Can dogs eat mangosteen? It’s delightful, difficult to describe, and even harder to find, but absolutely tasty. We don’t blame you for wondering if you can share it with your canine companion. But is this fruit safe for our dogs to have as a treat?
The short answer is yes, mangosteen is safe for dogs to eat with proper preparation. Tropical fruits can be tricky to find solid information on, but reports on dogs eating this fruit are mostly overwhelmingly positive.
That said, you must always double-check with your veterinarian before adding anything new to your dog’s diet. Here’s what you should know about why mangosteen is a safe treat for our pups.
How Is Mangosteen Good For Dogs?
Mangosteen has several fleshy sections inside its shell that are perfectly edible, rich in vitamin content, and overflowing with both antioxidants and dietary fiber.
Now, most reputable brands of dog food have antioxidants covered, but a little extra for your dog’s skin and coat never hurts. Plus, antioxidants aid the immune system dramatically. Dietary fiber is also a huge plus for your dog’s overall gut health.
There is a chance, though, that your pup may not take to the flavor. It is sweet, but it’s also a bit floral with a little citrus bite. Some dogs absolutely love oranges and other forms of citrus, but some do not. You’ll just have to give it a go!
Be mindful, though, that the flesh of the mangosteen is high in sugar. So, if your dog does take to it, make it an occasional treat, rather than an everyday one.
How Can I Safely Give Mangosteen To My Dog?
Mangosteen does require a bit of preparation to be safely served, but not more than you would do to eat it yourself. You wouldn’t eat the outer shell or the bitter seeds inside, and neither should your dog.
In each section of the mangosteen, there’s usually a rather sizable seed. In general, seeds tend to have toxic properties and should be avoided; though, there are exceptions, such as dragon fruit and kiwi. These seeds are also very bitter and a significant choking hazard.
When serving mangosteen to your dog, you’ll want to crack open the hard outer shell and remove the fleshy sections. Then, just fish out the seed, and you’re good to go. You may want to break up the fleshy chunks of pulp into smaller ones for your pup, as well.
Offer just a small amount to your dog to start. See if they enjoy the flavor. If they do, you may be excited to give them more, but hold off.
Give it a few hours and make sure no allergic reactions present themselves. If they do, they will likely pass, but have a conversation with your vet before you offer more.
Hopefully, your pup enjoys the flavor, and you have a new treat to enjoy with your friend!
Have you ever shared mangosteen with your dog? What kind of reaction did they have to the flavor? Let us know in the comments below.
