just one can kill a susceptible dog,” she says, which is why “real caution should be taken with foods, like hot cross buns, that contain them”. “Sharing just a little bit with your dog isn’t worth the risk of losing your best friend — avoid heartache by keeping them away from hot cross buns altogether,” the charity says.