Can dogs eat mango? As summers roll around, that’s the number one question in every south Asian household with a pet.
Mangoes are considered the most popular fruit in the world. The delicious fruit of the summer season is widely known for its extra sweet taste and bright yellow color. Mango is also rich in essential minerals and vitamins, such as Vitamin K, which helps maintain healthy bones, among other benefits.
Mangoes are dubbed as the ‘King of Fruits’ for their sweet taste. So, it’s safe to say that everyone loves mangoes, particularly when making milkshakes, smoothies, or other desserts. Therefore, whenever people are drooling over the favorite fruit of the season – a common question they find them asking is ‘can dogs eat mango too?”
Since animals tend to have a different digestive system than us humans, most food items or even fruits that we enjoy on a daily basis aren’t safe for their consumption and can even be poisonous for them. So, before giving your dog any fruit or other food items, it’s best to check whether or not they can safely consume it.
So, can dogs eat mango? Let’s find out.
Can Dogs Eat Mango Without Causing Harm to Their Health?
Yes, dogs can safely consume mangoes.
However, you do have to take certain precautions for safe consumption. For example, don’t just hand over the fruit for your dog to eat. You must first prepare the fruit because not every part of the mango is safe for canines.
Can dogs eat mango pulp? Yes
Can dogs eat mango pit? No!
Firstly, you’ll need to remove the pit as it is a choking hazard for your furry friend. Although some pits are safe to consume, mango pits aren’t! Your dog may try eating the pit or may swallow it whole, which can lead to choking or intestinal blockage. A pit that big can only be removed through surgery, which can cause further complications.
Secondly, always properly wash the mango and cut it into small pieces before giving it to your dog. Finally, never feed your dog stale mangoes or other stale fruits. Fruits that go bad contain alcohol which is poisonous for your dogs and can result in alcohol poisoning. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs include seizures, vomiting, and tremors.
All you have to do is take these three precautions when feeding your four-legged BFF this delectable food, and you’ll be good to go.
How Much Mango Is Too Much Mango?
Although mangoes are healthy and rich in nutrients, they should only be consumed in moderation by your pet to prevent diabetes and obesity. Experts recommend that it’s best if you only give your dog one-quarter a cup of mango once a week.
Now that you know the answer to whether or not dogs can eat mango let’s take a look at some of the other common queries many dog owners tend to ask. For example, whether your dogs can eat mango ice cream, what other fruits they can eat, and why feeding your dogs’ mango pits may not be the best idea.
Can Dogs Eat Mango Pit?
As mentioned above, mangoes may be safe for dogs to eat, but mango pits can cause your dog to become seriously ill. Therefore, never give mango pits to your dog. Firstly, the pits are a choking hazard, and they can cause intestinal blockage.
Secondly, mango pits contain cyanide which can be harmful to your dog’s health. If your dog ever swallows a mango pit and you notice a difference in its eating habits, it is a medical emergency so call the vet right away.
Can Dogs Eat Mango Skin?
Since mango pits aren’t safe to eat, it’s also common to question whether mango skin is also edible for your furry friends.
Mango skin isn’t poisonous for dogs and also doesn’t carry a choking hazard. However, you still should avoid feeding your dog skin as it’s rough and not easily digestible. The consumption of mango skin is another risk that can cause intestinal blockage. Therefore, it’s not worth the risk.
So, ensure you peel and chop the mango before feeding it to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Mango Ice Cream?
While we all enjoy ice cream as a comfort snack now and then, it may not be particularly healthy for your furry friend. While the ice cream may not be a danger to your dog’s life, negative side effects do exist, and they can be harmful.
Mostly because mango ice cream is extremely high in calories as it contains many types of sugar. According to Tarladalal.com, one serving of mango ice cream contains 252 calories. You may feed mango ice cream to your pet out of love, but unfortunately, it can lead to obesity and also cause your dog’s blood sugar levels to rise. This spike in sugar levels can lead to:
- Skin problems
- Diarrhea
- Dental Decay
- Diabetes
Therefore, yes, Dogs can eat Mango ice cream, but it’s best to avoid feeding your dog any sort of ice cream regularly. Ice cream is only allowed as an occasional treat.
What Ice Creams are Safe for Your Dog to Eat?
If your pup is an ice cream fan, you can try giving your dog sugar-free and lactose-free milk ice cream. This will keep your dog’s blood sugar levels stable and also prevent the consumption of excessive calories that may cause weight gain.
All in all, the answer to the question is that apart from maybe a bite or two every 2 to 3 months, keep your furry friend away from ice creams unless they’re sugar-free and lactose-free. But do make sure that the ingredients are dog-safe!
What Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
Fruits are an essential part of all our diets, whether humans or canines, because they are rich in minerals and antioxidants. Moreover, they can also provide your pet with fiber and help them recover from any vitamin deficiency they may have.
Fruits are also a great treat to give your dog during training sessions. And they’re easier to feed your dog rather than bland foods that they eat every other day. However, before feeding your dog any fruit – it’s essential to ensure they’re safe for their consumption. As mentioned above, remove any seeds, pits, and stems and cut the fruit into chewable pieces that your pet can digest easily.
We’ve also prepared a guide of fruits that may or may not be safe for your dogs to eat:
Fruits to Feed Your Pet:
- Watermelon – without seeds or rind
- Pears
- Cranberries
- Bananas
- Blackberries
- Oranges
- Peaches – without the pits
- Pineapples
- Strawberries
Fruits to Avoid Feeding Your Pet:
- Avocados
- Grapes
- Cherries
Why Should You Feed Fruits to Your Dog?
A healthy diet keeps your dog fit and healthy. Although your vet can recommend the perfect diet for your dog based on their breed and other lifestyle needs, adding fruits that are safe for dogs to consume can keep their immune system healthy while also keeping fluffy BFF active and running!
Here are a few reasons why your dog should have a fruit-filled diet:
1. Hydration
Most fruits are rich in water, so they keep your dog’s hydration in check. It’s essential to ensure your dog doesn’t get dehydrated as the condition can cause kidney stones and bladder stones, which can be painful for your dog. Therefore, give your dog clean and fresh water along with fruits every day to keep them hydrated.
2. Immune System Boosters
A diet filled with nutrients is important to keep your pup’s immune system strong and active. Vitamins and antioxidants don’t only prevent fatigue but also keep cells healthy, maintaining overall health.
Although some dog feeds do contain antioxidants and basic vitamins, they’re usually not present in enough quantities. To make up for this, you can either feed your dog supplements which, let’s face it – is not a pup’s favorite thing to ingest. Therefore, a fruit-filled diet is the best way to go.
3. Natural Fiber
Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of natural fiber for your dog. The fiber in processed food comes from grains which may not be as healthy and nutritious as natural fiber. Natural fiber prevents diseases in the digestive system – keeping it healthy and also preventing constipation and diarrhea.
4. Vitamin A
Fruits such as mangoes include an abundance of Vitamin A, which helps maintain good eyesight, prevents dry eyes and night blindness. Moreover, it also keeps your pup’s skin and coats healthy and smooth.
When Should Your Dog Avoid Fruits?
Although fruits are filled with health benefits, you should avoid feeding your dog fruits if it has certain health conditions, such as diabetes and pancreatitis. However, it’s best to check with a vet first.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Mangoes
All in all, mangoes are safe for dogs to eat in a limited quantity every once in a while, just as long as you don’t forget to remove the skin and the pit. Make sure not to overfeed them mangoes, and other fruits as that can result in obesity and other digestive issues, making your pup sick. Moreover, if your dog has any underlying conditions, always check with a vet first before feeding them new foods.
