Mangos were formerly regarded as unconventional, but are today among the most common fruits in the world and a staple of American cuisine.

Mangoes are seasonal fruits, but they still rank among the top fruits in the majority of countries. Among the things that make mangoes so unique are their alluring aroma, vivid color, exquisite texture, and most importantly, flavor. 

Furthermore, Mangoes are not only one of the most popular fruits in the world but they are also praised for their superior nutritional value.

In this article, we’ll discuss mangoes and dogs! Sounds exciting right? We’re going to answer the question; Can dogs eat mangoes? So stay tuned! 

Back to mangoes and their consumption among humans. According to the National Mango Board’s (NMB) 2020 annual report, fresh whole mango imports into the United States rose by 11.4% in 2020, from 493,000 metric tons to over 549,000 metric tons, despite the coronavirus epidemic.

 Compared to previous years, when the peak had been one or two weeks of 4 million boxes/week, fresh whole mango arrivals saw eight weeks of over 4 million boxes per week.

Mango became one of the three items in the fresh-cut fruit category with the quickest growth when speaking of overall retail sales, rising to the seventh position. And as of now, 3.63 pounds of mangos are consumed per person in the United States, up from 1.88 pounds in 2005.

Mangoes are cultivated in tropical regions all over the world, with India, China, and Thailand producing more than the majority of other nations combined. 

However, a large portion of the mangos that are eaten in the United States comes from Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil, among other nations.

Also, Mexico accounts for the majority of mangos imported into the USA with roughly 66 percent of the market because it shares a border with the United States.

Overview of Mangoes as a Human Snack Packed with Nutrients

Mangoes serve as a very delicious snack for everyone. It’s sweet yet healthy and can be used in many recipes. Below are some benefits of eating mangoes. 

1. It’s Low in calories

Mango’s low-calorie content is one of its many advantages. Fresh mango has an extremely low-calorie density, or fewer calories per unit of weight of food, with only about 100 calories in one cup (165 grams) of the fruit.

The majority of fresh fruits and vegetables have relatively few calories per serving. According to one study, eating fresh fruit like mango at the beginning of a meal may prevent you from eating too much later on. 

But keep in mind that with dried mango, this might not be the case. There are 510 calories,106 grams of sugar, and greater calorie density in just 1 cup of dried mango.

Dried mango remains packed with a lot of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but because of its high-calorie density and sugar content, it may be advisable to eat it in moderation.

2. Contains immune-boosting nutrients

One cup (165 grams) of mango contains 10% of your daily need for vitamin A, making it a good source of nutrients that support the immune system. 

A healthy immune system requires vitamin A. A higher risk of infection is associated with inadequate intake of this vitamin. 

Additionally, 1 cup of mangoes contains almost 75% of your daily need for vitamin C. This vitamin can increase the number of white blood cells that fight infection, enhance the efficiency of these cells, and strengthen the defences of your skin. 

Mango also contains elements including copper, folate, and vitamin E that may help with immunity.

3. Mango is good for the heart

Mangos are rich in nutrients that promote heart health.

It provides magnesium and potassium, for instance, which support healthy blood flow. These vitamins and minerals aid in blood vessel relaxation, which lowers blood pressure. 

Mangiferin, a powerful antioxidant found in mangoes, may also be beneficial for heart health.

Mangiferin may shield heart cells against oxidative stress, cell death, and inflammation, according to studies conducted on animals. Additionally, it might aid in lowering your blood’s levels of triglycerides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol.

4. It supports Weight control

Mango shows some promising possibilities for promoting healthy weight management. According to recent studies, mangoes and the phytochemicals they contain may decrease fat cells and genes connected to fat.

According to a different study, mango peel functions similarly to the antioxidant resveratrol in preventing the development of fatty tissues.

5. It contains Anticancer properties 

Research on breast cancer in particular shows promise for the potential anti-cancer effects of the micronutrients in mango. Mango repressed cancer growth factors and reduced tumour size in one animal study. 

In a different trial, mango prevented the spread of ductal carcinoma, an early-stage breast cancer.

6. Mango is good for digestion

Consuming mangos has demonstrated remarkable improvements in patients with chronic constipation. 

According to a study that appeared in The Official Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, those who consumed daily mangoes improved their constipation symptoms more than people who consumed the same quantity of fiber.

The mango group also demonstrated improved adherence to their treatment regimen, increased levels of beneficial fatty acids, and other indicators of digestive health, such as gastric secretions that aid in food digestion.

Also, it is inferred that the high water and fiber content of mangoes, along with their beneficial antioxidants, is the cause of these advantageous effects.

Remember, this article focuses on answering the question, can dogs eat mangoes? And we’re coming to that. However, let’s discuss a little more on mangoes. The next section talks about mangoes and their nutritional value. 

