Can dogs have mango? What to know before feeding your pup the fruit.
Any dog owner knows the struggle of a pooch begging for food. They will whine, cry and show those puppy-dog eyes in hopes of stealing a snack. Sometimes, they don't even want their own treats but a taste of your food.
There are so many different "human foods" out there, so it's hard to keep track of what your pet can, and cannot, consume. Certain foods, such as grapes and chocolate, prompt an immediate "no" to the question, "Can my dog eat this?"
But what about mangoes? Be sure to read on before you feed your pet the fruit.
Can dogs eat mango?
Yes, dogs can eat mangoes. The fruit is full of nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and vitamin E, which are all beneficial to your pet, according to PetMD.
Mango is also high in fiber, which can aid digestion.
Is mango toxic to dogs?
Mango is not toxic to dogs. However, there are precautions to take before feeding your pet the fruit.
Similar to other fruits, mangoes are high in sugar. Too much sugar in your dog's diet can cause problems. If they consume a lot of sugar for over an extended period of time, this could lead to diabetes, digestive trouble and tooth decay, Purina reports.
Fiber can help with digestion, but consuming large quantities could trigger adverse reactions. Mangoes contain more fiber than most dogs are used to, according to Purina. If your dog has too much fiber in their diet, it could cause diarrhea or other digestive issues.
Never give a mango seed to your dog. Mangoes have one large seed inside of them, and a dog should never chew on it. Mango pits are a choking hazard to dogs and can become stuck in their digestive tract if consumed, the American Kennel Club reports. Mango seeds also contain trace amounts of cyanide.
How much mango can I give my dog?
When giving your dog human food, you should feed it to them in small amounts. A general guideline for treats is that they should be only 10% of your pet's daily calories, PetMD reports.
It is also a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before feeding your dog any human food, according to Purina. This way you will be able to know if there are any underlying conditions, such as obesity or diabetes.
If you do feed mango to your dog, remove the skin and pit. While the skin is technically edible, it is not easy to digest, the American Kennel Club reports.
Avoid feeding your dog dried mango. While they may be small, dried fruits have and it's easy to lose track of portion sizing when consuming dried fruits. Store-bought dried mango may have added preservatives and ingredients, which are not good for dogs, according to PetMD.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can dogs eat mango? Here's how to safely give your pup a sweet treat
