Tropical summer fruits like mangoes are always an excellent snack for us humans. So it is natural to want to give some of it to our dog to share this pleasure with us. You may be wondering whether dogs can eat mangoes or not. Is eating mango Ok or bad for dogs? Or what parts of mangoes are harmful to dogs. By reading this article, you will find the answers to essential questions about feeding dogs with mango.
Can dogs have mangoes?
The short answer to this question is yes.
Mango is a juicy, sweet, and tasty fruit whose soft texture makes it easy for dogs to eat. Even puppies can eat mangoes. Because mangoes are rich in vitamin A, which helps the growth of bones.
Mango is one of the best fruits for dogs. But it is not a reason to give them mangoes every day. There are important points to follow in feeding your dog mango.
How many mangoes can a dog eat?
It is better to give mangoes to the dog 2-3 times a week. You can also provide 1 to 2 small pieces of mango without skin and pit to the dog in each meal.
You can determine the amount of mango consumption according to the size and weight of the dog. For example:
- small dogs: 2 to 3 pieces of mango per week
- Medium dogs: 4 pieces of mango per week
- Large dogs: 5-6 pieces per week
Remember that fruits and vegetables only make up 10% of your dog’s diet, so don’t overdo it.
Under no circumstances should you give mangoes to your dog daily. Eating large amounts of mangoes every day can cause digestive problems for dogs. It also has a high amount of sugar, which can cause obesity and overweight in dogs.
We will explain more about it in the rest of the article, but before that, it is better to learn about the benefits of mango for dogs.
Is mango good for dogs? Why?
Now that we know that mango is good for dogs, it is better to know the nutritional value of giving this tropical fruit to dogs. The benefits of mango for dogs include:
- Rich in vitamin C:
The presence of vitamin C helps to strengthen your dog’s immune system and keeps the dog strong against diseases. - Rich in vitamin A:
This vitamin helps your dog’s immune system, vision, and bones. That’s why mangoes are good for puppies. - Rich in fiber:
The high fiber in mango helps the dog’s digestive system digest food faster and more efficiently. For this reason, it is recommended to eat mango in dogs with constipation. Of course, in small amounts. - Contains antioxidants:
Antioxidants fight free radicals and protect your dog from disease. - Folic acid supply:
This tropical fruit contains amounts of folic acid that help form red blood cells in the dog’s body. Mangoes contain 144 micrograms of folate. - Contains water:
Some of the water required by the dog’s body is provided by snacks and fruits. Mango is a watery fruit and can supply water to the dog’s body in the hot seasons.
In addition, mangoes have high levels of malic acid, tartaric acid, and small amounts of citric acid. These acids help the body to maintain its alkaline reserve more effectively.
This tropical fruit has a low glycemic index, so small amounts of it will not increase blood sugar levels.
Fact: Mango controls the insulin level in the dog’s body and can help treat diabetes in dogs.
How is eating mango harmful to dogs?
We have seen that mangoes have many benefits for dogs, but in some cases, eating mangoes may be harmful to your dog. For example, eating unripe mangoes. This section will tell you under what conditions eating mango can be dangerous for your dog.
Overeating mangoes
Mango contains a lot of sugar. You should give mangoes to your dog in moderation, as large amounts of this fruit can cause obesity and overweight.
Dog obesity can cause diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
As we said, mango is rich in fiber, and overeating causes diarrhea and upset stomachs in dogs.
In addition, due to the excessive sweetness of mangoes, overeating them can cause tooth decay in your dog.
Eating unripe mangoes
Dogs cannot eat unripe or green mangoes. Green and unripe mangoes are very acidic and have a bitter taste, and are very hard. Eating unripe mangoes by dogs can cause diarrhea and stomach pain.
To determine whether a mango is ripe, press the fruit with your two thumbs. If it is loose, it is ripe. Also, the green skin of the mango shows that it is unripe.
It is better to feed dogs ripe orange and yellow mangoes. So the answer to the question can dog eat unripe mangoes is a big no.
Harmful parts of mango for dogs
Giving some parts of mango can be dangerous for your dog. The pieces of mango that should not be given to dogs are:
Mango peel or skin
It is not recommended that dogs eat mangoes with skin. The mango skin is tough, and it is difficult for the dog’s digestive system to digest it. Also, mango skin may contain agricultural toxins and pesticides, which are dangerous for dogs to eat. Therefore, it is better to peel the mango.
Mango Pit
The mango pit has a large size, which is usually between 4 and 7 cm. If you do not remove the mango pit, it can cause suffocation and complete airway obstruction in the dog.
Even if the dog can swallow the whole mango seed, there is still a possibility of intestinal obstruction in the dog. Also, when the mango pit reaches the dog’s digestive system, a poison called amygdalin is released, which turns into cyanide after being absorbed into the dog’s body. Cyanide causes a decrease in the level of oxygen supply in the dog’s body and, ultimately, death due to suffocation.
So, peel and pit the mango before you give it to your dog.
What happens if the dog eats the mango pit?
As we said, the risk of a dog swallowing a mango pit is related to 2 issues. One is to cause obstruction in the intestines and digestive system, and the other produces cyanide in the dog’s body.
If your dog eats a mango pit, pay attention to the symptoms it shows. Symptoms such as dizziness, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, lethargy, and difficulty breathing indicate that your dog is in danger.
So go to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat dried mango?
Dried mango contains more sugar than fresh mango. Usually, dried fruits have a higher percentage of sugar, up to 4 times that of fresh fruit.
Feeding a dog dry mangoes can cause diabetes, obesity, and heart problems. So it is better not to use dried mango or use it in tiny quantities.
Can a dog eat frozen mango?
Yes, you can give your dog frozen mango pieces in summer. Giving frozen mango helps keep the dog cool.
The bottom line
We know dogs can eat mango, but they should not be overdone because they can cause many health problems. By reading this article, we learned which parts of mango are suitable for dogs and that we should not give the skin and pit of mango to dogs. Share your questions and experiences about feeding dogs with mango.
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