Dogs are known for being curious and that trait gets its moment to shine when it comes to food. Many of our beloved pups will eat anything they can get their mouths around (or that they can tear into pieces small enough to make that possible). That behavior can sometimes be dangerous, but not every new food is an immediate health risk.
Every dog owner has needed to ask whether a particular food is safe for their dog. Now, whether it’s because Fluffy helped himself to the fruit bowl or you’re just looking for a tasty treat to share with your furry friend, it’s time to answer the question: Can dogs eat mango? The answer is yes! Mango is safe for your pooch to enjoy, and it even comes with some important benefits.
This tropical fruit is appealing not only to humans but to our dogs, too. It’s safe for them to have as a treat. You could even share! Like any new food, proceed with caution when introducing it to your dog and monitor for any health changes. If concerns do arise, speak to your veterinarian. Otherwise, as long as it’s done carefully and in appropriate amounts, pet owners should feel good about handing this fruit out to their beloved dog.
Health Benefits of Mango
Mango is a delicious snack to share with your dog, and it has several nutritional benefits to go along with it. Its sweet taste and desirable texture make it an easy way to give dogs an extra boost of vitamins. The fruit itself is packed with fiber and vitamins E, C, B6, A, and potassium!
These vitamins help ensure that your dog’s immune system is in top shape to keep them healthy and happy. Mango has all the right things to assist with eye health, coat maintenance, nervous system functioning, and heart health! It has important nutrients that your dog needs and that they’ll love getting from a sweet mango.
Additionally, as is true of many fruits, mango has high water content and can be a small aid in ensuring that your dog stays hydrated. A single mango is over 80% water! This could be a particularly beneficial factor if you live in a hot or dry climate or if your dog spends a lot of time outside.
Dehydration is a huge health risk and should be avoided at all costs. Frozen mango or a mango Popsicle made with other dog-safe ingredients (check out the end of this article for more ideas) would be a fun way to keep your dog happy and hydrated in the hot summer months.
The Safest Way to Give a Dog Mango
Mangoes, like other stone fruits (cherries, peaches, etc.) have a large pit-like seed at their center. This pit contains trace amounts of cyanide, which if ingested could cause harm to your dog. Cyanide itself is toxic to pets, and even in trace amounts, it is best to avoid consuming it.
If swallowed, there is also a chance that the pit could create a bowel obstruction. This is a dangerous condition that requires medical attention and is certainly one that any pet owner would wish to avoid. Fortunately, these pitfalls are easy enough to avoid. By peeling the mango and slicing the flesh of the fruit into smaller pieces to avoid a choking hazard, there is no danger of the fruit causing any problems.
Since mangoes and other fruits are high in natural sugar, the fruit should be served in moderation. Mangoes are intended as a treat for dogs and are not meant to be a large part of their diet. The best rule of thumb to follow is to only use treats to make up 10% of any dog’s diet. Any number higher than that comes with a risk of causing harm.
Possible Health Issues
As is the case with any new food, introducing mango into your dog’s diet may come with an adjustment period. While edible, the mango skin may cause some gastrointestinal distress and it can be difficult to digest for some dogs. Excessive consumption of mango can also cause stomach issues, whether it is just mild upset or even diarrhea.
Again, you must monitor how much mango (or any special food) your dog eats in a day. The high amount of fiber present in mango may also be difficult for some dogs to adjust to. It has demonstrable beneficial qualities, but high quantities can still put stress on a dog’s digestive system. If you have any concerns about giving your dog mango or suspect that mango is causing your pet distress, please remember to speak to your veterinarian.
Fun Ways to Introduce Mango
There are a variety of extra fun ways to incorporate new foods into your pet’s life. Frozen mango barely scratches the surface! Try mango purees mixed into their kibble or pieces of small mango tossed in with ice cubes to give them stimulation as well as something delicious. It also presents the perfect opportunity to teach food-motivated dogs a new trick. Who wouldn’t want to be rewarded with a deliciously sweet fruit after learning to sit? Have fun with it and your dog will, too.
Mango can also be combined with other dog-safe foods to create a variety of different creations. There are many dog-friendly recipes for muffins, ice creams, and cakes. Use mango to add a tropical twist to any of your four-legged pal’s favorites.
What Other Foods Are Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Several things are harmful to your dog if ingested, but with such a wide variety of fruits, beans, and other foods to choose from there are many dog-safe options available. Dogs can eat sweet potatoes and many other vegetables instead.
In addition to mango, other fruits that are safe for your dog include bananas, kiwi, blueberries, melons, and pumpkins. If you want to introduce vegetables to your dog, you can try carrots, green beans, broccoli, celery, and lettuce.
Beans are an additional source of fiber and protein that dogs love. It is safe for them to have cooked varieties of black beans, pinto beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), and lima beans. Note that some beans are not safe for your dog, though, such as broad beans, which can cause vomiting.
Seafood is a good way to incorporate something more substantial and higher in amino acids into their diet. Several options are perfect for dogs, such as salmon, sardines, canned tuna fish, and lobster. However, if you decide to give your dog seafood, make sure to remove any shells or bones. These can pose choking hazards.
These are only some of the many foods that dogs can try. For a look at other foods that are safe for dogs to eat, and the foods that should be avoided, check out the resources at the end of the article
Final Thoughts
We’ve now answered the question, “Can dogs eat mango?” Mango is perfectly safe for dogs as long as certain precautions are taken by pet owners. Ensure your pet’s experience is as safe for them as possible and they will be able to benefit from the high vitamin and water content of this fantastic tropical fruit. Not only is it beneficial to their health, but they will enjoy the taste!
