Mango fruit is very healthy and delicious! It is safe to say that it’s one of the most popular fruits in the world! But many dog owners wonder can dogs eat mango? Is this delicious fruit safe for your pooch?
There are so many exotic and non-exotic fruits your dog can enjoy such as strawberries, nectarines, tangerines, melon, and blueberries.
But does mango belong on this list too? Is this delicious and healthy fruit safe for your pooch to eat?
In this article, we’re going to take a look at all the benefits of mango fruit, and answer if it’s okay for our beloved pup to consume it.
If you would like to learn if other different fruits, vegetables, and human foods, in general, are safe for dogs, we have several articles on those topics too:
- What fruits can dogs eat and which are toxic?
- What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?
- Which Food Is Good Or Bad For Dogs?
Can dogs eat mango – The truth
Generally speaking, mangos are safe for your dog! So yes, your dog can eat them! However, there are a few things you should take into consideration before giving your dog mango fruit.
Health benefits of mango
Mango contains many vitamins such as vitamin A, B6, C, and E, which are beneficial for you and your dog!
Besides all of these vitamins, mangos are also rich in beta-carotene, which is just one of many antioxidants that can be found in mangos. According to experts, all of the antioxidants in mangos fight free radicals, which can cause damage to your cells and potentially lead to cancer.
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Mangos are also high in fiber which can help you avoid constipation.
Now, all of this sounds great in theory. However, in real life, it’s a bit different. It’s a fact that mangos do have all of these vitamins and nutrients. But, the thing is, your dog should already be getting them from their diet.
So, please do not rely on mangos only to provide your dog with important nutrients. Mangos should be only a snack.
Dangers of mango fruit
We can’t answer the question”Can dogs eat mango” without talking about all the possible dangers of mango.
Even though mango does offer many health benefits, it can also be dangerous if not fed properly. So, before feeding your dog mango please make sure you peel the fruit and remove the pit.
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The reason for this is that the skin of mango contains urushiol. This is a component that is also found in poison ivy and poison oak and it can lead to rash if it touches your pup’s skin. Besides this, mango skin can also be difficult to chew and digest, so your dog might end up with an aching stomach, vomiting, or blockage in its intestines.
On the other hand, the pit of mangos is a big choking hazard. If swallowed the pit can also get stuck in your dog’s stomach and cause life-threatening issues due to intestinal obstruction!
To avoid any choking cut the mango into small pieces, then feed it to your dog. Also, feed mango in moderation! Just like it is with any other human food, moderation is key! Generally speaking, too much of any fruit or vegetable can cause bellyaches and diarrhea.
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Mangos also contain a lot of sugar, which can lead to an upset stomach, it can cause dental problems, obesity, and even high blood sugar.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to answer the question can dogs eat mango, yes they can! However, you as a dog owner need to be responsible and make sure your dog eats mango without any danger.
This means peeling the mango, removing the pit, and cutting the fruit into bite-sized pieces. Of course, also make sure that mango is only a treat, so moderation in feeding your dog mango is key!
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If you don’t know how to feed your mango, we have a few suggestions as well:
- Frozen mango slices can be a great treat and can be helpful if you have a teething puppy.
- Small pieces of mango can serve as great and healthy training treats.
- Mix mango puree with a little bit of greed yogurt or cottage cheese to get a delicioius snack for your pooch.