Dog Food

Can Dogs Eat Mango?

Last updated: September 14, 2023

by Basepaws

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Can dogs eat mango? Yes, they can. So, is mango safe for dogs? Yes – though there are a few nuances. Mango is generally safe for dogs to eat, but you must follow some precautions first. Be sure to remove the hard pit of the mango, as it can be a choking hazard. Moreover, mango pits could contain cyanide, which is a toxin. Remember also that mango is high in sugar and could be harmful to diabetic and overweight dogs. Thus, moderation is key when it comes to feeding mangoes to man’s best friend.

There can even be some health benefits of mangoes for dogs, particularly since they are so rich in vitamins and minerals. Here are the health benefits of feeding mangoes, in moderation, to our canine pals.

Health Benefits of Mango for Dogs

Vitamins and Antioxidants

Mangoes contain antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin C. These vitamins are beneficial for a dog’s eye health and immune system. Mangoes also contain vitamin E, which nourishes your dog’s skin and coat, and vitamin B6, which is needed for proper brain, immune, and red blood cell functions.

Mangoes are packed with vitamin A derivatives like alpha and beta carotene. These antioxidants benefit various bodily functions, including vision, immune function, and skin health.

Hydration

One of the important mango fruit benefits is hydration. Mangoes contain about 80% water. They also contain electrolytes like potassium, which active dogs require to perform various metabolic functions and maintain their heart health. Working dogs lose a lot of water through their paw pads and panting. A few pieces of mango for dogs can replenish these lost salts and prevent dehydration.

Fiber

Due to their high fiber content and low calorie density, mangoes can be beneficial for dogs on a weight management diet. The fiber content of mangoes can keep a dog full longer while also adding roughage that keeps their bowel movements regular. Naturally, moderation is important, as mangoes contain plenty of sugar, which is bad for dogs on a weight loss diet.

How Much Mango Can Dogs Eat?

If you are still wondering, “Can dogs eat mango?” then it is best to check with your vet first. Please follow the vet-recommended 90/10 rule when it comes to feeding treats like mangoes to dogs. This means that 90% of your dog’s total daily calories should comprise well-formulated dry or canned food, and only 10% should come from treats like training treats, pieces of fruits like mangoes, dental treats, etc.

Here is a chart showing you how much mango to feed your dog based on their size:

Dog Size	Weight	Serving Size
Extra Small	2 to 20 pounds	One to two small mango pieces or cubes measuring about ¼ to ½ inch.
Small	21 to 30 pounds	One or two small mango pieces or cubes measuring about ½ to one inch.
Medium	31 to 50 pounds	Three or four mango pieces or cubes measuring ½ to one inch.
Large	51 to 90 pounds	A small handful of chopped mango without the pit and peel.
Extra Large	Over 90 pounds	A small handful of chopped mango without the pit and peel.

How to Prepare Mango for Your Dog

Now that we have answered the question “Can dogs have mango?” let us see how to feed it to your furry pal.

Always choose organic, naturally grown mangoes to feed your dog. They should be slightly overripe, though not rotten or moldy.
Wash the fruit thoroughly.
Remove the skin by peeling it. Some mango varieties can be easily peeled by hand.
Remove the stone or pit from the mango. This can be a choking hazard, and mango pits often contain cyanide, which can be toxic to humans and dogs.
Cut the fruit and feed the pieces to your dog, based on the serving guidelines given above.

Here are some serving suggestions:

Feed the raw mango pieces directly as training treats.
You can also puree the mango and add a bit to their food as a topping for picky eaters.
Some dogs love frozen mango puree as treats on hot summer days.
Stuff your pet’s Kong toy and freeze it before giving it to your dog.
Blend it into a smoothie with a few pieces of banana, blueberries, etc., and xylitol-free, sugar-free yogurt.

Risks of Feeding Mango to Dogs

High Sugar Content

According to WebMD, mango is one of the fruits with the highest sugar content. One small-to-medium piece of mango contains almost 46 grams of sugar. So, if your dog is on a weight-loss diet or suffers from diabetes, mango is not the best choice for a treat for them.

The sugar content of mango is also bad for your dog’s dental health, as it produces acids that can erode your dog’s tooth enamel and result in cavities and dental decay.

Choking and Blockage Risk

Accidentally swallowing the mango pit can block your pet’s airways and intestines. This is especially risky for puppies and small dogs. Similarly, the peel or skin of the mango is also hard to chew and digest. It could get lodged in the dog’s food pipe or intestines and result in discomfort and stomach pain.

Flatulence

Some dogs cannot digest the insoluble fiber in mangoes, especially their skin or peel. This may pass out undigested through their feces. This may not always cause issues for your dog, but they could suffer from flatulence, which could be a problem for you!

Signs of Intolerance or Allergies

In rare cases, dogs and mango do not go hand in hand. Some dogs may show sensitivity or allergy to mangoes. The signs of an allergic reaction to or overfeeding of mangoes in dogs include:

Skin issues: Persistent itching, chewing, or licking of the skin around the paws and lips. Hot spots, rashes, blisters, foul body odor, etc., are some other signs.
Recurring ear infections: Scratching the ears, shaking or tilting the head, foul odor from the ears, or overgrowth of yeast in the ears.
Gastrointestinal issues: Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stools, abdominal cramps, or discomfort.
Behavioral changes: Lethargy, fainting spells, extreme fatigue, or weakness. If you notice these signs, please rush your pet to the emergency vet.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Mango?

Homemade dried mango is safe for your dog to eat, albeit in moderation. You can dehydrate the fruit and feed it to your pet in small quantities. Remember that dehydrating the fruit causes its sugar content to become even more concentrated. So, moderation is the key.

Avoid store-bought dried mango, as it usually contains preservatives. Store-bought dried fruits are also higher in concentrated sugar, which can be bad for obese and diabetic dogs.

Conclusion: Is Mango Good for Dogs?

We hope this guide has given you the answer. Mango is generally a safe and healthy treat to feed dogs in small quantities. Most dogs love mangoes and tolerate them well. The fruit is packed with vitamins A and C. It also contains potassium, beta carotene, magnesium, vitamins B6, B1, and B3, zinc, iron, and calcium.

Always remove the skin and pit from the mangoes, as these could be a choking hazard for dogs. Avoid feeding mango to obese and diabetic dogs due to the fruit’s high sugar content.

When fed in moderation and with the right preparation, mangoes can be a safe, healthy, and hydrating treat for dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

My dog has eaten a mango pit. What should I do?

In most cases, the pit will pass out through your dog’s feces undigested. However, please monitor your dog closely. If you see signs of discomfort, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea, it is important to take them to the vet right away.

My puppy ate a mango peel. Should I be worried?

The answer depends on how much peel your pup ate. If they ate a tiny piece, it should pass out undigested, without any major issue. Watch out for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, etc. If you are concerned, please see the vet.

Can dogs have raw mango?

Yes, dogs can eat raw mango in small amounts, but the skin and pit should be removed to avoid choking and digestive issues.