Skip to content
House Pet

Fruits

Can dogs and cats eat limes?

Short answer on limes: safe only with care for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.

One food, two pets

What changes between dogs and cats?

Dogs and cats both have a caution verdict.

The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line for your pet below.

  • Bottom line differs
Caution

Limes safety for dogs

Dogs should not be offered limes. The acidic flesh can cause stomach upset, while the peel and plant oils contain limonene, linalool, and psoralens that can be harmful.

Toxic principle: Limonene, linalool, and psoralens concentrated in peel and plant material

Watch for

  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • drooling
  • lethargy
  • skin irritation
  • tremors
Caution

Limes safety for cats

Cats should not be offered limes. Citrus peel and plant oils contain limonene, linalool, and psoralens that can cause gastrointestinal, skin, or nervous-system signs.

Toxic principle: Limonene, linalool, and psoralens concentrated in peel and plant material

Watch for

  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • drooling
  • lethargy
  • skin irritation
  • tremors

Questions owners ask about limes

Can dogs eat limes?

Dogs should not be offered limes. The acidic flesh can cause stomach upset, while the peel and plant oils contain limonene, linalool, and psoralens that can be harmful.

Is limes safe for every dog?

Not necessarily. Dogs should not be offered limes. The acidic flesh can cause stomach upset, while the peel and plant oils contain limonene, linalool, and psoralens that can be harmful. Ask your veterinarian first if your dog has an existing health condition or you are unsure.

What symptoms should I watch for with limes and dogs?

vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, skin irritation, tremors. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.

Can cats eat limes?

Cats should not be offered limes. Citrus peel and plant oils contain limonene, linalool, and psoralens that can cause gastrointestinal, skin, or nervous-system signs.

Is limes safe for every cat?

Not necessarily. Cats should not be offered limes. Citrus peel and plant oils contain limonene, linalool, and psoralens that can cause gastrointestinal, skin, or nervous-system signs. Ask your veterinarian first if your cat has an existing health condition or you are unsure.

What symptoms should I watch for with limes and cats?

vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, skin irritation, tremors. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.

Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.