Can Dogs Eat Mango? » Trusty Paw Pal

Can dogs eat mango? Yes! Dogs can eat mangos, and they actually enjoy them a good deal. Continue reading to learn the health benefits if mangos…

Health Benefits of Mango For Your Dog

Mangos are a succulent type of fruit that is mostly loaded with lots of vitamins, fiber and moisture. They are versatile fruits that can be eaten whole, or that can be incorporated into recipes that include baking, blending and even freezing.

They are very popular in the human realm, and for good reason, so, what about the doggo’s world? Mangos are also really appreciated and loved by dogs, especially since they are sweet and very tasty, and because they are easy to eat.

They are an incredible source of vitamins and other nutrients that prove quite ideal for the overall growth and development of dogs, especially during their active years. They are also quite versatile, and there are many ways to serve them to your dogs without worrying about palatability and waste.

As with any other food, mangos come with their own health benefits, and they are listed below. Here is how your dog is bound to benefit from consuming mango on a regular.

1. Better Digestion

Mango is a fruit that is packed with fiber, a compound that is known and proven to actually assist in the digestive capacity of the dog’s gastro-intestinal tract.

If your dog has a history of poor digestion, a little mango could actually go a long way in helping to alleviate the symptoms by increasing the stomach’s capacity to deal with food.

Since there is a large proportion of the fiber in a single mango, it is recommended that you give it in small quantities since the bulk of it may go to waste.

3. Improved Physiological Functions

Seeing as mango is a fruit, it is only expected that it has a large quantity of vitamins and minerals which have the capacity to impact the general functions of a dog’s organ system. Some of the most abundant vitamins and minerals include;

Vitamin A – Aside from improving eye sight and keeping eye damage away, vitamin A is also credited for supporting healthy immune system, allowing your dog to enjoy a good health run. Is also plays a large role in supporting ideal bone health, keeping them in good form. Finally, Vitamin A supports ideal growth and development as well as optimal reproductive health.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – This vitamin proves essential in the growth and development of your canine’s brain and its functions. It has also been credited for helping to keep anemia away, especially in dogs that have had a significant risk of the same. Aside from this, it is quite vital for the maintenance of ideal cardiovascular functions since it is ale to keep the heart healthy, and it also prevents the formation of deadly clots and clogs in arteries.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – Vitamin C is a nutrient that supports the optimal growth, development and repair of cells in the body, an aspect that makes certain that your dog enjoys healthy muscle and skin formation, especially during its most active years. Aside from this, Vitamin C plays a major role in the development of a strong immune system and the formation of collagen. It is also great for healthy cartilage maintenance, teeth and bones, as well as assisting the body in the absorption of iron. It also proves essential in helping wound heal a lot faster and better.
Vitamin E – This vitamin is used in the body to help your cells grow, develop and regenerate, as well as play an active role in the development of good immunity. On top of this, it bears both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. With a healthy amount of Vitamin E in the body, your dog will also enjoy healthy skin and fur, giving it a beautiful and healthy appearance.

4. Source of Moisture

Seeing as mango is largely a succulent fruit, it comes with loads of moisture that proves ideal for your dog. It helps in digestion and keeps your dog from experiencing bouts of constipation when consumed on a regular.

Should You Feed Your Dog The Whole Mango Fruit?

A mango essentially has three parts. The outer part is the peel, and right beneath it is the flesh that dogs and human like to consume. Right at the center is the pit, also called the seed, which is inedible to both dogs ad humans.

Can Dogs Eat Mango skin?

Well, no. Mango skin has a good deal of a compound called cellulose, and it is mostly indigestible to dogs. This means that your canine may find it difficult to chew the skin, and even worse, to digest it all together. Make certain that you peel and cut up the mango before serving it to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat The Pit?

Mango pits are hard and difficult to chew, and they are considered a choking hazard. It is advisable to keep them away from your dog since it may attempt to swallow it, causing it to die of choking due to asphyxia.

In case the dog manages to swallow the pit altogether, you still have a serious problem on your hands since it is highly unlikely that the pit will successfully make its way down the gut and out through the anus. Your dog may suffer such effects as;

Abdominal pain and (or) tenderness
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Reduced appetite
Difficulty in defecating
Increased lethargy
High irritability

If you notice any of these symptoms, make certain that you rush to the vet so that the pit may be professionally removed.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Mango?

Dried mango is actually a more convenient method of delivering the required vitamins to your dog. They are easier to administer, and even easier to store.

To get them dry, you can make thin slices of fresh mango, then dry them in a dehydrator or oven. The degree of dryness is largely dictated by your dog’s preference, but keep in mind that a higher degree of moisture means that the mango will not keep tool long.

Even after drying the mango slices, make certain that you store them in an air-tight container.

How else to serve up mango to your canine?

1. In yoghurt – The truth is that some dogs will not have mango, especially those that just can’t handle the taste. If this is your predicament, go on and blend it together with some natural yoghurt. This way, your dog can slurp it up and benefit from the juice without fussing much about taste.

2. Frozen treats – You can dice up the mango and have it frozen so that your dog can have it as treats. This method is especially convenient for hot months when it proves difficult to keep cool, especially during the day.

Mango-as-is – If your dog is not a fussy or picky eater, they will be glad to gobble up the mango just as it is. Just make certain that there are no peels and that the size is ideal for your dog.

What to Serve Your Dog in Place of Mango

The truth is that there are dogs that just will not have mango in whatever form. If this is the case, you can replace the mango with an assortment of vitamin rich fruit such as;

Cantaloupe – Aside from being a sweet fruit, cantaloupe makes an incredible source of vitamin and moisture for your dog. It has small seeds that are ideally safer for your dog than mango pits since they are quite easy to swallow. As an added advantage, they do not have any adverse effects on the dog’s digestive system.
Apricot – Also a good source of vitamins, fiber and moisture, apricots make an excellent replacement for mangos. However, you need to be careful with just how much of it you serve since it is known to contain a small amount of cyanide. Be certain to remove the seed before serving since it is also a choking hazard.
Banana – This nutrient rich food is also really good for dogs. It comes with a decent amount of potassium, vitamins, biotin, copper and fiber. They are incredible for feeding your dog as a treat.
Apple – As an incredibly rich source of Vitamins A and C, apples prove ideal for dogs’ overall health. They can be served up as they are, or can be dried to eat as a crunchy treat every so often.

Conclusion

Dogs are ideally obligate carnivores, but domestication has made them more or less open to consuming plant based food. Seeing as they have many dietary needs, it is good to supplement their protein diets with other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals which are abundant in fruit.

Mango is one of the fruits that dogs really love, and thankfully, it packs quite the nutritional punch, particularly where vitamins are concerned. Be certain to make it a part of your dog’s regular diet for optimal health and growth.