Can dogs eat mango? Have you ever wondered if you should share your sweet, fruity snack with your dog? Especially when they are gazing up at you with those big, pleading eyes.
In this article we are going to tackle the question, “Can dogs have mango?” and learn whether it’s helpful or harmful to share this particular tasty treat.
Dogs can safely eat mangos in small quantities if prepared correctly. Mangos are full of vitamins and antioxidants that can be beneficial to dogs.
However, your dog eating too much mango can cause an upset stomach and certain sections of the fruit are dangerous for them. You should serve mango in small quantities with the pit and skin removed in order for your dog to enjoy it safely.
Some Fun Facts About Mangos
The mango originated in India over 4000 years ago. It has been used in Ayurveda medicine since the Vedic ages, 3500 years ago.
Mangoes were believed to have a plethora of health benefits and healing properties. And due to its popularity, it became known as “The King of Fruits.”
Today there are several varieties of mango, and they are grown in many different countries around the world.
So, we now know that mangos have long been associated with good health in humans, but what about dogs? Is mango good for dogs too?
Can Dogs Have Mango?
A dog’s diet should consist mainly of quality protein and fats. They do not need many carbohydrates.
In fact, high carb or high sugar diets can have a negative impact on their health. However, the domesticated canine digestive system does have the ability to break down some fruits and vegetables.
Some studies have found that while wolves only have a few enzymes that break down starches, domesticated canines have evolved to have a number of them. So, if your dog’s DNA says to bring on the plant-based foods, you may start to ask yourself, “Is mango for dogs okay?”
Mango is a delicious and nutritious fruit that you may be tempted to throw to your pooch. But feeding a dog too much of something that is not designed to be the main component of their diet can be a bad idea.
Some human food can be safe, or even beneficial, for dogs in small quantities. However, some can be toxic and dangerous.
So, can dogs have mango? Yes, mangos are a fruit that is safe for dogs when served in moderation and prepared correctly. Let’s take a closer look at what’s in mango.
What’s In Mango?
Mangos have a number of essential vitamins and minerals, like potassium, phosphorus, folate, calcium, and vitamins A, B6, C, and K.
But while mangoes do contain a wide range of beneficial nutrients, they are also high in sugar. A single mango has about 45 grams of sugar and that works out to 13 grams of sugar per 100 grams of fruit.
So, lots of nutrients but also lots of sugar. What does that mean for a doggie diet? Is mango safe for dogs?
The good news is that mango is safe for your pooch in appropriate quantities. However, any of the beneficial nutrients that it contains will already be present in your dog’s daily kibble or canned food.
Mango for dogs is an occasional treat only, and not a regular addition to their diet.
Are Mangos Bad For Dogs?
We know that generally, dogs can eat mangos. But are there any instances where mangos are bad for dogs?
Like anything, it needs to be given in moderation. A tablespoon of mango a couple of times a week should be fine for most adult dogs.
Feeding your dog too much mango is likely to lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea.
High sugar foods are also not good for dogs, much in the same way they are not ideal for humans. Too much sugar in your dog’s diet can lead to unhealthy weight gain as well as heart disease, diabetes, and dental problems.
It is best to keep a few bites of this fruit as an extra special treat for your pet.
Are Mangos Good For Dogs?
We’ve established that dogs can eat mango but is mango good for dogs? Do they derive any health benefits from eating this delicious fruit?
Mangos are full of antioxidants, including zeaxanthin, which promotes eye health. They also have high water content and do contain some fiber; a combination that has been found to aid in digestion.
They contain vitamin A, which can help to promote a dog’s bone, vision, and immune health.
The vitamin C in this fruit may be beneficial to sickly or aging dogs. While dogs do not need vitamin C in their diet because they produce it naturally, some research has shown that dietary vitamin C can be useful to ill and older dogs.
The vitamin B6 found in mangos may be beneficial to your dog as well. This nutrient is often found in dog food, but the vitamin can degrade quickly when placed in commercial foods.
If your dog becomes deficient in vitamin B6, they can develop anemia.
Mangos provide potassium, which dogs need for proper nerve, heart, and kidney function. In addition, they have vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting.
But even though mangos can provide nutrients dogs need in their diet, they should be getting all the nutrients they need from their dog food. Mango is not essential to a balanced doggie diet.
In fact, when it comes to mango for dogs, moderation is key. The vitamin C and the fructose in the mango can give your dog diarrhea and a high sugar diet can cause weight gain and other serious health issues in dogs.
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Moderation means one or two slices a few times a week. If you stick to this amount, then mango is a safe treat for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Mango Pits?
The fruit of the mango will not make your dog sick, but the pit absolutely will. This part of the fruit should never be given to your dog.
You may have heard that certain fruit seeds and pits contain cyanide. This is true, and both humans and pets can become ill from eating them.
