If you're wondering whether dogs can eat mangoes, the answer is yes. Although certain parts of the fruit, such as the pit and skin, are not good for your pup, mango flesh is a safe snack for dogs. In fact, given the number of nutrients and vitamins it contains, you may want to consider using this fruit as an occasional dog treat.
Mangoes Are a Safe Treat for Your Dog
Perhaps you dropped a piece of mango that your dog quickly gobbled it up, or maybe you'd like to share a fruity treat with your pup -- either way, there's no need to worry. Once you remove the peel and pit, mango flesh is safe for dogs to eat.
This fruit is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, including beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, and K, folate, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients provide your pup with numerous health benefits, such as improved healing, digestive motility, and even a healthier heart.
However, given mangoes' higher sugar content, this fruit may not be a good choice for diabetic or overweight dogs. Always consult with your vet before offering your pet a new treat.
How Much Mango Can Your Dog Have?
As with anything, it's important to practice moderation when feeding your dog mango. This fruit is high in fiber, which will help your pup feel full, but too much can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Start small and offer your dog a piece of mango to see how they tolerate it. Each pet is an individual, so there's a chance it might not sit well with them, or they may not even like it. If your dog experiences any stomach upset following the snack, discontinue giving mango.
Many experts suggest owners stick to the "90/10 rule," meaning dog food should comprise 90 percent of their diet and treats should make up no more than 10 percent. Based on how much your dog eats each day, you can determine how many calories can come from treats like mango. Consult with your veterinarian if you're unsure of how much to give.
How to Prepare Mango for Your Dog
When preparing mango for your dog, it's important to offer your dog only the flesh of the mango. Ensure that the fruit is ripe and free of mold -- if you would not eat it, do not feed it to your pet.
After washing the mango, you can use one of many methods to remove the skin and seed. Be sure to cut the mango flesh into small, bite-sized pieces or thin strips, as large pieces can pose a choking hazard.
Once you've cut the mango into safe pieces, there are numerous ways you can serve it to your pup.
- Offer a piece of raw mango as an occasional reward.
- Freeze strips to give as a cool summer treat.
- Mix pieces into your dog's meal.
- Puree chunks to pour over their food, or as a snack.
- Bake them into homemade biscuits.
- Use them in home-cooked dog food.
Mango Dangers for Dogs
Always remember to remove the peel and pit when preparing mango. These components of the fruit can be dangerous for dogs.
Pit - Never give your dog a mango pit as it can be easily swallowed and create a blockage. If the pit cannot move all the way through your dog's intestines, it will need to be surgically removed. Should you discover that your dog swallowed a fruit pit, contact your veterinarian right away.
The kernel or center of pits also contains natural cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. Your pup can ingest this toxic substance if they chew on the pit or eat any pieces of the seed. And if a dog ingests enough cyanide, it will kill them in a matter of moments. Dogs who ingest smaller amounts may not show signs of sickness until 15 minutes to hours after consumption. Signs of cyanide poisoning include red gums, difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, collapse, or death. See your veterinarian immediately if your dog has chewed on a mango seed.
Skin - Avoid feeding your dog mango peel or skin because it can also serve as a choking hazard. Additionally, it's incredibly difficult to digest and can lead to stomach upset or even intestinal obstruction if the piece is large enough.
Mango Dog Treat Recipes
There are numerous recipes available that incorporate mango as a key ingredient. Consider whipping up a batch of homemade chicken and mango biscuits or dog-safe frozen mango treats. If you're not up for the baking process, your dog can enjoy the same health benefits with packaged products like fruitables Pumpkin & Mango treats or Jinx Chicken & Mango Jerky.
Mango Is Good for Dogs in Moderation
This sweet treat contains many healthy minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that can benefit your dog. However, it's important to avoid giving your pup too much mango. The high sugar content can lead to spikes in glucose levels, which can be dangerous for your dog if they have certain conditions, such as diabetes.
Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new food into your pet's diet. If they give you the OK, you can try rotating mango treats with a variety of other dog-safe fruits like blueberries, apples, or melon.
