Food Safety Tips: Mango and Dogs
Dog’s enjoy a variety of different treats and foods as much as we do. In the past, it has been believed that certain fruits or foods could be harmful to dogs, but now we know this is not true.
The fruit has many incredible benefits for your dog, including vitamin C, which can help promote a healthy immune system.
But fruit isn’t the only thing you can offer your dog; there are also some other exciting options out there. Let’s examine one such option today: mangoes!
Can dogs eat a mango question many dog owners have regarding what food they can and cannot feed their pet? Some foods, such as avocado, are fine in moderation but should never be given as a main meal.
But others, such as mango, can provide your dog with some essential nutrients and vitamins that aid them in their everyday lives and help keep them healthy and happy.
While this fruit might benefit your canine friend, certain precautions should be considered before feeding them a mango. Keep reading to learn more about the possible risks of providing these delicious fruits to your furry best friend.
What is a Mango?
Mangos are a sweet, exotic fruit that comes from the Mangifera Indica tree. The mango has been cultivated in India for centuries and has spread all over the world.
Until you’ve eaten a mango, it’s hard to understand what all the fuss is about. They taste like nothing found in nature and can be immensely frustrating to cut into because of their large, flat pit. The flavor combines banana, pineapple, and papaya elements with a distinct citrusy note that no other fruit possesses.
Can Dogs Eat Mangoes?
Can dogs have mango? The short answer is yes. Mangos can be fed to your dog in moderation. There are instances where you should never provide mango to your pup, or the consequences could be rather unpleasant.
Mangoes might seem like an unusual treat for a dog to indulge in, but they’re pretty safe! Mangos have several things going for them from a dog-friendly perspective. To name a few, they are high in fiber, potassium, carbohydrates, Vitamin A, and vitamin C, which will benefit your dog’s health.
The fruit is usually sweet-smelling with a juicy pulp that’s easy to chew on, making it perfect for older dogs who might have missing teeth or dental problems.
Mangoes are not only great for dogs but even provide some attractive benefits for humans as well. You may have heard that eating mangoes is suitable for skin issues like acne, but did you know that this same effect can be had on dogs?
If your dog has skin problems or other signs of illness, try offering him some fresh mangos! The vitamin C found within these fruits can help fight infections both internal and external.
However, some precautions need to be taken into consideration before feeding this fruit to your pet.
For example, Mangos contain certain acids that aren’t good for pets- especially cats! So, don’t go harvesting all the fruit from the local mango tree and feeding it to your cat, as you might end up with some very ill pets.
Best Way to Feed Dogs With Mangoes
Most dogs love fruit and vegetables, and it’s no surprise that our four-legged friends are often found eating moldy apples out in the yard or plucking dandelions from your front lawn. Commonly known as garbage pups, many dogs will try virtually anything that hits the ground (and some things that don’t).
If you’ve ever wondered if it’s okay to share your food with your puppy, the answer is yes. But not all human foods should become canine fare. While humans may relish the taste of garlic or onions, both are toxic to dogs. And the same goes for fruit like apples, pears, and grapes – which can damage your pup’s digestive tract.
But there are some fruits (and vegetables) that you can share with your four-legged friend, mangoes!
With their soft texture and luscious flavor, ripe mangos are a favorite among humans and canines alike. But how to feed dogs with mangoes is the question.
As with anything new, it’s essential to introduce mangoes slowly to your pet. One or two slices per week should be enough for most pups. Don’t worry about the skin or pit – both are perfectly edible and contain many nutrients essential for optimum health. Some even believe that eating mango skin provides relief from conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
While feeding mangos regularly may promote better overall health, too much of a good thing could cause an upset stomach. This is especially true if trying fresh mangos for the first time, as their fiber content is much greater than processed varieties like canned or jarred mangoes in syrup.
If your dog does experience an adverse reaction when trying mangoes, discontinue feeding them to your pup immediately. If the symptoms persist, call your vet for advice.
