As the “King of Fruits”, mangoes have a lot of nutritional benefits along with a delicious sweet taste. It is one of the most nutritious fruit humans can eat. As a dog-parent, you might have had thoughts about feeding mangoes to your adorable pup, but might have been unsure about the question “Can Dogs Eat Mangoes?” We’ve got you covered on this topic.
So, Can Dogs Eat Mangoes?
Yes, dogs can eat mangoes. As long as they are peeled and the pit is removed, mangoes make a nutritional and delicious treat for your dog. Still, it is necessary to exercise caution while feeding anything new to your dog. Some dogs might have a kind of allergic reaction to the mangoes, so it is best to take precautions. Here’s all you need to know about feeding this sweet fruit to your pup.
Are Mangoes Good for Dogs?
Mangoes contain a wide range of beneficial nutrients like vitamin A, C, potassium, and fiber, but they are also high in sugar. Single mangoes have about 45 grams of sugar in them. So, what does this have to do with feeding mangoes to your dog?
Well, basically you can feed mangoes to your canine buddy but only in appropriate amounts. Too much sugar can lead to some serious health problems like arthritis, dermatitis, pancreatitis, obesity, and diabetes. Moreover, mangoes aren’t necessary for their diet. Most nutrients will already be present in your dog’s canned food or daily kibble. Still, you can feed mangoes to your dog, but only as an occasional treat. Regular feeding might not be a good idea.
Choking is another health hazard affiliated with mangoes. If your dog ingests a mango pit, it can get stuck in your pup’s windpipe affecting their breathing. It may also get wedged in your pooch’s digestive tract causing some changes in their eating habits.
Moreover, the pit contains small amounts of cyanide that can cause some health concerns in your pup. Make sure to remove the pit and peel the skin thoroughly. Eating a whole mango, skin, and pit included can also cause digestive issues in your dog. So, remove the skin and pit thoroughly before them feeding mangoes. Remember to cut the mangoes into small pieces so your pup can eat them easily.
Also, beware of certain allergic reactions. If your dog is allergic to mangoes, a bite can lead to tongue and mouth irritations. Your canine friend might also have difficulty breathing and suffer from diarrhea if they’ve ingested a large piece.
Symptoms of Mango Allergies in Dogs
As we mentioned above, dogs can be allergic to mangoes as well. As it is with humans, the most common symptoms of an allergy are itching and licking. The symptoms can vary between dogs and may also include upset stomach, diarrhea, throwing up, sneezing, and skin eruptions. A mango allergy can happen very quickly or may take a few hours or days to develop.
For those dogs that are allergic to mangoes, keeping them away from eating mangoes will minimize the chance of an allergy.
Treatment for mango allergies in dogs will vary as with humans. Some dogs do not require any treatment as they can no longer eat foods that contain mangoes because their immune system has reacted to them. Some dogs do, however, require treatment. Treatments may include antihistamines and steroids. The goal in treating these dogs is to bring their immune systems down so that they can no longer react to the mangoes.
Mango allergies are also common in cats and frequently involve itching and skin irritation of the paws and face.
How do I Safely Serve Mangoes to my Dog?
If you are unsure about feeding mangoes to your dog, consult with your veterinarian. Your vet will give you a clear idea of how much and how often you can feed your dog with any kind of food. Here are a few ways you can safely serve some fresh mangoes to your pup.
- Peel the mangoes and remove the pit before giving the fruit to your dog. Cut the fruit into smaller chunks when it comes to smaller dogs. Serve it fresh.
- You could also try giving frozen mangoes to your dog as a fun and tasty treat. It can also be used as training treats.
- Dehydrating mangoes for an on-the-go treat is also a good idea. Since dehydrated mangoes are easy to transport and they remain fresh for longer periods, you can take some with you while going on long trips as well. You can even save some for yourself.
- You can also add mangoes to your dog’s regular diet. If you feed canned food, you could mix in some mango slices for variety. If your pooch is used to eating kibble, you can mix some small chunks of mangoes with their meal as a treat.
- Remember to give your dog only a little bit of fresh or dehydrated mangoes at a time. Too much sugar is never good for them.
You might also be interested in Can Dogs Eat Dried Mangoes?
How Many Mangoes Can I Feed My Dog?
A quarter cup of fresh mangoes is enough as an occasional treat for a larger dog. Eating too many mangoes could be dangerous due to the high sugar and fiber content in it. Too much of anything is bad for your pooch and mangoes are no exception. Feeding your pup mangoes on a regular basis can lead to various health problems like diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset.
If you have a smaller breed of dog, then it’s better to cut mangoes into small pieces and let them eat around 2 to 3 pieces. But if your dog is diabetic or allergic to mangoes, it might do well to steer clear of feeding them mangoes.
Mangoes are one of the most popular fruits for dogs but not all mangoes are suitable for them. If you are planning on feeding mangoes to your pet, make sure you know what kind of mangoes contains nutritional ingredients and look out for the ones that might harm your dog. This can help you avoid giving mangoes to your dog that contain too much sugar and cause issues like diarrhea.
Also, check out Can Dogs Eat Mango Pits?
Conclusion
Basically, yes, your dog can enjoy the mango’s taste and nutritional benefits as long as you feed them some in moderation. Mangoes contain lots of vitamins and fiber that can be beneficial to your dog. On the other hand, too much sugar and fiber in mangoes can cause some digestive issues in your pooch. If it’s your dog’s first-time tasting mangoes, and you are unsure if you should feed them some, you could contact your vet for advice. Feed them mangoes in a small amount at the beginning and if they don’t show any negative reactions, you could add a little more next time.
Thank you for reading the article.
To explore more, check out our other mango-related dog articles that you might be interested in.
How often do you share mangoes with your dog? Do they like it? We would love to hear from you. Please share with our community by leaving a comment below.