Can Dogs Eat Mango? The Sweet Facts About This Fruit

Let's get straight to the answer you're looking for: Can dogs eat mango? Yes, this popular human food is actually a great snack for dogs. It contains many vitamins and minerals that could be lacking from your dog's kibble. Adding this superfood to your dog's diet can promote their whole body health.

But before feeding mango to our canine companions, there are a few important things we dog owners should know so our pets can avoid an upset stomach or a scary trip to the vet. Below, we’ll cover all the precautions and the amazing health benefits of feeding your dog mangoes.

Can Dogs Eat Mango? Yes, But …

The full answer to the question "Can dogs eat mango?" is more than a simple, "yes." While mango is not toxic to our furry friends, it can upset their digestive tract if it's not prepared properly. Here's what you need to do before feeding your dog mango. 

Only Feed the Mango Flesh 

Before you share this healthy snack with your dog, make sure to peel the skin and remove and discard the pit. While mango skin is not toxic to dogs, it poses a choking hazard and is very hard for dogs to digest. 

The mango pit is another choking hazard and is unsafe for dogs to ingest for a few other reasons as well. The pit contains a small amount of cyanide, which can make your dog sick. If your dog swallows the mango pit whole or swallows a large amount of mango skin, it can also lead to an intestinal blockage.

When a dog has an intestinal blockage, their stomach will become sensitive and they may whimper or move away when you try to rub their belly. Contact your vet immediately, as your dog will need veterinary care to ensure they can pass the blockage safely.

Feed the Fruit in Small Amounts 

Whenever you introduce a new food into your dog's diet, start with small quantities, and consider supporting your pet's digestive tract with a probiotic supplement or pumpkin powder for dogs. 

Any unfamiliar food can lead to an upset stomach if your dog eats it in large quantities. Some dogs also have a bad habit of swallowing their food whole. So, cut off small pieces of mango so it’s easier for your doggie to digest and doesn't create a choking hazard.

Because mango is a high-fiber, low-oxalate fruit, feeding large quantities can also lead to constipation or diarrhea. But, mango's low oxalate content means you can safely feed it to dogs with bladder stones — as long as you only feed small pieces. 

If you need another reason to limit the amount of mango your dog eats, consider its sugar content. Each mango fruit contains about 46 grams of sugar. Even though these are natural sugars, those numbers are quite high. You’ll want to avoid feeding mango to dogs who don't react well to sugary foods or are diabetic.

It’s also best to avoid feeding your dog dried mango or mango juice, as these snacks often contain added sugar and even the natural sugar becomes concentrated in dried fruits and fruit juices. Stick to feeding small bites of fresh or frozen mango flesh to keep this treat healthy.

The Health Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Mango

By now, you're well aware that dogs can eat mango, but given the high sugar content, you may be wondering: Should my dog eat mango? Again, the answer is yes. As long as you’re feeding it to a healthy adult dog and avoiding large quantities, mango can be a very healthy treat or a tasty dog food topper. 

There are many health benefits of feeding mango as an occasional treat because mango contains essential vitamins like vitamins C and B6. It also contains beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, and small amounts of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Mango is also cholesterol-free and high in fiber.

Below is an overview of the health benefits your dog could gain from the vitamins found in mango.

Beta Carotene

This carotenoid creates the orange pigment that makes this tropical fruit so colorful. Beta carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and contributes to eye health and healthy skin. Overall, beta carotene is important for regulating a healthy immune system. According to research, it may even help support the immune systems of older dogs. 

Vitamin C

Mango contains vitamin C, which is not an essential vitamin for dogs because they can produce it themselves. However, vitamin C can become depleted after stressful events like a trip to the vet or an intense workout. 

Adding this powerful vitamin and antioxidant to your dog's diet can give them a major immune system boost. A piece of mango is an easy way to boost your dog’s vitamin C, especially in the case of stress or heavy exercise. It can also help boost your dog's immune system when they are sick. 

Vitamin B6

This water-soluble vitamin is necessary for several bodily functions including protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism. Vitamin B6 is also important for keeping your pooch’s skin, coat, and nails healthy.

Fiber

The fiber content in mango can aid your dog’s digestive system by providing a mix of insoluble and soluble fiber which are both beneficial for healthy digestion.

Potassium

Potassium is an electrolyte and an essential mineral for dogs. It helps promote the healthy functioning of your dog's heart, muscles, and nervous system. If your dog doesn't get enough potassium, they may appear tired or they may suffer frequent muscle injuries. 

Calcium 

Like potassium, calcium also contributes to heart, muscle, and nervous system health. This mineral also helps promote healthy bones and teeth in dogs, just like it does in people.

Magnesium

Like the other minerals listed here, magnesium plays a role in your dog's heart, muscle, and nervous system function. This nutrient also helps support your dog's immune system, regulate blood sugar, and keeps bones strong. 

How to Feed Mango to Your Dog

Think of mango as a treat — according to veterinarians, treats shouldn't make up more than 10% of your dog's diet. This doesn't mean mango should make up 10% of your dog's diet. It means all treats combined, including other dog-friendly fruits and veggies and traditional meat snacks, should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. 

You can use mango to train your dog or reward your dog for good behavior, just like you would a traditional treat. You can also put a few bites on top of your dog's food, or you can use it to make tasty treat recipes. Here's our favorite recipe for feeding mango to our dogs.

Easy Mango Ice Cream Dog Treat Recipe

Try making this tasty treat using mango or other dog-friendly fruits like watermelon or cantaloupe. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of a diced mango
• 1/8 cup of Native Pet Bone Broth
• 1 cup of plain kefir 

Optional: Add other healthy veggies or fruits like cooked sweet potato, blueberries, or avocado to make the blend creamier.

Supplies:

• Blender
• Freezer safe container

Instructions:

1. Blend the mango, bone broth, kefir and any other dog-safe fruits or veggies that you’d like to add.
2. Once blended, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and let it freeze completely.
3. Once frozen, use a spoon or ice cream scooper to serve a scoop to your dog.
4. Remember to start with a small amount to avoid digestive upset.

Give Your Dog a Sweet Snack

Let's review: Can dogs eat mango? Yes, as long as you remove the peel and pit and feed it in small quantities, dogs can enjoy this tropical treat. Don't feed this fruit to diabetic dogs because of its high sugar content. And if your dog has a sensitive stomach, consider supporting their digestive system with doggie probiotics or pumpkin powder any time you introduce a new food. 

As long as you introduce this sweet treat in small quantities, your dog can reap the benefits. Mango is rich in vitamins A, B6, and C, and it contains healthy fibers and essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.