PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Can dogs eat tamarind (asam jawa)? No: toxic
Toxic. Tamarind, like grapes and raisins, can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. Call your vet now, even if your dog seems fine.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Tamarind (asam jawa) and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Toxic · Emergency: get help now
- What it can do
- Vomiting or diarrhea, not eating, low energy or weakness, belly pain and drinking more. All 7
- How fast
- Vomiting or diarrhea within 6-12 hours; kidney failure within 24-72 hours
- What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
- Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What should I do if my dog ate tamarind (asam jawa)?
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.
- Bring the packaging, such as tamarind paste, candy or a drink.
- Go even if your dog seems fine. Early treatment helps protect the kidneys.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Don't wait and watch for signs; treatment works best early.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Not eating
- Low energy or weakness
- Belly pain
- Drinking more
- Shivering
- Peeing less or not at all
When signs appear: Vomiting or diarrhea within 6-12 hours; kidney failure within 24-72 hours
Why
Tamarind has caused kidney failure in dogs. The suspected cause is tartaric acid, the same acid suspected in grapes and raisins, which dogs clear poorly. How much causes harm is unpredictable.
Sources
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.