Can Dogs Eat Mango?
Risks, Benefits & Serving Size
Have you ever noticed your dog begging for your food when you are trying to eat? Most dogs love to eat just about anything and everything that they can find.
You want to ensure that the food and treats you give your furry pal are healthy and safe for them. Fruits have been known to be a healthy choice to give as treats. However, there is a lot that can be toxic to dogs.
Let’s take a look at the mango fruit and see if it could be something you can give them.
Can Dogs Eat Mango?
Yes, dogs can eat mango. Still, it is a high-sugar treat, and sticking to the recommended serving size is important when feeding mango to your dog. Also, the peel and pit should be removed for safety.
Mango is a good choice because it contains a good amount of natural minerals that we will go over in a little bit. However, not all dogs will like mangos. They may just end up sticking their nose in the air when you try to give it to them.
Mango can be a great treat for dogs so long as you remove the skin and the seeds.
– Dr. Leonie McKinlay, DVM
Before giving them to your dog, you want to be sure to take out the seed as it is not safe for them. In addition, giving mangos in small amounts is the key when feeding it to dogs.
With all that being said, you may be curious about what makes them an excellent treat to give to your dog. It is time to go over all the health benefits and things you want to keep in mind when giving your dog a mango.
Health Benefits: Is Mango Good for Dogs?
As previously mentioned, mangos have a lot of vitamins. This is an excellent benefit of mangos because you want to make sure your furry friend has all the things they may need.
Here are just a few benefits that come with mangos.
Source of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is very important for your dog’s wellbeing. That is because it does a lot of good things for your dog. If they lack Vitamin A, it can lead to your dog having poor eyesight. Dogs need to have not only a good sense of smell but good eyesight as well!
Another thing it can help with is improving the skin and fur. If your dog happens to have a lot of dry skin and fur, it may be because their vitamin A levels are low. Giving your dog a little bit of mango every so often could help improve this.
Lastly, vitamin A helps with the functioning of their lungs, liver, and kidneys. It helps ensure that they are all running smoothly and working properly for your dog to have a well-maintained body. It also helps defend against any diseases that might be coming your dog’s way.
Provides Antioxidants
Antioxidants are important for your dog as they can help out with your dog’s immune system. Mangos are high in flavonoids and carotenoids, which can also give a boost to the immune system.
What makes antioxidants so great for your dog is that they can help keep your dog from getting certain types of cancer. In addition, mangos can help lower your dog’s cholesterol levels if they are high. Giving small bits to your dog can help keep your dog’s system in check.
Helps Digestion
Mangos are high in fiber, which is excellent for your dog’s digestive system. This is because fiber can help ensure that everything is running smoothly in your dog’s digestive tract. It will help your dog to be able to pass everything without a problem. In addition, fiber also reduces the symptoms of constipation and diarrhea that your dog might suffer from.
Fiber can also be an aide to help manage your dog’s weight. It can give them the feeling of being full, which will help them slow down eating. It will help control your dog’s calorie intake, which makes mangos a good little snack before they have their dinner.
Health Risk: Is Mango Bad for Dogs?
Even though mangos have many great benefits, there are a few things you should take into consideration before feeding them to your dog. You want to know everything about a certain type of food before handing it over to your furry friend.
Peel the Skin
Before you consider letting your dog try a mango, take off all of the skin. While the fruity part of the mango is good, the skin can cause some problems for your dog. This is because it contains urushiol.
It is known to produce a bad rash if it touches the skin of your dog. Most of the time, you don’t have to worry about that as dogs have fur to protect their skin. Still, when feeding mango, it’s better to peel the skin off first.
The mango skin can also be hard for your dog to digest since he would have a hard time chewing it up. It could lead to your furry pal having some stomach problems and even getting a blockage in their intestines.
We all want to make sure our dogs enjoy what they eat. Remember, the fruit part is good, just avoid the skin.
Remove the Pit
Another thing to look out for is the pit. Just like most seeds, mango pit contain cyanide. Cyanide is a substance that is very toxic to dogs. It causes poor oxygen delivery by the blood and creates significant problems.
Luckily, the amount found in a single mango pit isn’t life-threatening. However, you should consider going to your vet if your dog accidentally ate one.
Also, if your dog tried to eat the pit, it could potentially choke on it as they are hard to chew and swallow. It could also block their intestines, causing more problems.
