Dog owners often feel the need to spoil their beloved four-legged friend with something from their own plate. Many of the foods we are allowed to eat can be harmful to dogs, but some vegetables and fruits are actually healthy for dogs, including some exotic fruits.
When we hear about mangoes, most of us will say: “Yum!”. A fleshy, juicy, and sweet fruit that is full of essential nutrient and has numerous benefits for the body. But can dogs eat mangoes? Are mangoes safe for our dogs?
So, Can Dogs Eat Mango?
Mango is also on the list of fruits your dog is allowed to eat, and in the summer, a few cold pieces of mango are a real treat. Your dog will also say: “Yummy!” when it tastes this fruit.
It is a very good and healthy fruit for dogs. Beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, potassium, and vitamins A, B6, and C are some of the beneficial substances mangoes contain.
You should peel the mango before serving it to your dog because the skin is difficult to digest and can lead to gastrointestinal disorders. You should also remove the pit because your dog can choke on it.
For added safety, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian because some individuals can be sensitive to certain substances.
Mango Benefits
Mango is one of the most consumed exotic fruits in the entire world. Even so, few dog owners know the benefits of mango for their pet’s health.
This fruit is an important source of nutrients that give it beneficial properties for health. It seems that mango could help prevent certain diseases and contribute to skin health. It is also rich in fiber, which means it can help dogs’ digestion. But be careful and do not let your dog consume large amounts of mango because it could have laxative effects.
Here is what 100 g of mango contains:
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Protein: 0.82 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Lipids: 0.38 g (0 g cholesterol)
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Vitamin C: 36.4 mg
- Choline: 7.6 mg
- Vitamin A: 54 mcg
- Folates: 43 mcg
- Calcium: 11 mg
- Magnesium: 10 mg
- Phosphorus: 14 mg
- Potassium: 168 mg
- Sodium: 1 mg
Possible Dangers of Eating Mango
For a healthy dog, mango can be a safe and delicious snack. On the other hand, for those suffering from certain medical conditions, make sure to consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods into their diet. Ill dogs usually have a specific diet to keep them healthy, and you might perturb that by giving them mango.
If your dog does not suffer from medical conditions, it can eat a piece of mango without problems; you only have to remove the pit and the skin.
Mangoes have large seeds and can be a choking hazard for dogs. Even if your dog manages to swallow the pit without choking or getting stuck in its throat, it can get stuck in the intestine, leading to intestinal obstruction. Intestinal obstruction is a medical emergency because it can put your dog’s life in danger.
Signs of intestinal obstruction in dogs include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pains
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Breathing difficulties
- Constipation
- Stomach bloating
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has swallowed a mango pit and shows one or more of these symptoms.
Even if you’re not sure, still consult your vet, as they may advise you to bring your dog in for a physical exam and diagnostics, such as x-rays.
Mango skin can also be harmful to your dog’s health. It contains urushiol, a substance found in poison ivy and poison oak. This substance could cause a rash if it comes into contact with your dog’s skin.
Mango skin can also be difficult to chew and digest and can cause digestive upset:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Intestinal blockage
If your dog has consumed mango skin, you must supervise it. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any signs of intestinal obstruction.
The amount of mango you feed your dog also matters. Too much mango can lead to gastrointestinal disorders such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Sorbitol is the substance in mango that leads to laxative effects when this fruit is consumed in large quantities.
Also, some dogs can be allergic to mango. So, feed your dog just a little bit if it is your pet’s first time eating mango to see if it has any reactions.
Always consult your veterinarian if you have questions about feeding your dog mango.
How Much Mango Can I Give My Dog?
Mangoes should only be fed in moderation as they can lead to gastrointestinal problems.
- For a large dog, a quarter of a cup once or twice a week represents an adequate portion to prevent obesity and diabetes.
- For a puppy or small dog, one or two slices are enough (1-2 times a week).
In general, it is recommended to apply the 90/10 rule – 90% a complete and balanced diet and 10% other treatments.
Always slice or cut the fruit according to the size of your dog. In this way, you avoid choking on a piece that is too big.
Do not give fermented fruit to dogs. Spoiled fruits produce ethanol (alcohol) which is toxic to dogs. Ethanol poisoning in dogs presents the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Incoordination
- Breathing difficulties
- Tremor
- Seizures
- Death
If you want to make mango even more interesting for your dog, add it to cottage cheese or yogurt or freeze it for a refreshing summer treat.
Bottom Line
Dogs can eat mangoes, being safe for them. This fruit can be an extremely tasty and beneficial snack for your dog’s health, but make sure you remove the pit and skin before serving it. The seed can cause suffocation if it gets stuck in your dog’s throat or intestinal obstruction if it reaches the intestine. Both represent medical emergencies – dogs can die if not intervened in time.
Mango skin is not toxic but is difficult to digest. Consumption of mango skin can lead to gastrointestinal disorders or intestinal obstruction.
Do not forget that any new food must be introduced gradually into your pet’s diet.
Always contact your veterinarian if you have questions about how to feed mango to dogs or other concerns.
