Most dog owners like to give their pets some variation in their diet. It’s also tempting to just give your dog a bit of what you are eating sometimes, right?
When it comes to human foods, and fruits, in particular, it’s important to check that it’s not going to harm your dog before giving them some.
So, is it safe to give your dog mango ? Let’s find out…
Can Dogs Eat Mango?
Yes, dogs can eat mangoes. Mangoes are a sweet and healthy fruit that many dogs enjoy, so it is a great summertime treat. However, dogs can only eat mango flesh (in moderation), not the pit or skin. Moreover, dogs with medical conditions like diabetes may react badly to mangoes.
What Is Mango?
Mangoes are a kind of stone fruit that mostly grows in tropical climates. Mangoes are fleshy fruit that has a pit inside. There are many variants of mangoes. Some popular mangoes that people eat are the yellow Carabao, Alphonso, Julie, Haden, etc.
What Happens to a Dog if It Eats Mango?
If a dog only eats a bit of mango flesh, it is likely that nothing will happen to the dog. Healthy adult dogs that eat a small amount will probably be fine. For example, if a dog accidentally sneaks a bit of mango flesh off a plate, it will likely not harm the them.
However, dogs with certain conditions like diabetes and pancreatitis may have bad reactions from eating mangoes. Mangoes have natural sugar, but it contains a lot of natural sugar. One cup of mango contains about 22.5 grams of sugar, which is a huge amount for dogs, especially if they have a condition.
Even humans with diabetes and pancreatitis should avoid eating mangoes because of the amount of natural sugar. Some humans with these conditions can eat a little mango in moderation if they take other precautions. Dogs are much smaller than humans, so a small bite could cause symptoms like excessive thirst, increased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, etc.
Are Mangoes Bad for Dogs?
Mangoes can be bad for dogs if they eat too many. Most healthy dogs can easily tolerate an occasional mango treat, but it should not be a frequent snack for them. Mangoes have a lot of natural sugar, which can throw their blood sugar levels off.
That being said, mangoes are not an ideal snack for dogs with sugar-related problems. For instance, dogs with diabetes and pancreatitis should avoid mangoes. The goal of treating diabetes and pancreatitis is to regulate their blood sugar levels with insulin injections, proper diet, exercise, etc. A few bites of mango could easily heighten their blood sugar levels.
Will Dogs Get Sick from Eating Mangoes?
No, dogs do not get sick from eating mangoes. Ripe and fresh mangoes are safe for most healthy dogs to eat. Only dogs with medical conditions like diabetes may get sick from eating mangoes.
However, certain parts of the mango could cause symptoms that look like a sickness. For instance, the pit and skin of the mango could cause obstructions in the dog’s digestive system, causing them to vomit, experience constipation, diarrhea, etc. If the dog experiences symptoms like these after eating mango, they need to go to a veterinarian.
Health Benefits of Mangoes for Dogs
Mangoes contain a lot of great nutrients that will benefit most dogs. For instance, mangoes are rich in vitamin A that can promote a dog’s eyesight, which is ideal for older dogs. Vitamin A can help with dry eyes and night blindness while potentially preventing cataracts, which is common in senior dogs. Moreover, vitamin A can improve the lungs, liver, kidney, skin and coat.
Mangoes also have a lot of antioxidants in them. Antioxidants get rid of free radicals in the body. Free radicals damage the body’s cells (including organs), causing aging and illness. Antioxidants help remove excess free radicals in the body to prevent illness and slow aging. Plus, antioxidants can boost a dog’s immune system.
Fiber is in mangoes, which is a great thing to have in a dog’s diet. Fiber helps the digestive system run properly so waste can leave the dog’s body. Fiber can also be helpful when dogs have upset stomachs because fiber can help relieve symptoms of constipation and diarrhea.
Surprisingly, mangoes have protein, which is a very crucial part of a dog’s diet. Protein helps repair body tissues like muscles and organs. Protein is also the main source of a dog’s energy. Moreover, protein contains essential amino acids that dogs need to build cartilage, tendons, skin, fur, etc.
