It stands to reason to believe that fruits and vegetables are healthy for dogs because they are also healthy for humans. And in fact, dogs can eat many foods that humans eat as well. But is this also true for mango? Is mango suitable and healthy for dogs?
Dogs are allowed to eat small portions of mango. Mango is even healthy for dogs because it is low in fat and high in fiber. It’s best to occasionally give your dog small, bite-sized pieces of a ripe, soft mango. However, since mangoes contain a lot of sugar, keep the portions tiny and give them sparingly. The peel and pit of the mango are not suitable for dogs.
Many dogs will eat most human foods you offer them. Certain fruits like bananas, papaya, watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries even contain antioxidants that are valuable to dogs.
However, there are some foods for humans that are dangerous for dogs, including some fruits. Mangoes, however, are not one of them, as long as you give them to your dog properly.
This article explains whether mango is suitable for dogs and what to look for when feeding mango. This includes which parts of the mango are suitable for dogs.
We also discuss which dogs should not eat mangoes and whether puppies can also eat mangoes.
Is Mango Suitable for Dogs?
Like many other fruits, mango is suitable for dogs if you take certain precautions.
Mango is a soft fruit with a hard shell and a large pit in the center. Therefore, never feed the peel and pit to your dog.
However, the soft, fleshy part of the mango is a healthy snack for most dogs. It is best to give the mango in bite-sized pieces to prevent ingestion.
Also, the mango you want to give your dog should be ripe. If it is too firm, it will be difficult to cut into small pieces and may pose a choking hazard.
To find out if a mango is ripe, press it gently. The mango should feel soft, and the skin should give a little.
Keep in mind, however, that dogs should continuously be fed a balanced and complete food.
Dog-specific food is best because it provides your dog with the right balance of nutrients. It is challenging to create this balance yourself.
Commercial dog food should make up 90% of your dog’s total diet, while other foods such as fruits, vegetables, and treats should only make up 10% or less.
Fruits and vegetables alone are not suitable for dogs as a main food source. If you need help choosing an appropriate dog food, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.
Is Mango Healthy for Dogs?
Mangoes are a good choice for most dogs because they are low in fat and high in fiber.
Dogs need fiber in their diet because it nourishes the beneficial bacteria in their gut and contributes to healthy digestion. Mangoes provide dogs with some fiber.
Mangoes also contain valuable antioxidants and the vitamins A, B6, C, and E. In addition, they also contain calcium, iron, and zinc.
Dogs need vitamin A in their diet to maintain healthy skin and eyes, as well as a shiny coat. However, too much vitamin A can also be harmful to them.
A small piece of mango as a treat will give your dog an appropriate amount of vitamin A as part of a balanced diet.
You should not feed your dog foods rich in vitamin A without consulting a veterinarian. Examples of such foods include liver or fish oil.
Vitamins C, B6, and E are vital for dogs because they support a variety of functions in the body. A little extra of these vitamins from a mango alongside a balanced main diet is certainly not a mistake.
The mango peel has been shown in studies to have health benefits for humans but is unsuitable for dog consumption. So don’t be tempted to give it to your dog.
What Types of Mango Can Dogs Eat?
Dried mango is flavorful and easy to chew. Therefore, you might think that it would be a good, long-lasting chew for dogs.
Unfortunately, dried mangoes contain many more calories and sugar than fresh mangoes. Overfeeding a dog with dried mangoes can occur quickly, which might lead to obesity if it happens too often.
Mango-flavored ice cream is not safe for dogs. It is probably not dangerous if your dog accidentally licks it once, but it is not a healthy dog snack.
Ice cream contains milk, which in turn contains lactose. An adult dog’s stomach is not adapted to digest lactose, so it’s best to avoid dairy products altogether.
There is also no guarantee that the mango flavor in ice cream is even natural, and artificial flavors are not recommended for dogs.
Mango sorbet is dairy-free, but it is not suitable as a snack for dogs because of its high sugar content. It may also contain artificial colors and flavors unsuitable for dogs.
