If you are a dog owner, you may be wondering which human foods are safe for your furry companion to consume that follows the standard dog nutrition checklist. Although most pet owners are advised to stick with dog food, evolutionarily speaking, dog’s bodies are built to process foods consisting of mostly proteins like meats. However, wolves were actually known to eat fruit in the wild when available and so the modern household dog can consume such foods as well. In fact, adding fruits and other produce to your dog’s diet can help fill any nutritional gaps that your pet might have as a result of their daily kibble. However, not all fruits are safe for domestic dogs to consume, especially because the stomach of a dog is much more sensitive than that of humans. Because of the high sugar content in fruit, it is important to keep an eye on the amount of fruit given to your dog in order to avoid an upset stomach. 

So, can dogs eat mango? Fortunately, mango is not only safe for your dog to eat but it also has many health benefits for your pup. Mango is an excellent source of fiber, as well as a great source os vitamins A, B6, C, and E. It is also a sweet fruit so your pup will probably love it as a special treat!

How to Prepare Mango for Your Pup

While mango is a safe food for your pet to consume, you will need to take some cautionary measures when preparing the fruit. Don’t give your dog a whole mango! You will want to peel it and remove the mango seed first. The skin of mangoes is technically safe for your dog to eat, but it can be hard for canines to digest so it is best to remove the mango skin in order to avoid gastrointestinal distress.

Mango seeds are most notably a choking hazard and could get stuck in your dog’s digestive tract, as the pits or mangoes are pretty significant in size. In addition, the pit contains a small amount of cyanide which is toxic to dogs in large amounts. Again, it’s just best to remove it to avoid any risk. If your dog does happen to swallow a mango pit, he will most likely need a trip to the veterinarian. If he starts refusing to eat, the pit may be obstructing his digestive tract. If you suspect this is the case, you should call your vet immediately to prevent cyanide poisoning.

Ripe mangoes are relatively soft, easy, and safe for dogs to chew so you might not need to cut it up. However, if your dog is small, cutting the mango into small pieces may make it easier for him to chew.

Dogs enjoy sweet foods which make mangoes the perfect treat for does, and even better, a treat with nutritional benefits. However, you will want to monitor the amount of mango you give your pooch. Too much sugar and fiber can result in gastrointestinal issues such as canine diarrhea and stomach aches. As a result, it’s best to serve your dog mango in small quantities and as a special treat, not as a part of his daily diet.

Benefits of Fruits & Vegetables

Feeding your dog a variety of fruits and vegetables can help to round out his daily diet by providing any nutrients, vitamins, or minerals that he might not otherwise get. As a result, many owners choose to give their dogs whole produce as treats, but before doing so you should be aware of those fruits and vegetables which are hazardous to dogs:

• Asparagus
• Avocados
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Tomatoes

Often times the risk of each of these foods is dependant on the size of your dog and the amount that was consumed. If your pet has ingested any of the above, monitor his behavior for any changes. In particular, becoming lethargic and withdrawn can indicate a more severe problem. In these cases, immediately call your veterinarian for further assistance and instruction.

In addition to nutritional value, fruits and vegetables are also an excellent source of water. Many dog owners fail to realize their pets are actually dehydrated on a regular basis. Unfortunately, this consistent state of dehydration can lead to canine health problems such as kidney disease in dogs and the formation of bladder stones. Most fruits and vegetables have a high water content and so giving your dog these foods can help increase his water intake. Mangoes included!