How Mangoes Can be Bad for Dogs
As stated earlier, mangoes can be bad for dogs if they have conditions like diabetes and pancreatitis. Mango’s high levels of sugar can trigger negative reactions in dogs with those conditions. Even a few small bites might be too much for these dogs, so it is best to avoid it.
The mango skin and pit pose a danger to dogs as well. The skin and pit are not poisonous, but they can create problems. The skin is very difficult for dogs to digest. The pit is a huge choking hazard to dogs. If a dog is able to swallow the mango pit, it will be very hard for them to digest. Therefore, dogs should avoid eating the mango skin and pit altogether.
Additionally, overweight dogs may not benefit from mangoes. Since mangoes have so much sugar, it can cause more weight gain or make it difficult for them to lose weight. Therefore, it would be best to find a different fruit to give overweight dogs as a treat.
What Kind of Mangoes Can Dogs Eat?
Dogs can eat most kinds of ripe yellow mangoes. However, there is not enough research to show if dogs can eat green mangoes, which are harder than regular yellow mangoes. Therefore, it would be best to stick to yellow mangoes.
Moreover, it would be best to choose mangoes that are pesticide-free. Some farmers will spray pesticides on their produce to prevent pests. However, these pesticides can be harmful to dogs. Try to choose organic mangoes because organic mangoes usually do not have any pesticides.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Mangoes?
No, dogs cannot eat dried mangoes. Dried mangoes are high in carbs, calories and sugar compared to fresh mangoes. Dried mangoes are basically concentrated forms of fresh mango, so it is not good for dogs. Moreover, drying mangoes removes important nutrients, so dogs will not get any health benefits from eating them.
Dried mangoes could also ruin a dog’s teeth. Dried mango can stick to a dog’s teeth, letting the sugar settle on the teeth and gums. Sugar is one of the main causes of tooth decay, so dried mangoes can make dog teeth rot faster.
What Part of Mangoes Can Dogs Eat?
Dogs can only eat the fleshy part of the mango, which is the same part that humans eat. The pit and skin are not good for dogs. They can cause obstructions in the throat, stomach and digestive tract of a dog. The skin is very hard to digest, and the pit is a choking hazard. The obstruction can lead to many issues, like choking, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, etc.
Are Mango Seeds Poisonous to Dogs?
No, mango seeds/pits are not poisonous to dogs. However, dogs cannot eat mango seeds. A dog can accidentally choke on a mango seed. Moreover, it is very hard to digest if a dog manages to chew and swallow it, causing other problems in its stomach and intestines.
How Many Mangoes Can a Dog Eat?
Most healthy dogs can eat a quarter of a cup of mango every 1-2 weeks. However, the quarter cup is only ideal for larger breeds. Medium-sized dogs can eat 1/8th of a cup or less. Smaller dogs should only eat a few bites of mango every 2 weeks.
How to Feed Dogs Mangoes
Choose a fresh mango that is free of any dark spots. Remove the peel from the mangoes. Cut a few bite-sized pieces of the flesh off for the dog to eat. Be sure not to give the pit or skin to the dog.
If it is the first time a dog tries mango, be sure to only give them a small amount first. They can have 1-2 bites at first to see how they react. Observe the dog for about 12-24 hours. If there are no changes in their behavior, stool, etc., they can eat mango again. Larger dogs can try 3 bites, medium dogs can try 2 bites and small dogs can eat 1 bite for their first time.
Can Puppies Eat Mango?
Ideally, puppies should only eat foods made for puppies. Puppies are very vulnerable compared to adult dogs. A small bite of mango for a puppy can contain too much sugar for their tiny bodies. Plus, puppies are still developing, so they will not get much nutritional content from mangoes compared to their normal food. Therefore, it is best to wait until they are adults before giving them mangoes.
To Sum Up
Overall, mangoes are a great snack for dogs to eat. They are safe, sweet and tasty for dogs. Plus, mangoes have lots of vitamins, antioxidants, protein, etc., that will benefit dogs. However, it is only an occasional treat because it is high in natural sugar. Overweight dogs and dogs with diabetes and pancreatitis should not eat mangoes because of their high sugar content.
