Can My Dog Eat Mangoes?
The mango is a sweet and refreshing tropical fruit mostly enjoyed in the summertime. You can prepare it in various ways, like as a beverage, in salads, desserts, frozen, or eaten straight after peeling. Eating mangoes not only refreshes you it also supplies your body with some vitamins and nutrients.
As someone who looks after their well-being, let us not forget about our furry friends. Now, it may be tempting to give some to your googly-eyed dog, but you must ask yourself first: “Can my dog eat mangoes?”
Can My Dog Eat Mangoes?
Yes, your dogs can eat mangoes, but be wary of what part of the mango they eat. Not everything in a mango is edible for your dog.
Can Dogs Have Mangoes?
Dogs can have mangoes since it is safe for them to eat the fruit. Make sure they eat only the sweet, yellow flesh of the mango. Other parts like the peel and pit are proven to be hazardous to dogs when ingested.
Are Mangoes Good for Dogs?
We have mentioned that the flesh of mangoes poses no threat to dogs, but how do they benefit from eating this tropical, sweet, yellow fruit? Mangoes are good for dogs as a treat. Eating the fruit frequently may cause severe problems for your dog. Much like us humans, a dog consuming too much sugar is dangerous.
Are Mangoes Bad for Dogs?
Mangoes are not bad for dogs, though it is only safe for them to eat the flesh. The peel, although highly fibrous, can be toxic to your dog. The pit poses the highest risk to your pet since it contains cyanide.
When Are Mangoes Bad for Dogs?
The mango has a high-sugar content, which could cause your pet unnecessary weight gain, diabetes, heart, and dental problems if consumed in large amounts. Plus, it may give your dog an upset stomach or diarrhea. This also goes without saying, never feed your dog the whole mango itself. Ensure that it is peeled and has the seeds removed, as these will pose serious problems for your dog.
Possible Dangers of Eating Mangoes
Despite being safe and nutritious to dogs, mangoes should not be given as frequently and as lightly as you might think. Here are some of the possible dangers of feeding your dog a whole mango or other stone fruits:
Dental
The mango is a stone fruit. This means that there is a large seed in the middle, much like cherries or peaches. If you were to feed your dog a whole mango, they could bite into the pit and crack their tooth. A fracture on a tooth left untreated can lead to an infection or disease, and the tooth would need to be extracted. This procedure will make your dog uncomfortable.
Esophagus
Mango seeds are quite large, even for a stretchy esophagus. Sometimes, the seed may get stuck and cause long-term damage. Even after extracting the seed and healing the esophagus, it may cause esophageal stricture. This condition occurs when the esophagus becomes less stretchy, making food passage difficult. A stricture may even be painful—symptoms often include gagging, vomiting, lethargy, regurgitating, and appetite loss.
Obstruction
When feeding your dog anything with pits in it, it is a safer option to remove the pit, no matter the size. Even smaller pits can obstruct the intestines if they accumulate over time. Signs of an obstruction include vomiting, loose bowels, stomach pains, or decreased/ loss of appetite.
Cyanide Toxicity
The kernel is the pit inside the seed where the cyanide is found. For the cyanide to be released, the dog must chew the pit or eat broken pits. Even in small amounts, cyanide can be fatal, no matter the size of the dog. Signs of cyanide toxicity include drooling, heavy or difficult breathing, or immobility. The gums may also turn bright red.
Molded Seed/ Fruits
Another good reason to give only the flesh of the fruit to your dog is that the seeds may be moldy. A range of illnesses may be borne from consuming molds, from upset stomach to liver failures to shaking or convulsions.
Do Mangoes Have Any Nutritional Value for Dogs?
Mangoes have a variety of vitamins and minerals that your dog can get from eating them. To name a few, some are:
-
Protein
- Fiber
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Potassium
-
Magnesium
All of these nutrients promote your dog’s digestion, eye and bone health, and immune system.
Can Mangoes Treat Any Problems in Dogs?
So far, no evidence exists supporting mangoes as a treatment for any health or hygienic issues in dogs. The fruit is viewed only as a treat with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that your dog can enjoy.
The Benefits of Mangoes for Dogs
Mangoes offer an abundance of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, E, and Potassium. According to the Journal of Animal Science, Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that promote good bowel movements, enhance immunity, and fight free radicals that may cause potential illnesses.
Mangoes are also high in fiber and water, which is an excellent combination for good digestion. Potassium is also found in mangoes, which dogs need for proper nerve, heart, and kidney function. Another one of the many benefits of the mango is that it supports eye health. The two compounds lutein and zeaxanthin help protect the eye from excess harmful light. Vitamin A also supports eye and bone health.
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How Many Mangoes Can My Dog Eat?
There is a general rule of thumb when giving treats to dogs: no treat should surpass 10 percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Make sure to first give only about a tablespoon of mango to test whether your dog develops an adverse reaction to the treat.
A better and more assured way of determining your dog's serving size is to consult your vet. They can tell you how often and how much your pet can have.
How to Serve Mangoes to Dogs
Once you have determined if it’s okay to give your dog mangoes (and how much to give them), it is time to supply the treats. The best way to feed your pup mangoes is by slicing the soft interior of fruit into small chunks. Cut them into even smaller pieces if you have a smaller dog. This prevents them from choking on treats when being given.
A popular and more refreshing way to serve it to this fruit is frozen, especially during the summertime.