Can dogs eat mangoes?

Since many people enjoy sharing what they eat with their canine companions, it's important to know what's safe and what's not before giving food to your dog as a treat.

Thankfully, mangoes are generally safe as long as they are prepared in some way and eaten in moderation. In fact, they may even provide some healthy nutritional benefits. That being said, mangoes should only be used as an occasional treat and not as part of your dog's regular diet.

Benefits of mangoes for dogs

Mango is a sweet fruit native to South Asia. Their flesh is bright yellow-orange and can be eaten raw, juiced or cooked in a variety of ways and are popular around the world.

In India and Pakistan, the mango is the national fruit, and in Bangladesh, the mango is the national tree. This is due in part to the versatility and popularity of this sweet fruit with its leathery skin. Popular dishes using mangoes include chutneys, various drinks, salsas, preserves and salads. They are widely available in grocery stores and are mostly yellow when ripe.

Like many fruits, mangoes contain a variety of nutrients. One mango contains only about 60 calories but is packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals. It is particularly high in vitamin C, which supports the body's immune system and promotes healthy growth and repair functions.

Mango pulp also contains a variety of carotenoids, including beta-carotene, which acts as an antioxidant, and is also high in vitamin B9 (folate).

This fruit is also high in water and dietary fiber, so feeding it in moderation can help support your dog's healthy digestive system.

Potential Health Issues of Mangoes for Dogs

Humans occasionally develop allergies to mangoes, but this is extremely rare in dogs. If you give your dog a piece of mango, there's usually no cause for concern, but if the mango isn't peeled or your dog swallows the core, there may be cause for concern.

Mangoes are called drupes or drupes and they have a large pit in the center. The pit contains small amounts of toxic cyanide, so it should certainly be avoided.

Excessive amounts of mango can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as can any food if enough is consumed. Therefore, this fruit should be introduced gradually and fed in moderation. Since they are naturally high in sugar, diabetic and overweight dogs should consume very small amounts. Today, most companion dogs are considered overweight, and if your pet is too, it's best to look for alternative, low-calorie foods. If you're not sure if your dog is overweight, talk to your veterinarian, or consider checking one of the following resources:

Can dogs eat mango peels?

The mango peel is very hard and may not break down in your dog's stomach, while the mango's core or stones may cause a blockage or pose a choking hazard to your dog.

If your dog accidentally gets their hands on some mango peel or core, they may pass through your dog's digestive tract without any problems, but you should monitor their behavior for any changes. If lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea occur, contact your veterinarian.

Suggested ways to feed mango to your dog

If your dog really likes mangoes, you can dehydrate the fruit to provide a chewier, shredded, longer-lasting (albeit higher-calorie) treat that can be used during training. When dry like this, it means they can fit in your pocket without getting messy or getting mushy. You can also freeze mango bars or use ice cube trays to blend them into smooth popsicles. It's perfect for cooling, hydrating and refreshing on hot days.

Ripe mangoes can also be added as part of the ingredient mix for stuffed Kong toys or other snack toys. It can be mashed up and mixed with other pet-friendly fillings like peanut butter (make sure it's the xylitol-free variety) or added to the ingredients in dog-friendly cookies.

As long as you peel a ripe mango and remove the core, you can safely share a small piece of this delicious and nutritious fruit with your dog.

It’s not just mangoes that can be a healthy and nutritious food for dogs. It's okay to feed your dog plenty of other fruits and vegetables sometimes in moderation, but avoid feeding large amounts of treats or adding food to your dog's food frequently. A balanced dog food diet should be fully formulated to contain all the essential vitamins and minerals your dog needs. Adding too much food can disrupt an important nutritional balance. Additionally, there are some vegetables and fruits that should be avoided entirely. Onions, garlic, avocados, and grapes are just a few examples of fruits and vegetables that are toxic to dogs. If you're not sure, check with your veterinarian before feeding your dog something new.

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