At A Glance
Dogs can enjoy a few pieces of mango occasionally, provided they are peeled, pitted, and sliced into smaller pieces. Mangoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a great snack for your furry friend.
Last Updated on: July 18, 2023
Most of us enjoy sweet and succulent mangoes in desserts, drinks, or even on its own. As a dog owner, you might find your dog begging for a piece, causing you to wonder, “Can dogs eat mangoes?”
So, can they? Yes, they can! Mangoes are a vitamin-rich, dog-safe treat that your furry friend can enjoy in moderation. The sweet flavor and juicy texture are also a hit with many dogs, especially on hot days, in the form of dog-friendly smoothies or pup-sicles.
Mangoes are native to Southeast Asia, and there are over 50 varieties of mangoes enjoyed all over the world. Let’s take a look at all the health benefits, risks, and suitable portions for your furry friend.
Mangoes are tasty and rich in essential vitamins and nutrients to help support your dog’s health. A typical mango has a little over 200 calories and contains the following:
Here are some of the health benefits that dogs can get from eating mangoes:
Mangoes are rich in vitamin C, which can be beneficial, especially for older dogs. Dogs naturally produce vitamin C in their bodies, but the efficiency may wane as your dog gets older.
The antioxidants in mangoes can also help support a dog’s immune system and combat the development of cancerous tumors and degenerative diseases.
Mangoes contain vitamin A, which is known to improve eyesight. This vitamin can be especially valuable as your dog ages.
It also helps dogs with dry eyes and night blindness. Although not intended to replace eye medication, mangoes can help naturally support your dog’s vision.
Even though mangoes are a sweet fruit, they can surprisingly help normalize insulin levels in the body. As long as your dog is fed in moderation, it won’t spike your dog’s sugar levels.
The fruit is low-glycemic, but it would be best to consult with your veterinarian regarding the proper amount of fruit to feed your dog, especially if your dog is diabetic or pre-diabetic.
Mangoes can help improve a dog’s immune system, owing to the number of nutrients and antioxidants in each serving. In addition to vitamin C, mangoes are rich in flavonoids and carotenoids, which are essential for maintaining a strong immune system.
According to Cornell University DVM candidate Aliyah Diamond, “The protein content in mangoes can aid in muscle and tissue repair, while the potassium in mangoes can support muscle and nerve function.”
Before you go ahead and feed your dog mangoes, here are a few things I would like to clarify:
Firstly, can dogs eat mango peels? Dogs can technically eat the peel, but some dogs may have an allergic reaction, so it’s best to remove the skin. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Urushiol, a compound found in mango feel, is also found in poison oak and poison ivy, making it toxic to dogs in high amounts. Dogs who are sensitive to the chemical can have reactions like an excessive itchy skin scratch.
Secondly, can dogs eat mango pits? Mangoes have long, flat seeds in the center of the whole fruit. Always remove this part before feeding mango to your dog. Leaving the pit with an entire mango can cause them to accidentally swallow it or chew off parts of it, creating a choking incident.
Not to mention, they contain small amounts of cyanide, so ensure you discard mango pits before your pooch plans a heist.
If you want to treat your pup with some mango, be sure to keep the portions small and offer it in moderation. Remember, healthy snacks like mango should only make up 10% of their diet. It’s essential that the other 90% comes from a balanced diet for optimal nutrition and health benefits.
To ensure safety, follow this guide:
| Dog Size | Weight | Size of Mango Slices/Pieces | Number of Pieces to Feed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Small Dogs (Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Pugs) | 2 to 20 lbs. | ¼ inch to ½ inch pieces | 1 to 2 pieces |
| Small Dogs (Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds, Basenjis) | 21 to 30 lbs. | ¼ inch to 1-inch pieces | 2 to 3 pieces |
| Medium Dogs (Huskies, Border Collies, Basset Hounds) |
31 to 50 lbs. | ¼ inch to 1-inch pieces | 5 to 6 pieces |
| Large Dogs (Pitbulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers) |
51 to 90 lbs. | ¼ inch to 1-inch pieces | A handful of mango (8 to 10 pieces) |
| Extra Large Dogs (St. Bernards, Great Danes, Newfoundlands) | 91 lbs. and up | ¼ inch to 1-inch pieces | A handful to 1 ½ handfuls of mango (10 to 15 pieces) |
If your furry friend ate a mango and you didn’t notice, or if you unintentionally fed them too much of it, watch out for the following signs:
Immediately reach out to your vet if you notice your dog showing these signs.
To safely feed your dog a delicious mango snack, wash it thoroughly and peel off the skin prior. Next, remove the seed and chop the flesh into small cubes for easy consumption. You can use the guide above to know how much you can feed your dog.
You can also mash the mangoes and add them to your dog’s regular food or freeze them in an ice cube tray with some plain yogurt or water. If you want to get creative, you can also try making some of these dog-friendly treats:
To make this delicious recipe, all you need are two ripe and peeled mangoes, the juice of one orange and lime each, and half a cup of unsweetened almond milk. Regular milk can also be used, but almond milk adds a better texture and is safe for lactose-intolerant pups.
Simply pour all ingredients into the blender, then transfer it to a silicone baking tray or an ice cube tray (whichever is convenient). Let it freeze overnight for a yummy treat your pup will love.
Does your pup have an undying love for both chicken and mango? These cookies will surely leave your pooch satisfied!
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, blend together flour, oats, cinnamon, chicken chunks, and diced mango in a large mixing bowl.
Knead the mixture into a ball and then roll it out until it is ¼ inches thick. Cut into desired shapes using your favorite cookie cutter before placing them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or till the cookies turn golden, and serve.
Some dogs can be more sensitive to the urushiol in mango peels. However, the flesh itself has no known allergens.
Either way, it’s always best to consult your vet before introducing any new food to your pup’s diet. Moreover, start with small amounts and watch out for any unusual reactions.
Mango pieces dehydrated at home with no added sugar is safe for dogs to consume, but portion control, as usual, should be practiced. On the other hand, store-bought dried mango should not be eaten as it may contain unspecified preservatives and added sugars.
To ensure your dog’s health and safety, stick with home-dried fruit or consult a veterinarian on what types of snacks are appropriate for them.
No, while fruit juices and yogurt may not be toxic to dogs, they most likely contain high levels of sugar, artificial coloring, and preservatives that can be detrimental to a dog’s health.
So avoid feeding your dog flavored yogurt. However, if you’re juicing a mango at home, it is safe for dogs to consume.
No, a dog should not be fed mango ice cream or ice cream in general for several reasons. Dairy products contain a high amount of fats that can lead to obesity.
Moreover, the sugars and additives may cause stomach upset and cause digestion-related problems.
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.
