Any dog owner knows the struggle of a dog begging for food. They will make noises, cry and show puppy-dog eyes in hopes of stealing a snack. Sometimes, they don’t even want their own treat but a taste of your food.
There are so many different “human foods” out there, it can be hard to keep track of what your pet can, and can’t, eat. Certain foods, like grapes and chocolate, prompt an immediate “no” to the question, “Can my dog eat this?”
But what about mangoes? Be sure to read before you feed your pet fruit.
Can dogs eat mangoes?
Yes, dogs can eat mangoes. The fruit is full of nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and vitamin E, all of which are beneficial to your pet, according to PetMD.
Mangoes are also high in fiber, which can aid digestion.
Are mangoes poisonous to dogs?
Mangoes are not poisonous to dogs. However, there are precautions that should be taken before feeding your pet fruit.
Like other fruits, mangoes are high in sugar. Too much sugar in your dog’s diet can cause problems. If they eat a lot of sugar over a long period of time, it can lead to diabetes, digestive problems and tooth decay, Purina reports.
Fiber can aid digestion, but consuming large amounts can cause adverse reactions. Mangoes contain more fiber than most dogs are used to, according to Purina. If your dog has too much fiber in their diet, it can cause diarrhea or other digestive issues.
Never give your dog mango seeds. Mangoes have a large seed inside them, and the dog should not chew them. Mango pits are a choking hazard to dogs and can get stuck in their digestive tract if consumed, reports the American Kennel Club. Mango seeds also contain trace amounts of cyanide.
How much mango can I give my dog?
When giving your dog human food, you should feed it in small amounts. A general guideline for treats is that they should only make up 10% of your pet’s daily calories, reports PetMD.
It’s also a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before feeding your dog any human food, according to Purina. This way you will know if there are any underlying conditions, such as obesity or diabetes.
If you feed mangoes to your dog, remove the skin and pit. Although the skin is technically edible, it is not easily digested, reports the American Kennel Club.
Avoid feeding your dog dried mangoes. Although they may be small, dried fruits do exist and it’s easy to lose weight in portion sizes when eating dried fruits. Store-bought dried mangoes may have added preservatives and ingredients, which are not good for dogs, according to PetMD.
Just curious for more? We’ve got you covered
USA TODAY researches the questions you and others have every day. From “Why does my dog eat poop?” in “How often should I take my dog to the vet?” in “What is the most expensive dog breed?” – we strive to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head over to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer.
