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Mango madness has taken over your household, and your furry friend is eyeing that juicy, tropical fruit with hopeful anticipation. But is it safe for your dog to join in on the mango fun?
Dogs have a similar variety of tastebuds as humans do, albeit fewer of them. Some pups even have a bit of a sweet tooth and may constantly beg their owners for an indulgent treat. Before you give into those puppy dog eyes, make sure the food you are sharing is safe—and bonus points if it’s also nutritious!
Can dogs have mangos? Absolutely. Mango is safe for dogs to eat in moderation, and it can satisfy those sweet cravings. However, while this vibrant fruit offers a burst of flavor and essential nutrients, it's important to know how to share it safely with your canine companion.
Nutritional Benefits of Mango for Dogs
Like other fruits, mango is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. Mangos include:
Vitamin A: boosts retinal health, immune function and aids proper growth and development
Vitamin C: an antioxidant that’s an important component of wound healing and immune function
Vitamin E: an antioxidant that supports immune function as well as eye and skin health
Vitamin B6: important for brain and heart health and immune function
Potassium: needed for muscle and nerve function
As you can see, mangos have many vitamins that are great for your dog’s immune system. This is true for several other foods in question as well: Can dogs eat oranges? Can dogs eat pineapple?
Mangos aren’t just a vitamin-packed treat; they’re also full of fiber, which not only aids digestion, but can help keep your pup feeling full and satisfied. This is a major bonus if you have a food obsessed pup who is constantly begging for food.
Preparing Mango for Dogs
Fortunately, mango doesn’t take any special fixing when it comes to sharing it with your dog. You can give it to them in the same way that you would eat it. Wash it first, then remove the skin and pit. Cut it into cubes and place in their food bowl or use it as treats for training.
Removing the skin and pit is an absolute must for feeding your dog mangos. While the skin isn’t toxic, it also isn’t very digestible, so if a dog were to think it tasty, it may cause some digestive issues while it tries to work its way through.
Mango pits, on the other hand, are toxic, containing a small amount of cyanide. While eating a single mango pit won’t likely cause serious toxicity issues, it can cause choking and intestinal blockages.
Safe Ways to Feed Mango to Dogs
Mango is as versatile as it is tasty. Your dog is likely to love it no matter what form you present it to them. They can have it raw, mashed, or frozen. Just ensure the pieces are small enough to prevent choking and that the skins and pits aren’t present. If you want to get creative, look into some frozen treats for dogs recipes that include other dog-safe foods like bananas, blueberries or apples.
How Much Mango Can Dogs Have?
I know we’ve raved about the benefits of mango, but that doesn’t mean your dog should have a free for all. Instead, mango should only be fed to your pup in moderation. Now, that’s a word that vets throw around a lot when it comes to eating non-toxic human foods and it can get a little confusing if you’re looking for a direct, numerical answer.
We use the term moderation because it’s difficult to give a generalized amount since every dog is different, not only in size but also health needs.
Let’s start by saying dogs with diabetes and some other health conditions shouldn’t have mango or any other fruits. Speak to your veterinarian before offering your dog mango to make sure it’s safe for them.
Now, that being said:
Dogs under 20 lbs can have one to two ½ inch cubes
Dogs between 20-30 lbs can have one to two 1-inch cubes
Dogs 30-50 lbs can have three to four 1-inch cubes
Dogs over 50 lbs can have four to five 1-inch cubes
Keep in mind that these amounts are for one feeding and shouldn’t be repeated daily. Instead, share your mango once or twice a week. Here’s why: besides all of the healthy vitamins and fiber, mango is also high in sugar. That’s what gives it its great taste. That sugar can cause an upset stomach, complete with diarrhea and vomiting. Feeding lots of high sugar foods over time can also contribute to extra calories and weight gain, which comes with its own myriad of issues.
If your pup happens to nab more than their allotted share of mango, watch them for signs of digestive upset and contact your veterinarian if signs are severe or last longer than a couple of days. Keep an eye out for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. While these issues might resolve on their own, severe cases may require veterinary intervention, such as medications to soothe the digestive tract or, in rare cases, more intensive care.
If your dog accidentally ingests a mango pit, it could lead to intestinal blockage, which could require x-rays or ultrasounds, followed by medication or surgery to remove the obstruction. Veterinary costs can quickly add up, especially for emergency treatments. That’s where pet insurance for dogs can be a lifesaver. By having a pet insurance policy, you can protect yourself from unexpected veterinary expenses and provide your furry friend with the best possible care. It’s not just mangos that can cause trouble. Mischievous pups often get into things they shouldn’t, some of which can require emergency trips to vet, so it’s best to be prepared for any situation! Knowing your furry friend can get the gold-standard care they deserve, without financial constraints, can provide invaluable peace of mind.
So, are Mangos Good for Dogs?
There are many human foods that are safe for our canine companions, including mango. Mangos are a delicious and nutritious treat for humans, and they can be a fun and healthy addition to your dog's diet as well. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, mangos can offer a variety of health benefits for your furry friend. From boosting their immune system to aiding in digestion, mangos can be a delightful way to show your pup some love. So, if mango madness has taken over your house, don’t worry, your pup can join in the fun!