Can Dogs Eat Mangoes?

Some dogs are picky eaters, while others seem to have cast-iron stomachs. Every dog owner will have experienced their canine companion showing keen interest in ‘people food’. We enjoy mangoes as a tropical treat or in fruit juices. But can dogs eat mangoes?

Simply put, yes, most dogs can eat mango, within limits. We’ll discuss how to safely incorporate this treat into your dog’s diet and which parts of the fruit should be carefully avoided when you give your dog mangoes.

 

Is It Safe For My Dog To Eat Mango?

Mango is considered one of the dog-safe fruits. It is quite fine to feed your dog the occasional serving of this tropical fruit. It can in fact be a healthy snack for your best friend. But when introducing any new foods into their diet, do so slowly and monitor their response for any adverse reactions.

You may enjoy a mango smoothie every day, but a daily serving of this sweet fruit to your pooch will be excessive. And if your pet has underlying health conditions then you should consult your vet before making any major diet changes. Due to the fruit’s high sugar content, mango is not recommended for dogs with conditions like diabetes and pancreatitis.

If you’re interested in what else your dog can and cannot eat, why not check out our guide on can dogs eat spaghetti next?

 

Is Mango Healthy For My Dog?

There are many health benefits to feeding your dog mango in moderation. Yes, just like with humans, good dog nutrition tips always stress the importance of moderation! Here are some of mango’s many wellness benefits:

• Vitamins A, B, B6, C and E. These essential vitamins contribute towards skin and coat health and overall growth.
• High in dietary fiber, which supports the digestive system and can help manage an upset stomach.
• Excellent source of proteins and minerals needed in muscle growth and repair.
• Contains potassium, which helps support your pet’s muscles, nerves and heart.
• Rich source of antioxidants to boost immune system and combat allergies and skin issues.
• Contains beta-carotene, which is good for the eyesight and can help prevent cataracts.

 

How To Serve Mango To Your Dog

When feeding mango to your dog, it is vital to first remove the skin and the mango pit. The skin has some of the same properties as poison oak, and the pit can pose a choking hazard. Once you’ve removed these risks, you can feed mango to pup in any number of ways: on top of regular dog food, in appropriate sized chunks, as ice cubes, or as a smoothie type blend.

Sounds delicious, right?

It doesn’t end there! You can also get creative and purée the mango fruit and mix it together with other fruits like blueberries, apples and banana. Mixing chunks in with a little cottage cheese is also tasty.

So not only can your dog eat mango, they are bound to absolutely love eating it!

You’ll want to feed your dog mostly fresh mango. It’s not a good idea that your guy or girl eats too much dried mango. We talk more about this below.

 

Can Mango Be Harmful For My Dog?

While the fruit is safe and healthy for canines, and many dogs eat mango happily, there are a couple of potential risks and no-nos to keep in mind:

1.  Be careful not to feed your dog mango that has gone off. Rotting fruit can have toxic side effects since it essentially turns into an alcohol product. If dogs eat mango that is bad, they might start vomiting, or exhibit shakes and tremors. This could be a sign of alcohol poisoning, and you should contact your vet without delay.
2. Mango skin contains elements found in poison oak and poison ivy. We know the irritation and rashes that poison ivy causes. Well, mango skin can cause a similar type of irritation to some dogs. The skin can also be a hard chew. It’s difficult to digest, potentially leading to blockage in the intestines, causing stomach upset and vomiting.
3. Mango pits are large and hard and can pose a choking hazard. Swallowing a pit can cause blockages in the dog’s digestive tract. A mango pit stuck in your pet’s stomach can result in unpleasant digestive upset and more serious intestinal complications.
4. Mangoes are high in sugar content and fiber. Their calorie count is also pretty high. The proper amount of dietary fiber is well and good, but too much fiber can cause stomach complications like cramps and diarrhea. Too much sugar can cause obesity, diabetes and early tooth decay. So, be aware this tasty treat may be harmful if dogs eat mango too often.
5. Dried mango should be included in your dog’s food sparingly. The dried fruit has a higher concentration of sugar and calories. The drying process also extracts some quality nutrients from the fruit. Fresh is always best. Too much sugary, dehydrated mango is liable to cause a grumpy upset stomach – no fun for you or your pet.

What To Do If Your Dog Reacts Badly To Eating Mango?

If your dog shows any of the following symptoms after eating mango, you should consult your vet immediately:

• Vomiting
• Signs of abdominal discomfort
• Stomach bloat
• Breathing difficulty
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Disinterest in food

These indicators may point to a bad fruit or allergic reaction. If the dog swallowed the pit, the appropriate tests and interventions must be done urgently. If the dog ate some mango peel, monitor closely for an unhappy reaction and liaise with your vet if needed.

 

How Much Mango Can A Dog Eat Safely?

This sweet treat can be a welcome addition to a dog’s diet. Before feeding mango to your pet, consider how this food factors into your dog’s daily caloric intake. If your full-bodied friend is on a calorie-reduced diet, avoid feeding your dog too much mango. A very occasional treat is the best guide here.

For healthy canine companions, a weekly or bi-weekly healthy treat is fine. Bigger dogs can eat up to half a cup of mango a week, provided it’s fresh. Smaller dogs should be served around half of that quantity. While your dog may eat mango enthusiastically, any healthy treats shouldn’t comprise more than 10% of their calorific intake.

Read more about the best health and dietary care for all your furry friends at Barks in the Park!

 

FAQs

Can dogs eat dried mango safely?

It is generally safe for dogs to eat dried mango provided the mango is dried at home and the portions served aren’t too large. Smaller portions than normal are necessary, because the sugar concentration is higher in the dried product. Store-purchased dried fruit is not recommended because it likely has more sugar and other less healthy ingredients, including preservatives.

How many calories does a mango contain?

It is estimated that 1 cup (165 grams) of fresh mango has 99 calories, so keep this in mind to avoid obesity by feeding your dog too many treats.

What is the sugar content of a mango?

A cup of mango (165 grams) contains around 22.5 grams of sugar. That’s quite a lot – remember dogs eat mango sparingly as you don’t want to cause issues like diabetes further down the line.