But don’t let this stop you from trying out how to feed dogs with mangos again in the future. Just remember that all dogs are different and will react differently when fed new foods. It’s best to introduce new things gradually so that you can identify any possible allergies or sensitivities.
Which Dog Breeds are Okay to Eat Mangoes?
It all depends on the size of the dog and the number of mangoes ingested. If your pet is about to try and eat a mango, take note that the biggest threat is not the flesh – it’s the seed and peel!
So, here are six typical household dog breeds who can safely enjoy a mango without worrying their owners:
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua loves fruit, but they should have one slice instead of the whole thing because of their small size. If not, they might get themselves into trouble. This may be counterintuitive since small dogs seem to need more food but trust me that too much fruit isn’t good for them. Ingesting mangoes has been reported to cause diarrhea, vomiting, and pancreatitis in dogs. Sometimes it can be fatal.
Toy Poodle
Small dogs are best suited for small portions of fruit. For the Toy Poodle, a couple of slices will do but don’t let them finish off your plate either! It’s always good to remember that too much of anything is harmful to your dog’s health, even if it is fruit, so keep an eye on how much they consume every day.
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso can handle more than just one slice of mango. These dogs are full of energy and can benefit from the nutrients in the fruit, including Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. However, it’s still important to watch them when they eat because too much sugar is never good for any dog.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are another small breed with a big appetite! They can enjoy some delicious mangoes as long as you cut up the pieces small enough so that they don’t choke on anything. You may be tempted to let your Shih Tzu have more but remember that moderation is key!
Pug
This is another small dog breed that can eat mangoes. The Pug has a high metabolism, which means that they burn off the sugar in fruit very quickly. They don’t need too much food to feel full because of this, but you might still want to give them only one slice at most per day. If not, they may end up on the other side of the spectrum and become overweight!
This would be bad for any dog working hard to keep its figure, but it’s even worse if your pup is already prone to respiratory problems like Pugs are.
Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are an interesting case because mangoes aren’t recommended for these large breed dogs, unlike other dogs on this list! Instead, they’re on a restricted diet, and many human foods aren’t okay for them.
For example, you should never feed your Afghan Hound any avocado! Since mangoes have the potential to damage their teeth due to the pit being hard, it’s recommended that you give them things like steamed carrots or green beans instead.
If your dog eats one seed of a mango, he can get diarrhea, vomits and pancreatitis. Even one slice of mango can do these things in small dogs because of the large amount of sugar in fruit. Keep an eye on how much they eat every day and watch out for pancreatitis, primarily if their body isn’t used to a lot of fruit.
Possible Risks Associated With Feeding Your Dog With Mangoes
There is one thing you should watch out for when feeding your dog this fruit. The mango seed is dangerous for dogs because it’s a choking hazard and can even cause intestinal problems. So be sure to remove the seed before feeding your fresh dog mangoes! Mangoes are a great treat option if you have a dog on hand that needs a healthy boost.
The main risk associated with feeding dogs mango is due to a chemical compound called Persin. This compound which can be found in the seeds and leaves of many fruits – not just Mangos – can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart problems for animals who eat it regularly. The level of toxins or persin increases as the fruit matures and ripens, so only feed your pet fresh, green mangos that aren’t too ripe.
It’s also important to remember that some dogs are allergic to certain foods such as fish, eggs, and dairy products. So, if you have a dog who has previously displayed signs of an allergic reaction after being exposed to any foods, it’s best to take them off the menu. The same applies to dogs that are lactose intolerant.
Lastly, some dogs can also suffer from pancreatitis, which is essentially inflammation of the pancreas. If your pet suffers from this condition, it might be worth checking with your vet before trying mangoes, as not only are they high in fat and contain oils and enzymes that may irritate the pancreas further.
Although this fruit provides many health benefits for dogs if fed in moderation, there are potential health risks involved, especially if you have a risky pup! It’s always advisable to consult with your vet about what type of food is suitable for your pet and what isn’t to ensure a long and happy life.