That is why removing the mango pit before giving it to your dog is recommended. They still will be able to enjoy the fruit once it is seed-free!
Upset Stomach
If you give your dog too much mango, they may develop an upset stomach. This is because it is rich in fiber. Fiber is good for your dog, but it can cause a few problems if given too much. While it can help with symptoms of diarrhea, it could also be the reason for diarrhea.
That is why it is recommended to give your furry friend only a little bit at a time. It will ensure that they are getting the benefits from it instead of getting problems.
Feeding Guidelines
Each dog is different as to how much food they should get. The same should go for their treats.
It’s important to keep the amount of treats your dog gets to less than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
– Dr. Leonie McKinlay, DVM
Because mango is a high-sugar treat, it should only be fed in moderation. Only give your dog mango once or twice a week to prevent obesity and diabetes from foods that are too high in sugar.
Also, the serving size depends on the size of the fruit and your dog. For small dogs, a small slice is enough, while large dogs can even enjoy a whole mango with the seed removed.
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Ways to Feed
Fresh mango is tasty, and the first option would be to cut the mango into small bits and then give them to your dog.
You may have heard of dried mangos. Your dogs can have these, but it is probably best to stay away, as they can tend to be high in calories. We suggest staying with the fresh mangos, as they will be better for your dog.
Another idea is to freeze the amount of mango you would give your furry friend. You can then place it in a bowl for them to enjoy. It is the perfect idea for those hot summer days!
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Keep It Clean
Keep your mangos in a place that they will stay fresh and have a longer life. This will ensure that they don’t rot quickly. Once you are ready to give some mango to your dog, be sure to clean it off and remove all the skin and seeds. Then you can cut it or freeze it for your dog to enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
There are quite a few nutritional benefits that mangos can give your dog. As we stated earlier, it is an excellent source of vitamins. Besides vitamin A, it also contains vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These all work together to help maintain the wellbeing of your dog on the inside.
It also has potassium, which will help improve your dog’s nerves and muscles. Mangos have protein in them, which can also help with the repair of muscles and other very important body tissues.
Mangos are high in fiber, antioxidants, and magnesium, all of which do wonders for helping out your dog.
Bottom line: Can Dogs Have Mango?
As you can see, mangos are a great treat in many ways. They can help promote a healthier life and way of eating and serve as a healthy treat for your dog.
It is important to remember not to give too much. Just a little bit of mango a couple of times a week should be good for them. This will help your dog dodge the health risks related to sugary treats while enjoying the benefits of this nutritious fruit.
Read Next: Does a Non-Spill Dog Bowl Work? A Vet Explains
Mango for Dogs – FAQ
Will mangoes hurt dogs?
Yes, mangoes can hurt dogs if fed incorrectly. A mango pit is a choking hazard, and it can cause a blockage in the intestines. The pit also contains cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. Moreover, the mango peel is leathery and tough. It could also pose a choking hazard and an obstruction in the intestinal tract if swallowed in large pieces.
Mango is safe for dogs as long as it is peeled, and the pit is removed. However, mango contains a lot of fiber and sugar, which can cause an upset stomach for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Mango?
Yes, dogs can eat dried mango. There is nothing toxic in the fruit’s flesh, and in moderation, it’s a safe treat for dogs. However, dried fruits like mango contain a lot of sugar and are considered a high sugar treat that should be fed sparingly. Check our feeding guidelines to ensure you’re not overfeeding dried mango to your dog.
Vet’s Comment
Mango can be a great treat for dogs so long as you remove the skin and the seeds. It is a great source of many vitamins, including vitamin A. Most dogs love getting small amounts of fruits and veggies as a treat. It’s important to keep the amount of treats your dog gets to less than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake, or it can lead to gastrointestinal upset, obesity, and other problems.
Mangos and other fruit are a great treat to mix in a Kong toy with some peanut butter and freeze. Frozen treats can help keep your dog busy, particularly when you’re not around, and prevent problems like separation anxiety.
Some dogs with particular medical issues like diabetes or pancreatitis need a very specific diet to keep them healthy, so if your dog has any underlying conditions, it’s best to check with your vet before adding something new to their diet.
– Dr. Leonie McKinlay, DVM
NOTE: Advice provided within this article by FeedingMyPet.com is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Please discuss your pet’s specific dietary needs (based on his breed, weight, age, and health status) with a veterinarian.