Can Dogs Eat Mango? When it is or isn’t an Emergency

Yes, dogs can eat mangos as long as it’s in moderation. Mangos can make a good healthy snack for dogs as they are packed with nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin B6. There are, however, certain health risks that dog owners should be aware of before giving their dog a piece of mango.

When mangos can be unsafe for dogs

Mangos are packed with a lot of natural sugar and that’s a big reason why dogs love them. It’s important to limit the amount of sugar your dog eats as large, frequent consumption of sugar can contribute to a variety of health problems down the road, including weight gain and tooth decay.

You should avoid giving your dog a whole mango. Only feed your dog the pulp of the mango. Don’t let them chew and swallow the skin and the pit. These parts of the mango can become a major health hazard for dogs. The mango pit, for example, can cause obstructions in the dog’s gastrointestinal tract since it’s difficult to digest. In severe cases, surgery might be needed to extract the mango pit out from the dog’s digestive tract.

The mango peel can also pose a similar issue and cause your dog to choke, especially if the dog was to swallow a whole mango peel. The skin of some mangos may also contain a small amount of oil called urushiol. This is the same oil found in plants like poison ivy. It’s a tiny amount but may be enough to trigger a bad reaction for some dogs.

How much mango can a dog eat?

This will depend on the dog’s size. A small dog, for example, should be fine with eating no more than two or three small pieces of mango per week. On the flip side, large dogs may be able to enjoy a handful of fresh mango pieces. It’s important to moderate the amount of mangos a dog eats.

Can dogs eat dried mangos?

No, dogs shouldn’t eat dried mangos. They usually contain a lot more sugar content than their fresh counterparts. Dried mangoes may also contain preservatives and additives that aren’t healthy for pets. In any case, your dog is more likely to enjoy a frozen or fresh piece of mango than a dried one, especially during a hot summer day!

You can learn more about what other fruits are or aren’t safe for dogs to eat by visiting our human food for dogs database.