Can Dogs Eat Mango? A Complete Guide to Feeding Your Pup
Mango is one of the most popular fruits around the world. These tropical fruits come in many different varieties and are usually sweet, juicy, and delicious. Whether you’re preparing it for a fruit salad, smoothie, or just fancy a mango snack, you might have two adoring eyes looking up at you, hoping for some to fall on the floor.
But can dogs eat mango? What about mango skin? How should you prepare this tasty treat for your pooch if they can?
We’ve answered all your questions about giving your dog mango, so you can rest assured knowing you’re only feeding your pup healthy and nutritious things.
In Short – Can Dogs Have Mango?
Yes, dogs can eat mango. However, there are a couple of important things you need to know first.
One of the reasons mango is so delicious is because of all the natural sugars in it (just like peach, dragon fruit, and pineapple too). It’s a healthy treat but sugar can cause some health issues for pups, so it’s important you feed it to them in moderation.
What’s more, certain parts of the fruit are not safe for dogs to eat and could pose a risk to their health.
Health Benefits of Mango for Dogs
Mangoes are packed with essential nutrients beneficial to both humans and dogs. Here are some reasons why this sweet fruit can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet:
- Vitamin-Rich: Mango is full of vitamins A, B6, C, and E. These vitamins support a range of bodily functions, including vision, reproduction, growth, skin health, and coat condition.
- High in Fiber: The fruit’s high fiber content can aid in digestion and help your dog feel fuller for longer.
- Packed with Antioxidants: Mangoes are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps combat free radicals in the body. This pigment also gives the fruit its distinct yellow-orange color.
Whilst they do have some health benefits, it’s always important to talk to your vet first before letting your dog eat mango. They’ll be able to advise whether it’s safe for your pooch and take any health worries, such as diabetes, into account.
Can Mangoes Be Bad for Dogs?
Mango fruit can be a yummy addition to your dog’s diet – but only in moderation. It has high levels of sugar which can lead to dental disease and weight gain (as well as the other health problems associated with weight gain).
Foods with high sugar and carb levels can also lead to an upset stomach, including diarrhea and vomiting.
If your dog is already struggling with its weight, mango and other fruits such as raspberries are not the best treat option. Try healthier human snacks such as cucumber or celery.
Can Dogs Eat Mango Skin? Can Dogs Eat Mango Peel?
Dogs can technically eat mango skin but we don’t recommend it. It isn’t toxic to dogs but mango skin can be tough and difficult for dogs to digest. This can cause tummy troubles and even more serious conditions like intestinal blockages.
If your pooch does eat a little mango skin, there shouldn’t be any problems. Monitor them and if you notice anything unusual, get in touch with your vet.
Another reason why you shouldn’t give your dog mango skin is because of a chemical called Urushiol (in small amounts). This chemical is also found in poison ivy and poison oak and can cause skin irritation and digestive issues in pups.
If your dog happens to eat a large quantity of mango skin, contact your vet to get their advice.
Can Dogs Eat Mango Pit?
Mango Pits and seeds are not safe for dogs to eat. Even though they might look like something fun for a pup to chew on, mango pits can be dangerous. They can easily become a choking hazard or smaller parts can lead to blockages in their digestive tract.
Furthermore, mango seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, which is toxic to dogs (and humans!). Just like cherries, it’s only a small amount in the pit, but it’s better not to take the risk.
Only feed your dog the yummy, soft, fleshy part of the mango and avoid the pit and skin.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Mango?
Dried mango is not the best version of mango to give to your pup. It has concentrated levels of sugar (so even more than fresh mango). This can lead to various health problems for your pup.
Another issue with dried mango is that the texture can be difficult for dogs to swallow. It’s very chewy and, if they get given a large piece, may not be able to break it down, making it a choking hazard.
Its fibrous texture can also be difficult to digest, leading to stomach upsets or issues in your dog’s digestive tract.
If your pup does eat a small amount of dried mango, they should be OK. Just monitor them for any signs of a stomach upset and get in touch with your vet if you’re worried.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Mango?
Absolutely! Raw mango is the best mango to feed your pooch. It has the most amount of nutrients and is the easiest for them to digest. Just remember, it may be a nutritious treat but it should only be given occasionally.
How Much Mango Can Dogs Eat?
Mango shouldn’t make up a large part of your dog’s daily diet. It can be given every now and again as a treat for your pooch but most of their nutrients should come from canine-specific dog food. If you’re looking to add extra veggies to their diet, fresh dog food could be a good option. It’s formulated by canine specialists and is often pre-portioned.
In general, 10% of your pup’s diet can be healthy human snacks. Avoid things like marshmallows, but fruits and veggies that add nutrients can be good. So, how much mango your dog can eat depends on their size and how much they usually eat per day.
Just remember that too much mango can cause health problems.
Preparing Mango for Dogs
There are lots of great ways to prepare this nutritious fruit for your dog to eat. These are some of our favorites:
- As a fresh, raw treat. Healthy fruits are a great alternative to shop-bought treats. Give them for good behavior or as a training tool.
- Frozen. Freezing fruit is an excellent snack for dogs on a hot day. Licking at the fruit makes them cool down and it keeps them entertained. Just make sure it’s cut up small enough not to be a choking hazard.
- Mashed. Mashing is a great way for puppies and senior dogs to enjoy mango (pups in between love mashed mango too). It can be spread on a lick mat or frozen in an ice cube tray for them to eat.
- Smoothies. Does your pup love smoothies? Whisking up some mango with some dog-safe yogurt or other fruits (such as blackberries and strawberries) is a great way for them to enjoy this fruit. You can even freeze it inside a puzzle toy to make it more entertaining.
So, Can Dogs Eat Mango?
Sure! You can share some of this favorite fruit with your pooch. It has some nutritious value and most dogs love it. You should always peel it first (and don’t give them the peel) and remove the large seed.
It’s also important to feed mango to your dog in moderation. Feeding your dog a balanced diet is really important. Whilst mango can be a small part of that, good-quality dog food should make up most of it!
