Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 07:36 pm
Guinea pigs eat a wide variety of food, from hay, vegetables and fruits, thus ingesting nutrients important for their health and longer life.
Speaking of fruit, I often wonder if I should give some limes to my guinea pig.
Can guinea pigs eat limes?
The answer is yes, and guinea pigs can eat limes. But we must mention that they can eat only in small quantities; if they overeat they will have side effects. Limes are acidic and have sugar, two main reasons why guinea pigs cannot eat too many limes. Their digestive system cannot process large amounts of sugar, and limes’ acidity is unsuitable for your pet.
In today’s article, we will find out how many limes guinea pigs can eat and the benefits and risks of this vitamin C-rich fruit.
What are limes?
Lime is a fruit that originates from Southeast Asia. It is grown throughout the year and has several types of limes.
It is used to prepare various cocktails and as an addition to different dishes and salads.
Most lime is produced in India and other countries worldwide, such as Brazil, Argentina and Mexico.
How many limes can guinea pigs eat?
Guinea pigs can eat one small piece of lime per week; that’s quite enough for them.
Even if we give them more, they will not want to eat it because of the sour taste; they may not like limes at all.
Guinea pigs can eat limes and use nutrients, vitamins and minerals necessary for better health and longer life.
What to do if a guinea pig overeats limes?
Most likely, nothing terrible will happen to him, but the same thing must not be repeated in the future, which is dangerous for their health.
In such a situation, give the guinea pig more water so it can quickly get through the side effects.
However, problems with the stomach and intestines, diarrhea, flatulence and similar symptoms can occur.
Do limes offer benefits to guinea pigs?
Limes offer specific benefits to guinea pigs, so let’s look at precisely what our furry friends will get from this fruit.
Better digestion
It is known that there is a large amount of fiber in the composition of limes. Along with vitamin C, fiber is one of the most essential ingredients for their health.
By eating limes, the guinea pigs will improve their digestive system and have better digestion and a healthier stomach.
Of course, all these benefits are possible only by eating this fruit in moderation; too much lime is harmful, so be careful with the amount.
Healthier heart and blood pressure
Limes and high amounts of vitamin C help guinea pigs and their cardiovascular system.
This vitamin prevents the occurrence of various diseases of the heart and allows them to live longer.
With the help of vitamin C from limes, guinea pigs will have better blood pressure balance, which is important for their overall health.
Energy for guinea pigs
Energy is vital for guinea pigs to be able to play and run around all day.
Limes will get a lot of energy through carbohydrates and proteins.
Without enough energy and strength, the guinea pigs will be lazy, lethargic and sleepy, and they will not want to play with us.
Lots of antioxidants for longer life
Antioxidants in limes help fight free radicals that attack cells and cause cancer in guinea pigs.
Antioxidants slow down aging and extend the lifespan of our furry friends.
Vitamin A in limes is an antioxidant that helps to improve immunity, better vision and protection from diseases.
Protection against scurvy with vitamin C
The essential vitamin C, found in limes, is unique for guinea pigs because it protects against scurvy.
Scurvy is a dangerous disease that causes fatigue, loss of appetite, and internal bleeding.
Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C independently, so they have to get it through food, such as limes.
Stronger muscle
In the composition of limes, there are huge amounts of potassium, which is essential for the muscles of guinea pigs.
With the effect of potassium, possible muscle pains are reduced; this also applies to the heart muscle. Your pet can run and play all day with strong and healthy muscles.
Potassium also helps with proper electrolyte balance in the guinea pig’s body.
What are the side effects of limes for guinea pigs?
Each food has good and bad sides, which we must pay attention to when feeding guinea pigs.
Limes can cause specific side effects in our pets, so let’s see in more detail what they are.
Kidney and bladder stones
Limes have a very large amount of calcium, which can harm guinea pigs. Calcium is needed while young guinea pigs are growing and developing; then they need a larger amount of calcium, while a smaller amount is enough for older ones.
Calcium in large quantities causes the appearance of stones in the kidneys and bladder.
Guinea pigs cannot handle large amounts of calcium and cannot process it, causing stones to form. Kidney and bladder stones are very uncomfortable and painful for our pets, and must be taken to the vet immediately.
Mouth sores
Limes are sour and contain a lot of citric acid, which bothers us humans when we eat them, and guinea pigs even more.
Citric acid can cause sores and ulcers to form in their mouths.
Limes can also damage their teeth and enamel, which is undoubtedly the least desirable; teeth are too important for our pets.
Diabetes and obesity
Limes are sweeter than regular lemons and contain higher amounts of sugar.
If the guinea pigs eat this fruit regularly, they will gain weight and may get diabetes, which is dangerous and harmful to their health.
Realistically, guinea pigs do not eat a lot of limes, but the danger of too much sugar still exists, so you must be careful about the amount.
Can guinea pigs eat lime tree leaves?
No, guinea pigs cannot eat lime leaves; they are not suitable for their health.
Indeed, guinea pigs can eat various types of leaves because they are herbivores, but unfortunately, they cannot eat limes leaves.
If they eat lime leaves, they will get cramps and irritation in their stomach, resulting in diarrhea, cramps and stomach pain.
Can guinea pigs eat lime peel?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat the lime peel, but only in limited amounts. Lime peel is high in vitamin C and fiber, the two most important ingredients for guinea pigs.
However, the lime peel also has a lot of phosphorus and oxalates, which are not good for their health, so we must be careful about the amount.
That’s why we recommend that you give them a small piece of lime peel once a week; that’s enough for them, without any harmful consequences.
Do guinea pigs eat lemons?
Guinea pigs can eat lemons in tiny quantities because of the citric acid.
If they eat minimal amounts rarely; otherwise if they eat often, they will get sores in the mouth, similar to the case with limes.
Guinea pigs don’t like lemons very much because of their sour taste, so whatever you give them is whether they will even want to try lemon.
read more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lemons? (Bad and Good Effects)
Do guinea pigs like to eat oranges?
Unlike lemon and lime, oranges are still not so acidic, so they are more suitable for guinea pigs.
Oranges are a great fruit with lots of vitamin C and should be given to your furry friends.
Apart from vitamin C, oranges contain many other vitamins, such as beta carotene, which is also great for guinea pigs.
read more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oranges? What You Need To Know
Conclusion
Guinea pigs can eat limes in tiny quantities, primarily because of the acidity and sugar. Limes are an excellent fruit with a lot of vitamin C and fiber, which are most necessary for guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs can’t eat much lime because of the sour taste, which may be best for them because if they eat a lot, they can get mouth sores, kidney and bladder stones, diabetes and stomach problems.
Guinea pigs can eat a small slice of lime once a week to benefit their health.
