Mangoes are creamy delicious fruits that provide an extensive variety of health benefits. They are very popular around the world for their taste and are easily added to our diet as part of smoothies and many other dishes. As humans, we enjoy this fruit but there have been questions concerning the edibility of this fruit from the canine perspective.
CAN DOGS EAT MANGOES?
Yes, you can serve your dog mango but if you dog has an underlying medical condition (for example, diabetes, pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas) or certain allergies, consult your vet first.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF MANGOES
Mangoes contain vitamins, some healthy plant compounds like polypherol, elements like magnesium and antioxidants which if consumed will be of immense benefit to the body of your pet.
They are as follows:
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Vitamin A in mangoes promotes good eye sight especially in older dogs. It helps in the prevention of cataract. It also helps with night blindness and dry eyes. Improves the dog skin coat and helps in the proper functioning of vital organs like the kidneys, lungs and liver. Together with vitamins B6, C and E, it strengthens the immune system.
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Mangoes contain fiber which your dog’s digestive system by preventing diarrhea and constipation.
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They contain protein which repairs muscle and other important body tissues.
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Antioxidants and healthy plant compounds such as polypherols and mangiferin are present in mangoes, and they protect against free radicals in the body that cause degenerative diseases, skin problems, allergies and certain types of cancer.
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They do not contribute to obesity in dogs because they are low on calories when given in appropriate measures.
- Magnesium and Mangiferin help support your dog’s heart by maintaining a healthy blood flow, protecting the heart cells against inflammation and helping to lower cholesterol levels.|
NOTES OF CAUTION
The way we as humans consume mangoes by eating the skin and the flesh is not the same way our dogs should consume it, otherwise, there may be some health concerns for your pet. Here are some things to consider:
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The skin of mangoes contains a compound called Urushiol which is also found in poison ivy and poison oak. It can produce a rash if it touches your dog’s skin.
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Peel off the mango skin before serving your dog because they are difficult to chew and can lead to stomach upset, vomiting and blockage of the intestines.
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Mangos are rich in fiber, so serve your dog in small amounts, excess will wreck havoc in your dog’s digestive system leading to diarrhea and difficulty in absorbing materials.
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Remove the pit (the hard substance at the center of the fruit) before serving your dog because it contains cyanide compounds which are poisonous. The pit can also be a serious choking hazard as it can get stuck in your pet’s digestive tract.
If your dog accidentally consumes the pit, it could pass through its body without difficulty but study your pets eating and defecating habits onward, if there are any changes or anything out of the ordinary, consult your vet. But it’s best to remove it before serving it to your pet.
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Do not feed your dogs mangoes that have gone bad. Rotten fruits contain ethanol (alcohol) which is poisonous to dogs.
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Do not feed your dog unripe mango as its skin can present a choking hazard because it is tough and slippery. It can slide down dog’s throat before it chews it properly.
HOW TO SERVE YOUR DOG MANGOES
To serve your dog a mango fruit, you can follow these steps:
- Wash it thoroughly to get rid of pesticides, bacteria and germs.
- Peel off the skin.
- Slice it nicely into small pieces and take away the pit.
- You could choose to puree it instead of slicing it by finely chopping it until you achieve a mush.
- Feed your pet slowly and in small quantity especially if this is the first time it will be taking mangoes.
RULES OF ADVICE
Mango is sweet, so your dog will enjoy it but moderation is highly recommended.
- Start off slowly
This is for the purpose of finding out how your pet’s body reacts to the fruit. Check for allergic reactions, digestion difficulties, changes in eating and defecation habits after consumption.
- Do not serve your dog with dried mango
This is because dried mango is high in sugar, calories and carbohydrates. The drying process gets rid of some of health benefits. Small amounts of dried mango won’t do any harm but stick with the fresh ones. Too much dried mango will cause stomach upset and tooth decay.
HOW MUCH MANGO CAN A DOG EAT?
Mangoes should be served occasionally and all mango treats should not exceed 10% of their daily nutritional intake as excess will lead to digestive discomfort.
FINAL WORDS
Dogs can eat mangoes but there has to be some preparations before serving it to them. It must be served in moderate amounts and should not exceed 10% of their nutritional intake. Be sure your dog does not have any allergies or underlying health conditions before feeding them as such may need a specific diet to stay healthy.
Watch out for their reactions, changes in eating and defecation habits after they have consumed the fruit. If there be a change in your pet’s health status after feeding it with mango, consult your vet.
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Dr Joshua Samuel, DVM
Samuel Joshua Oluwapelumi is a veterinary medical student in his third year of training at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He is passionate about animals and animal care. He has developed a lot of interest in creating contents that help people understand their pets and how to care for them.