Can dog's eat... Mango?

Yes, plain, fresh mango flesh is safe for dogs to eat, but there are a few things to be aware of. This sweet and juicy fruit is a real tropical treat, but we must offer it to our pets safely.

We're going to look at mangos in more detail, including the best ways to share mangos with your pet and the times it should be avoided. We'll also explore whether mango could have any health benefits for dogs.

#Can dogs eat mango?

Mango is a tropical fruit that has soft yellow-orange flesh when ripe. It is not toxic to dogs, so they can enjoy it in moderation. However, too much mango could lead to digestive upset, as well as weight gain. It should therefore only be offered as an occasional snack, rather than a daily
one.

To keep things safe for your pet, you must prepare the mango properly. This means removing the skin, cutting it into bite-sized pieces and never letting them have the pit.

The large pit in the centre of mangoes contains small amounts of cyanide, but this isn't the main issue. The pit is extremely hard and can be a choking hazard. Alternatively, it could obstruct your pet's digestive tract, also known as a foreign body. Foreign bodies can be life-threatening, and affected pets often require emergency surgery. So, always keep the pit well out of reach.

##Can dogs eat dried mango?

Dried mango is not toxic for dogs, but it is quite sugar-heavy and calorie-dense. When most of the moisture has been removed from the fruit, you end up with small pieces of mango. This means it can be quite easy to accidentally overfeed your pet. Dried mango can also be quite tough to chew and is more likely to get stuck in your pet's teeth than fresh mango. For these reasons, fresh mango is preferable to dried.

##Can dogs eat mango skin?

Mango skin is very tough and tricky to digest, so you should discard it. You wouldn't eat mango skin, so your pet shouldn't either. 

##Can dogs eat frozen mango?

Frozen mango is not toxic to dogs, but it's usually a good idea to defrost it before serving. Hard frozen chunks of fruit could be a choking hazard, especially for small dogs, brachycephalic breeds and puppies.

##Can dogs eat cooked mango?

Yes, dogs can have cooked mango, provided it is served plain and unseasoned. Simple grilled mango, for example, would be fine, but mango poached in alcohol or syrup is not.

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#Health benefits of mango for dogs

Mango has many proven health properties for people, some of which may also be good for our dogs:

• Fibre - The fibre in mangos and other fruit allows us to maintain a healthy digestive system, and it helps with feelings of fullness. Learn about the benefits of fibre for dogs.
• Vitamins - Mangos contain vitamins A, B6, C and E, which are essential for many things in the body, including a healthy immune system and eyesight. Read about why dogs need vitamins.
• Antioxidants - Mango contains antioxidants which help to protect cells from damage. Diets rich in antioxidants may help prevent cancer and heart disease, though more studies are needed in dogs.
• Digestive enzymes - Mangoes contain digestive enzymes such as amylases, which could help aid digestion

While dogs could also benefit from some of the nutrients contained in mango, it's important to remember that all their nutritional needs will be met by their complete pet food. Most vets would
advise sticking to your pet's normal diet as much as possible, as feeding too many extras could lead to dietary imbalances and digestive upset.

Mango is also very high in natural sugar and higher in calories than some other types of fruit, which is another reason not to overdo things.

#How much mango can a dog eat?

Mango, as well as other snacks and treats, should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily diet. Too many extras could lead to weight gain and dietary imbalances if fed over a prolonged period. Plus, the high fibre content of fruit and vegetables, like mango, can lead to digestive upsets in some dogs.

Not all dogs will fancy mango, so never force your pet to eat it. Try offering them a small amount to begin with, to check their response and for any side effects, before giving them any more.

If your dog is on a special diet or has any health issues like diabetes or a sensitive stomach, then you must speak to your vet before offering them any new food items.

#When is mango bad for dogs?

There are certain situations when mango is definitely not recommended and should be avoided altogether:

• Mango dipped in chocolate - Chocolate is toxic to dogs, so any fresh or dried fruit coated in it should be avoided.
• Mango smoothies and drinks – These are highly concentrated in natural sugars and should not be given to your pet.
• Mango flavoured sweets and other processed foods - Processed foods are low in nutrients and could contain ingredients harmful to our pets, e.g. xylitol, an artificial sweetener, used in many low-sugar items.
• Mangoes with other ingredients - Mango in dishes like curries, stir fries or salsa are not advised for dogs. Not only will these add extra calories to your pet's diet, but they could also contain harmful ingredients like garlic or onions.
• Too many mangoes - As previously discussed, you can have too much of a good thing! Digestive issues in dogs, weight gain and dietary imbalances may occur.
• Whole mangoes - Keep whole mangos well out of reach from your dog, as the tough skin and large pit could cause some real problems.

If your pet accidentally eats anything from this list, then call your vet for urgent advice.

#Conclusion - Can dogs eat mangos?

Dogs can enjoy mangos if you offer them safely. Let's summarise the key points:

• Bite-sized pieces of plain, fresh mango are fine for dogs to eat in moderation
• Make sure to remove the skin and pit before serving
• Never give your pet any mango that is cooked or mixed with other ingredients
• Contact your vet if your dog has eaten something they shouldn't have, including the pit