Canned mangoes are equally unsuitable for dogs as they are usually preserved in syrup or juice and, therefore, contain more sugar than fresh fruit.
Caution should be used with other mango-flavored products intended for humans. They could contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs, or they could have too much sugar.
Can Mango Be Harmful to Dogs?
The flesh of the mango is not harmful to dogs in small amounts. However, the situation is different with the seed and the peel.
The mango seed is large and not easily chewed. If a dog chews on a mango seed, it can cause the dog to choke on it.
The kernel can also get stuck in your dog’s intestines and cause a blockage if he swallows it. Both the swallowing and the blockage are potentially life-threatening.
Mango seeds contain amygdalin, which forms a toxin called cyanide when it decomposes. Cyanide poisoning is life-threatening.
The mango peel is tough and not easy to chew or digest. In addition, there is also a risk of choking and a blockage in your dog’s intestines.
Therefore, it is vital to remove the pit and peel before feeding the mango to your dog.
Which Dogs Should Not Eat Mangoes?
Dogs with sensitive stomachs should stick to foods that are familiar to them. With such dogs, it is often better not to experiment.
The sugar and fiber content of mango can cause upset stomachs in dogs, particularly in dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Always discuss your dog’s diet with your veterinarian if your dog has a sensitive stomach and before introducing anything new.
Overweight dogs should generally avoid fruit because it is high in sugar. Vegetables are usually better for such dogs. Again, it is recommended that you talk to your veterinarian.
Mango is very sugary and, therefore, unsuitable for dogs with diabetes, as blood sugar spikes can put them at risk.
However, naturally occurring fructose is often released more slowly in the body than the sugar in sweet cookies and other industrially manufactured treats.
Dogs with diabetes need a stable diet that doesn’t change from day to day. But if you absolutely want to include mango in that diet, it may be possible.
Talk to your veterinarian about feeding mangoes to your diabetic dog.
How Should Dogs Be Fed Mango?
It is always advisable to talk to your veterinarian when introducing new foods into your dog’s diet. There may be specific reasons in your dog why certain foods are not appropriate.
When giving your dog mango for the first time, do so gradually. Any new food can cause stomach upset.
As a guideline, you should not give a dog more than a teaspoon of the new food the first time. Then, monitor him for 48 hours to see if there are any problems.
Only feed fresh and ripe mangoes to your dog. Always remove the peel and pit, as these are dangerous to dogs.
Cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces that are suitable for your dog. The pieces should be small enough that your dog can’t choke on them if he swallows them whole.
A good guideline is pieces the same size as your dog’s regular food.
Mango contains naturally occurring sugars that can cause weight gain if eaten in excess. Overweight dogs can develop health problems such as diabetes and joint disease.
To avoid unwanted weight gain from mango, give your dog only a few small pieces, and not every day.
Include the mango pieces when calculating your dog’s total calorie intake. Overall, treats and snacks should not exceed 10% of the whole diet.
How Much Mango Can a Puppy Eat?
Puppies may enjoy mango as an occasional treat if they are gradually introduced to it under the guidance of your veterinarian.
Puppies need a balanced, puppy-friendly dog food as their main diet, so mango should really only be given as a treat.
Give your puppy only the pulp of the mango, and be sure to cut it into tiny pieces. Your puppy should be given 2-3 pieces at a time, at most once or twice a week.
Can Mango Kill a Dog?
When fed properly, mango is unlikely to cause harm to a dog. However, any food can provoke a severe allergic reaction in dogs, although this is rare.
Mango can cause choking if fed improperly, and the pit and peel can cause life-threatening problems, so they should always be removed.
Conclusion: Are Dogs Allowed to Eat Mango?
Mangoes are safe for most healthy dogs if the pit and peel are removed, and the flesh is cut into small pieces.
However, mango should only be seen as a treat, not a primary food source, and you should only offer it to your dog occasionally.
It is advisable to talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog new food, especially if he already has health problems.
