Mango is a healthy and delicious fruit. It’s also one of the most popular fruits in the world. And it’s safe for dogs! But can dogs have dried mango?
If fresh mango is safe for dogs. Does that mean dried mango is safe too? And what about dried fruit in general? Can dogs eat dried fruit?
There is a lot of confusion about dried fruit. While some say it’s poison for dogs. Others claim it’s healthy! But what is the truth?
Well, that is why I am here! I did a lot of research to answer those questions for you! In this article, I will share my findings on dried fruit and dogs.
Can dogs have dehydrated fruit?
The first question we have to answer is can dogs eat dried fruit. For this, we need to know how dried fruit is made! And I mean the dried fruit you buy from the store. Not the dried fruit you made at home.
To make dried fruit you have to dehydrate it. Obviously. Now when you remove the water from the fruit, all you’re left with is sugar. Sure, it’s natural sugar. But it’s still sugar.
Another issue is that manufacturers will add even more sugar to the dried fruit. To make it taste better.
Is dried fruit safe for dogs?
This one is obvious, but dried fruit that contains added sugar is not safe for dogs. Your dog should not eat processed sugar. It’s actually dangerous for your dog!
Sugar intake can lead to serious health issues and problems. For example, diabetes, obesity, and tooth decay.
Besides this, according to PR Newswire, diabetes diagnoses in dogs have increased by 32% since 2011. Very shocking, isn’t it?
Too much sugar can even mess with your dog’s digestion. Which can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.
No one of us wants to see our dogs sick. So please, don’t give them sugar. Your dog’s body doesn’t need it. And to be honest. Sugar isn’t good for you either. Let alone your dog!
Dried fruits with added sugar aren’t safe for dogs. But what about natural dried fruits. The kind that has no added sugar? Is it safe for dogs?
Natural dried fruit
So, can dogs have natural dried fruit? The one that has no sugar in it? Well, some people claim that it is not. The reason is that dried fruit contains too much sugar.
But, that makes no sense. If you have a fresh banana slice with x amount of sugar and you dehydrate it. You get a dried banana slice with the same amount of sugar. When dehydrating fruit you’re only removing the water. Not adding sugar.
It seems like there is more sugar. But there isn’t. It’s more concentrated, that is true! But there is no difference between fresh fruit and dried fruit, for example, apricots. At least when it comes to sugar content.
Now, I also want to stress something else. No matter how safe some human food seems. Please feed it in moderation. Your dog’s body works differently from yours. So they can’t eat everything you’re eating.
So, even when you give your dog dried fruit, keep it in moderation. It should only be an occasional snack. Not a whole meal!
Can dogs have dried mango
Now we know if dried fruit is safe. If fed in moderation. But what about mango. Can dogs have dried mango? Or is it dangerous for them?
We know that fresh mango is safe. It can be a nice occasional treat for your dog.
Mango contains many vitamins like vitamin A, B6, C, and E. All of these are good for you and your dog!
Besides that, mangos are also rich in beta-carotene! That’s one of many antioxidants that can be found in mangos.
But, at the same time, it’s full of sugar. So you shouldn’t give your dog too much!
Safe or not?
Fresh and dried mango is safe for dogs. Your dog can safely eat dried mango. But, fresh fruit is better.
I already said that mango is full of sugar. So when the fruit is dried the concentration of sugar is even higher. This means your dog should only eat one or two small pieces of dried mango.
Otherwise, it could result in stomach upset and, over time, more serious issues like obesity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, can dogs have dried mango? They can. But, should your dog have dried mango?
I am speaking for myself now. But I would never let my dog eat any human food. Except for meat and some vegetables.
There is no need for your dog to eat apples or cherries. Not even for the vitamins. Your dog would have to eat large amounts to have any benefit of fruits.
And what do we always say, “you can feed it but in moderation”.
So, don’t bother giving your dog any human foods. Not even dried fruit. It’s a good snack for you, but not for your dog.
Lastly, this is only my opinion. You know your dog best. You know what they need and want. Besides this, you know what’s best for them. So if you want your dog to eat dried mango, then do that. But please always consult your vet first.