Mangoes are delicious, fragrant fruits that can be enjoyed in many different ways. They tempt people as well as dogs with their juicy pulp. However, for many dogs, a mango’s biggest appeal isn’t the flesh, but the large and delightfully chewy seed. But have you ever wondered if it is okay for your pup to chew mango pits? Can dogs eat mango pits?
Well, on to the matter of dogs eating mango pits; there’s conflicting information about whether mango pits are toxic to canines. Some sources say that dogs are highly sensitive to mango pits, while others say that the fruit is perfectly safe for canines to consume. Continue reading to explore this a bit more in detail.
Can Dogs Eat Mango Pits?
Yes, dogs can eat mango pits. But you need to be careful. Giving mango pits can be dangerous to your dog if ingested in large quantities. So, even if dogs can eat mango pits, it doesn’t mean they should. This is particularly because there are several risks associated with feeding mango pits to dogs.
Also, check out Can Dogs Eat Mangoes?
Is There Any Benefit of Feeding Mango Pits to My Dog?
A study published in 2011 in the International Food Research Journal found that there were many nutritional benefits to eating the mango seed. As reported by the researchers, “The results of the proximate analysis show that mango seed kernel is a nutritional promising seed because of its high levels of carbohydrate and oil. The results of mineral assayed showed that mango seed is very rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium. The presence of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C, E, and A suggests that mango seed could be used as an alternative source of these vitamins.”
Are Mango Pits Harmful to Dogs?
While it is true that mango pits contain a small amount of cyanide, the Pet Poison Control and the ASPCA don’t include mangoes in their toxic plants’ list. But when mango pits are consumed in large amounts, the cyanide can affect a dog’s heart rate, muscle movements, and breathing, causing weakness and eventually death. In addition, a small amount of fur may also turn gray (due to high levels of iron) and the pet may become extremely restless and hyperactive.
Despite the differing opinions on whether or not mango pits can be toxic to dogs, there are still a few problems associated with feeding the pits to your dog. Mango pits are also a choking hazard and could cause intestinal blockage if eaten whole. Other than that, the fruit as a whole is a nutritious snack for your furry friend.
You might also be interested in Can Dogs Eat Mango Skin?
Symptoms Of Choking in Dogs
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Difficulty in breathing
- Wheezing or gagging sounds
- Lethargy, weakness, and/or restlessness
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea after eating one or more mango pits (often with foul-smelling urine)
Symptoms Of Intestinal Blockage in Dogs
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (with or without blood)
- Rough or lumpy poop
- Dark-colored poop (often with blood) — a sign of cholangitis — which can also be caused by chocolate, black licorice, and avocado.
If you notice any of the symptoms, get your dog to a vet right away-don’t wait for them to get worse. It’s much safer to just give your dog the mango flesh, which not only contains fiber and nutrients, but it’s also tasty as well. And you can hold on to that pit for yourself! If you’re worried about the small amount of cyanide found in mango pits, you can remove the pit before feeding it to them.
Conclusion
Can dogs eat mango pits? Yes, dogs can eat mango pits. Just ensure you’re not giving your pup too big a piece to chew on. If they seem to have trouble or become restless, take the pit away and seek medical attention right away. However, since it isn’t exactly sure whether or not feeding the pit can be beneficial, it is better to remove pits and provide the fleshy part of mangoes instead. While some people have fed mango pits to their dogs without any problems, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Thank you for reading the article.
Now that you know whether dogs can eat mango pits, check out our other mango-related dog articles that you might be interested in.
Have you ever given a mango with its pit to your dog? What was their reaction? Did they chew the pit or did they just have the fleshy part? We would love to hear from you. Please share with us by leaving a comment below!