In fact, cyanide poisoning is a serious concern in animals. The compounds inside a mango pit convert into hydrogen cyanide once ingested. And dogs can die from ingesting cyanide.
Never feed or allow your dog to chew on a mango pit. If you think they may have eaten some of the pit, it is a medical emergency.
Can Dogs Eat Mango Skin?
Since dogs cannot eat the mango pit, you may be curious, can dogs have mango skin? Well, the skin is not poisonous like the pit, but they still should not eat it.
Mango skin is rough and made out of indigestible plant cellulose. This cellulose is fibrous roughage that will have to passes through the digestive tract.
Since most canines do not chew their food as well as they should, this can result in large pieces of mango peel blocking up the intestines. An intestinal blockage is a serious and life-threatening condition.
It is best to peel the mango before feeding it to your dog. The potentially serious consequences just aren’t worth the risk.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Mango?
If you have a food dehydrator at home or if you simply love to munch on dried fruit, then you may be tempted to throw a piece or two of dried mango in your dog’s direction.
Dried fruit is essentially just a piece of fruit with the water removed. So, technically your dog can eat a dried mango, just like he can eat a piece of the fresh fruit.
However, fruit in dried form is a bit different from fresh fruit. The dried variety has a high concentration of sugar, which is not good for our four-legged friends.
Giving your dog surgery treats can lead to diabetes, obesity, and even dental decay.
While mango itself is generally okay for your dog, dried mango can increase the calories, and specifically sugar, in your canine’s diet substantially.
Best to steer clear of dried fruit and stick to an occasional fresh slice as a snack instead.
My Dog Ate Mango Pits: What Should I Do?
If you are reading this because your dog has already eaten a mango pit, you need to call your local vet immediately.
Not only can the pit make your canine sick from cyanide poisoning, but it can also become trapped in the intestinal tract.
This sort of blockage can be fatal and surgery may be needed to remove the blockage.
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If you think that your dog has eaten a mango pit (or any kind of fruit seed or pit), then visit your veterinarian right away.
If acute cyanide toxicity is a concern, research shows that your dog can be treated successfully with hydroxocobalamin. But the medicine does need to be administered intravenously and should be overseen by a veterinarian.
Can Mangos Treat Any Health Issues In Dogs?
Mangos have some beneficial nutrients in them but they are not known to treat any health or hygiene issue in dogs. They are simply a vitamin and antioxidant-packed treat that your pooch can enjoy every now and then.
How To Give A Dog Mangos
Since dogs cannot eat the skins or pits of the mango, you peel it and remove the pit before feeding it to your dog. To prevent the risk of choking, you should always cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces.
Keep the serving size small. Give a tablespoon of mango no more than once or twice a week at most.
Alternatives To Mangos For Dogs
If your dog enjoys mangos, maybe they will like one of these sweet treats as well!
Can Dogs Eat Mangos? Summary:
So, can dogs have mango? The answer is yes. Dogs can eat mango as a snack or a special treat. But you should always speak to your veterinarian before giving your dog any new type of food.
Like other food items, there is a chance that your canine companion may be allergic or intolerant, so start with just a bite and look out for signs of indigestion.
If you are feeding your canine companion this tropical treat, be sure to remove the pit and peel first.
And serve it as an infrequent treat and keep the portions small. Too much mango can upset your pup’s tummy and also add an unhealthy amount of sugar to their diet.
Does your puppy pal love mango? Or do you have awesome fruit-filled recipes to share?
Let us know in the comments below.
References And Further Reading
- American Kennel Club
- Axelsson, E., et al. 2013.“The genomic signature of dog domestication reveals adaptation to a starch-rich diet.” Nature.
- Borron, S. W., et al. 2006. “Efficacy of hydroxocobalamin for the treatment of acute cyanide poisoning in adult beagle dogs.” Clin Toxicol (Phila).
- Griswold, B. 2019. “Benefits of Vitamin C to Your Dog.” Whole Dog Journal.
- Hayes, G., et al. 2009. “Gastrointestinal foreign bodies in dogs and cats: a retrospective study of 208 cases.” Journal of Small Animal Practice.
- Morris, P. J., et al. 2012. “Safety evaluation of vitamin A in growing dogs. Br J Nutr.
- National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. 2018. “Basic Report: 09176, Mangos, raw.” United States Department of Agriculture.
- PetMD. Accessed 2019. “6 Reasons Why Your Dog Shouldn’t Have Sugar .” Pet MD.
- Stohs, S. J. 2018. “A Review on Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Gastroprotective Abilities of Mango (Magnifera indica) Leaf Extract and Mangiferin.” Journal of Nutrition and Health Sciences.
- Ware, M. 2017. Everything you need to know about mangoes.” Medical News Today.
We have extensively revised and updated this article for 2019.
Daniel Abbott says
My pug loves Mango and eats it like a savage.