Mangoes are a delicious, refreshing fruit with an array of health benefits. Being in India, mangoes are naturally grown here, they have a significant cultural influence and let’s be honest, you would be hard pressed to find someone that doesn’t love eating a mango. Given these reasons it’s not hard to understand that a lot of pet parents have one common question when the summer months start coming around, that question being, “Can my dog eat mango?” Well, the simple answer to that question is yes, they can.
Mangoes are not only a sweet, delicious delicacy but they are also packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein, and dietary fibers that all support your pet to keep them in good health. Mangoes are beneficial for your pet in the following ways:
- Vitamin A promotes good eyesight, assists in the prevention of cataracts, and helps with night blindness and dry eyes. Vitamin A also helps improve skin and coat health as well as aids in the proper functioning of the immune system.
- High levels of antioxidants help combat free radicals, as well as protect against degenerative diseases, skin problems, and allergies.
- The dietary fiber in mango is great for your pup’s digestive system. Dietary fiber not only ensures that your pup’s digestive system runs smoothly but it could also help relieve diarrhea and constipation when they have an upset stomach.
- Mangoes are rich in potassium; this mineral helps keep your dogs’ kidneys functioning well. Potassium also helps support heart function, muscle function and a healthy digestive system.
- Mangoes are rich in magnesium; this micro-mineral supports the metabolizing of proteins and fatty acids. It also supports energy production and the role of ligament and bone maintenance.
- Vitamin B6 supports red blood cell generation, nervous system function, hormone regulation, and immune response
- Vitamin B9 is important for DNA synthesis and red blood cell production.
Concerns when feeding mangoes to my pet?
Even though mangoes are very healthy and extremely delicious, caution must be taken when preparing the fruit for your pet. Make sure that the mango is completely peeled as dogs are not able to digest the peel, this could lead to serious health complications such as blockages. Another concern when preparing mango for your pet is the pit. Ensure that the entire pit has been removed, if eaten the pit would cause some serious problems such as possible choking as well as blockages. Ripe mangoes tend to be relatively soft; people will misjudge how large of a piece their pets can handle, which could potentially lead to choking. Just make sure to cut up your mango enough, and your doggo might enjoy this sweet treat, too.
All healthy dogs can safely eat mango. However, if your dog has diabetes, or is overweight, take care when offering this sweet fruit. Consult with your vet prior to offering it to your dog.
- The high sugar content in mango can cause blood sugar to rise in diabetic dogs. Your veterinarian can help you choose the right amount of mango for your dog's health needs.
- Overweight dogs do not require an increase in sugar levels. For humans, 70 calories in a third of a cup of mango isn't much, but for a dog, it's a lot. Again, your veterinarian can help you determine the appropriate amount to provide.
- Because mango contains no carbohydrates or phosphorus, it is safe for dogs with kidney disease to eat in moderation. However, consult your veterinarian to determine how much is safe for your dog.
How Much Mango Can My Dog Eat?
Serve no more than a quarter cup of fresh mango (for a larger dog) periodically as a snack. Eating too much mango can lead to diarrhea or stomach upset because of the fruit’s sugar and fiber content.
Mango is high in sugar and calories compared to some other fruits. This can make mangoes a sometimes treat for pets on a low-calorie diet and makes them an unsuitable treat for dogs with diabetes. Therefore, moderation is key when feeding this fruit to your pet.
Indulge your doggo's tastebuds with Captain Zack's AAM SO COOL Chicken And Mango Jerky Treats. These treats are all natural, made with human grade ingredients, high in protein and low in calories. Must try!
