Can dogs eat mango? Maybe you’re enjoying a juicy mango right now, wondering if you can share a bit with your faithful canine companion. But is this fruit safe for our dogs to consume? Is this something we can incorporate into their diet?
The short answer is yes, mango is safe for dogs to eat with simple preparation. Luckily, mango is widely popular and there’s plenty of official information from the American Kennel Club about it. This makes giving new foods to our dogs much less stressful.
Be that as it may, you must still always run new additions to your dog’s diet by your veterinarian. Here is what you should know about why mango makes for a great dog treat.
How Is Mango Good For Dogs?
With mango, it’s all about that sweet, juicy pulp. It’s chock full of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E, making it an incredibly nutritious fruit for us and our canine friends.
Dietary fiber is especially wonderful for our dogs and their digestive process. You always have to be mindful about giving them too much, though. An excess of fiber can cause stomach upset. But overall, mango will help in creating balanced gut health for your dog — and you!
All of the official nutritional stuff aside, dogs love how juicy mango is. It’s soft and just mushy enough to provide a satisfying and fun difference from their usual dog food and treats.
Fruits are sweet, though, and all sweets should only be offered to pups in moderation.
How Can I Safely Give Mango To My Dog?
Luckily, mango requires very little preparation. But it is important to note that while we humans can eat the skin without issue, it can cause stomach upset in dogs.
Mangoes have a pit in the center to be mindful of, as well. You don’t want to just hand off a full mango to your dog. The fruit pits, like those in apricots, contain cyanide, which is highly toxic to dogs. Plus, pits are usually quite large and, therefore, a choking hazard.
To safely offer mango to your dog, peel the exterior skin, slice it open, and remove the pit. Then, all you need to do is cut it up into edible chunks.
At first, you’ll want to keep your offering small, then keep an eye on your dog. They’ll definitely love the taste, but you want to see how they react over the next few hours.
If you see signs of lethargy, diarrhea, or hives in or around their mouth, they could be having an allergic reaction. This will likely pass, but give your veterinarian a call to discuss.
If your pup doesn’t have any of these reactions and enjoys the taste, you’re in the clear. Just keep your offerings to a few chunks a day for a balanced diet.
Do you ever give your dog mango as a treat? Do you have any fun ways you serve it to your pup? Let us know in the comments below.
