Can dogs eat Mango?

Is mango good for dogs?

Yes, mango has nutritional benefits for a dog, but it’s also quite a calorific fruit, so should be limited to a healthy treat only.

What are the health benefits of mango for dogs?

Let’s go into the reasons why mango can be a great choice as a healthy treat.

• Vitamin A. Essential for vision maintenance, particularly in low-light conditions. It also supports the immune system and helps to fend off infections.
  
  
• Vitamin C. Acts as an antioxidant, boosting immunity and helping to protect cells from damage.
  
  
• Vitamin B and B6. B vitamins play a critical role in energy metabolism, as well as in maintaining brain health and a healthy nervous system.
  
  
• Full of antioxidants. Help protect your dog from oxidative stress, which can lead to chronic diseases.
  
  
• Potassium. Vital for maintaining fluid balance and proper muscle function. Also boosts heart health and supports the nervous system.
  
  
• Source of fibre. Boosts gut health and ensures bowel regularity. Helps firm up your dog’s poops.

Can puppies eat mango?

Puppies can have a small piece of mango, but don’t feed them a lot of it - it’s quite rich in natural sugars, which can be a lot for their sensitive puppy tums to handle. If they’ve never eaten it before, introduce it slowly and watch out for any undesired effects like bloating, gas or diarrhoea.

When are mangoes unsafe for dogs?

Mangoes are generally safe but should only be fed to dogs in moderation; mango in too high amounts or too often will give your dog a tummy upset.

It’s also very high in sugar - around 46 grams per fruit - and too much sugar in a dog's diet can lead to digestive issues, tooth decay, and diabetes.

The mango needs to be fresh and only the pulp, don’t feed a dog a mango that may be spoiled or past its best. The mango also should be plain and without any added sugar or sauce. Your dog may also have a mango allergy, which is also unsafe. 

Can dogs be allergic to mango?

Yes, dogs can have a mango allergy. If they’ve not eaten mango before, introduce it slowly in small amounts, and watch out for any of the following symptoms. If you suspect your dog has an allergy or intolerance to mango, don’t feed it to them again and ask your vet for advice.

• Bloating or gas
  
  
• Diarrhoea, vomiting
  
  
• Breathing issues, wheezing
  
  
• Swelling, redness of the skin
  
  
• Lethargy, change in behaviour
  

Can mango make dogs sick?

Mango can make a dog sick if it’s fed in large amounts. It’s very high in natural sugars, so it should only be fed occasionally as a treat to avoid stomach upsets. Mango that is spoiled or past its best can also make a dog sick. Be sure the mango is fresh, and feed only the pulp (not skin) to your dog.

How to safely give mango to your dog?

Fresh mango is the best form of the fruit to give to your dog as a snack. Remove the skin and cut it into bite-sized pieces, and feed to your pooch occasionally as a juicy treat, as it’s a very high sugar fruit. 

How much mango can dogs eat?

The amount of mango a dog can eat depends on their breed and size, but generally a small amount of mango is best - too much is a lot on their sensitive pooch tums.

Mangoes are also highly calorific, even though it’s natural sugars, so mango is considered a treat for dogs.

As a general guide, a small dog should have 1-2 small slices of mango, whereas a larger dog can eat 3-4 slices.

Don’t give your dog mango more than once or twice a week. Check with your vet about your specific dog if you aren’t sure.

What kinds of mango can dogs eat?

Let’s dive into the different varieties of mango and which are safe for your dog to munch on.

Can dogs eat dried mango?

Dried mango isn’t the ideal healthy snack for a dog, as there are many variables to consider. You can feed your dog dried mango if it’s free of added sugars or preservatives, though the process of drying mango does reduce its nutritional benefit and increase its sugar content. Mango that is dried at home is safer than store-bought dried mango. It might be easier to stick to fresh mango and leave the dried fruit as a human snack. 

Can dogs eat mango skin?

No, mango skin isn’t digestible and not an edible snack for dogs (or for humans!).

Mango skin also contains Urushiol, which is found in poison ivy and poison oak and can cause a rash if it touches your dog's skin.

Feed your pooch just the juicy mango flesh as a treat if you want them to get a dose of vitamins, minerals and fibre - with the skin and the pit removed. 

Can dogs eat mango chutney?

No - mango chutney is very high in sugars and will likely contain lots of extra ingredients and perhaps preservatives that your pup’s canine digestive system can’t handle. 

Can dogs eat mango sorbet?

It’s not recommended that you feed your dog mango sorbet; it’s considered a very sweet treat and will likely wreak havoc with your dog’s tummy. Store-bought mango sorbet probably contains a lot of extra sugar and preservatives, which isn’t healthy for your pooch - but if they sneakily lick some when you aren’t looking, it will unlikely cause them harm.

Can dogs eat mango seeds or stones?

No, the stone (or seed) of a mango is large and indigestible, and could cause your pooch to choke if they try to eat it. What’s more, the pits contain trace amounts of cyanide, so it's best avoided! When you prepare mango for your pooch, cut off the skin and chop the flesh away from the pit. Throw the pit away so it isn’t accidentally consumed.

Can dogs eat frozen mango?

Serving frozen mango is a novel way to feed it to your dog, and it’s great for the summer. It should hopefully encourage them to eat it slowly so they don’t wolf it down.

Just be sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces so that they don’t swallow large frozen pieces, which could cause a choking hazard. It could be worth thawing the mango slightly before serving, so your pooch doesn’t dive right in and get brain freeze. Remember, the same rules still apply that mango should be served in small amounts as an occasional treat.

Can dogs eat mango yoghurt?

No, we don’t recommend giving your dog any flavoured yoghurt as it’s often high in sugar and other flavourings. Even if the yoghurt was plain, it’s risky to feed it to dogs as they’re often lactose intolerant and could get a nasty stomach upset.

Conclusion

• In conclusion, mango is a juicy and delicious treat for your dog with a host of health benefits - but as it’s very high in sugar, it should only be fed in moderation.
  
  
• Always remove the skin and seed from the mango and serve only the fresh, soft pulp, cut into bite-sized pieces.
  
  
• Fresh mango is the ideal form for a dog - avoid other forms such as sweetened dried mango, mango yoghurt, mango sorbet, or mango covered in any sauces or ice cream.

What other foods can dogs safely eat? 

If you love the sound of mango as a healthy treat for your dog but are looking for alternatives, try these delicious options.

• Watermelon. A juicy, summery fruit which is still a treat, but has a high water content to boost hydration on hot days.
  
  
• Blueberries. These bursts of juicy fruitiness are full of nutrients and antioxidants.
  
  
• Apple. A crisp, sweet bite with lots of vitamins but not as calorific as mango.

If you’re looking for more delicious treats for your dog that are packed full of nutritious, whole ingredients to keep them happy and healthy, check out our healthy dog treats.