Ask A Vet: Can dogs eat mangoes?

Mango is a sweet and yummy fruit that is very popular among people worldwide. And, like with all the other things that give us joy, this means that most of us dog parents question whether we can share our happiness with our big boys too.

Is Mango Good for Dogs?

So if you've ever thought, "Can dogs eat mangoes?" The answer is yes, they definitely can. This delicious fruit is full of vitamins and completely safe for your pup to eat, as long as the mango is peeled, sliced, and the pit is removed. It's necessary to know that you should only give your dog mango in a balanced intake.

Health benefits of mangoes for your canine companions:

Mango is high in vitamins including A, B6, C, and E and high in fibers, thus making it very nutritious for both people and pups. The snack is also very sweet and sugary, so your dog will most likely love it.

Anything with a high fiber content is a good choice for a snack because it'll make your dog feel fuller and help keep your pup's weight down.

Serving mangoes to your dog:

The fruit is soft when it is ripe, but you should still cut it into small pieces or mash it into a pulp to avoid a choking hazard.

Possible hazards of eating mango:

The biggest health concern that comes from mangos is generally user error. Since ripe mangoes tend to be quite soft, people usually misjudge how large a piece their dogs can handle. This misconception could even lead to your doggo choking. Just make sure to cut your mango in small pieces, so your pup can also enjoy this sweet treat.

Mango pits:

Mango pits are technically edible. But they are so hard that dogs may try and swallow the larger pieces without even chewing properly, and that can lead to choking and get stuck in your dog's digestive tract.

If your canine swallows a piece of the pit, there's a big chance that it'll make its way out of the dog's body from the other end. But to be safe, keep an eye on your pup for a couple of days and take note of any changes in its potty habits or appetite. And if anything seems weird, take your dog to the vet immediately.

Mango skin:

Additionally, the mango skin can be a choking hazard also, especially if the mango is under-ripe. The skin can be slippery and tough to slide down a dog's throat before it's even chewed properly.

Dogs can eat the skin; however, it can be hard to digest, so it's better to peel the mango before serving it.

Portion:

Keep in mind not to give your pup too much mango. A large quantity of any fruit can cause your dog diarrhea and stomach aches. The fruit should make up only 10% of your dog's diet.

Lastly, it is always better to consult your dog's veterinarian first before introducing a new fruit to your pet. The vet can recommend how often and how many mangoes your dog can have.