Can Dogs Eat Key Lime Pie?

Let’s face it; most dogs love to eat.

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They’ll pretty much put anything in their mouths, including things that they really shouldn’t be eating.

So, it’s no surprise that you might be wondering if your pup can chow down on key lime pie.

So, can dogs eat key lime pie?

Depends.

Key lime pie contains citric acid, which is toxic, while the sugars in condensed milk are complex for dogs to digest.

Although harmful, key lime has nutritional benefits to dogs like immunity boosting, minerals and vitamin absorption, and cardiovascular health.

Moderation is key when feeding your dog any treat with lime.

This article highlights the nutritional value, health risks, and how to feed your dog key lime pie.

It also shows you what to do if your dogs overate key lime pie.

What is key lime pie?

Key lime pie is a popular dessert that consists of a fluffy meringue crust, a creamy filling made with sweetened condensed milk and lime juice, topped with whipped cream, and garnished with a lime wedge.

A typical serving of key lime pie will contain approximately 230 calories.

Key limes are a variety of lime (Citrus aurantifolia) smaller and rounder than the typical Persian limes.

They also have thinner skin, a sweeter flavor, have more seeds and higher oil content, and are often used as garnishes in drinks and for making marmalades or candies.

What are the benefits of feeding key lime to dogs?

Immunity boost

Key limes are rich in vitamin C, beneficial for your dog’s immunity.

This results in reduced infections and diseases.

Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen, which aids in wound healing.

Prevent diseases and infections

Lime has antioxidant properties like ascorbic acid, limonoids, and flavonoids.

These help fight free radicals, which damage your dog’s cells, increasing the prevalence of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Shiny skin and coat

Vitamin C in lime increases the production of collagen, which keeps your dog’s skin healthy and shiny.

Its properties help combat aging by maintaining that full fur for your canine friend.

What are the dangers of feeding your dog key lime pie?

While lime pie might seem like a delicious and harmless treat for your dog, it actually contains a few ingredients that can be harmful to your pup.

This is especially the case if they eat too much.

The following are potential risks associated with feeding your dog key lime pie:

Lime toxicity

Key limes contain lime which is a citric acid and toxic to dogs.

Citric acid leads to an upset stomach, like vomiting and diarrhea in large amounts.

Larger dogs can take a few bites without any effect but only feed a trace to small breeds.

Symptoms of lime toxicity include;

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of coordination
Cold limbs
Collapse
Liver failure

Digestive issues

Dogs have difficulty digesting the sugar in the sweetened condensed milk.

High sugar leads to digestive issues in dogs, including vomiting and diarrhea.

Long-term effects include diabetes and pancreatitis due to the increased sugars.

Lactose intolerance

Most dogs are lactose intolerant, while others are allergic to dairy, which is a main ingredient in the key lime pie.

Dogs lack the digestive enzyme lactase to break down the sugar in milk (lactose) for easy digestion.

Puppies produce enough lactase during breastfeeding, but the production decreases as they wean off and transition to solid food.

Other dogs have an allergy to dairy products.

Although key lime pie has nutritional benefits for your canine friend, if they’re allergic or are lactose intolerant, it may be discomforting to them.

Your vet can differentiate the symptoms and advice accordingly.

Lactose intolerance in dogs manifests as:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Gas or bloating
Abdominal discomfort
Dairy allergies in dogs manifest as:
Nausea and lack of appetite
Excessive itchiness and skin rashes
Swelling on the face
Diarrhea and vomiting
Excessive paw licking

How much key lime pie is enough for my dog?

Although key lime pie has dense nutritional value for your dog, it’s not the primary dietary component.

Balance it with other dog foods consumed daily, but ensure you stick to the 10% rule for treats.

Be wary of the raisins toxicity, dairy intolerance, and allergies.

The appropriate portion depends on your dog’s size, weight, pre-existing medical condition, and daily calorie intake.

Start with small amounts but check with your vet to ensure the quantity and the calorie intake.

What should I do when my dog overeats key lime pie?

Depending on the dog size, amount consumed, and pre-existing medical condition, the effect may be mild or severe.

For example, small breeds will be severely affected by small amounts while it requires huge portions to harm large dogs.

Similarly, diabetic canines will have severe complications due to the high sugars in the key lime pie.

Check for lactose intolerance or allergic reactions like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

There is no reason to panic if it’s mild as they’ll subdue in a few.

Lime toxicity which manifests as cold limbs, loss of coordination, and collapse, could be worse and require immediate vet attention.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can diabetic dogs eat key lime pie?

Any food type with high sugars is not advisable for diabetic dogs.

However, if you decide to give your diabetic dog key lime pie, a small amount once or twice a week as a treat is not harmful.

Can dogs eat key lime yogurt safely?

No. The main ingredients, lime juice and yogurt, are dangerous to dogs in large amounts.
Lime has citric acid, which is harmful even in small quantities depending on your dog’s size and preexisting medical condition.
Consequently, most dogs cannot digest milk in yogurt properly, thus may cause lactose intolerance or allergic reactions.

To wrap up

Lime pie is, no doubt, delicious.

However, it’s not the best food for your dog as it might cause digestive problems or, in some cases, even be toxic.

If you must give your canine friend key lime pie, do so in moderation and always consult your veterinarian first.

Remember, your dog’s health should always be a priority and their safety comes first.

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Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.