Must Read: Can Dogs Eat Popcorn: Is Popcorn Safe for Your Dog?

Understanding Mangoes

Mangos (Mangifera indica) is a type of tropical fruit that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family of nuts. Additionally, they are drupes, which are fruits with a single huge seed or stone in the centre. 

Mangoes, sometimes referred to as the “king of fruits,” are among the most popular fruits consumed globally.

The tree is evergreen, regularly growing to a height of 15 to 18 meters (50 to 60 feet), and living a long time. The lance-shaped, simple leaves can reach a length of 30 cm (12 inches). 

Small, pinkish, and fragrant blooms are carried in enormous terminal panicles, which are loose clusters. While some just have stamens, others have both pistils and stamens. The fruit has a wide range of shapes and personalities. 

Mango can be oval, can be round, shaped like a heart, or a kidney, or it can be long and slender. The smallest mangoes are barely bigger than plums, while others may weigh 4 to 5 pounds and range in weight from 1.8 to 2.3 kg. 

While some species are dull green, others are brightly colored in hues of red and yellow. The flesh surrounding the solitary, big seed is flattened, yellow to orange in color, juicy, and has a characteristic sweet-spicy flavor.

India is where mangoes first appeared about 5,000 years ago while Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador are among the countries that cultivate some of the most popular mango kinds consumed today.

Not only are mangoes delicious, but they are also healthy but this doesn’t mean you should overeat it. Just like with other foods, moderation is the key. 

Also, mangoes and other sweet fruits can contain a lot of sugar. Fruit sugar, however, differs from processed sugar since it is counterbalanced by fibre and a variety of healthy elements.

Therefore, since mangoes and other sweet fruits are a perfect swap for unhealthy snacking like junk food you can eat some mangoes if you’re seeking something sweet. 

You won’t crave the junk as much once you begin gradually eating and enjoying mangoes because it’s more satiating and provide a host of health advantages.

Nutritional Content of Mangoes

 Many people love mango, not only because it’s delicious but also because it’s very nutritious.

When you take in one cup of fresh mangoes which is just 165 grams, below are the nutrients you stand to gain. 

• Vitamin C: 67% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Copper: 20% of the DV
• Folate: 18% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 12% of the DV
• Vitamin A: 10% of the DV
• Vitamin E: 10% of the DV
• Vitamin K: 6% of the DV
• Calories: 99
• Protein: 1.4 grams
• Carbs: 24.7 grams
• Fat: 0.6 grams
• Fiber: 2.6 grams
• Sugar: 22.5 grams
• Niacin: 7% of the DV
• Potassium: 6% of the DV
• Riboflavin: 5% of the DV
• Magnesium: 4% of the DV
• Thiamine: 4% of the DV

Just 1 cup of fresh mangoes delivers about 67% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin C, which is one of its most astounding nutritional facts. This water-soluble vitamin supports cell growth and repair increases iron absorption and strengthens your immune system.

The nutrients copper and folate, which support healthy fetal growth and development and are particularly vital during pregnancy are also abundant in mangoes.

Mango is abundant in nutrients and low in calories, especially vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, helps the body absorb iron and promotes cell growth and repair.

Can Dogs Eat Mangoes?

 This might be shocking but the mango and poison ivy are distant relatives (both are members of the Anacardiaceae family), and the skin of the mango includes urushiol, the poison ivy active chemical. 

Of course, dogs can have mangoes. As long as the fruit is peeled and the pit is removed, it is nutritious and safe for your dog to eat. It’s crucial to remember that giving your dog mangoes should only be done occasionally.

Mangoes are very nutritious for both humans and dogs since they are high in fiber and vitamins A, B6, C, and E. Even though the fruit is tender when ripe, you should cut it into little pieces to prevent your dog from swallowing it as it could cause choking. 

Up to 10% of the total calories you give your dog each day can come from a mango. However, like all sweet fruits, mango should only be given to your dog occasionally anddaily.

 Try giving your little dog a quarter-cup of mango once a week if you have one and then give the same quantity up to twice a week if you have a large dog. 

Also, you can add low-sugar vegetables to mango as a supplement to give your dog more fiber each day.

The following recommendations should be followed when giving mango to dogs.

1. Keep your dog away from mango pits.

 Mango pits are a choking hazard that, if consumed, can result in intestinal blockage. Your dog could also want to chew on the mango pit, but doing so would be harmful due to the little quantity of cyanide that is present there.

2. Throw away the mango peel.

Therefore, mango skin should be promptly disposed of to prevent it from entering your dog’s digestive system.

3. Give your dog mangoes on rare occasions.  

Although dogs like sweet treats, they have not developed to be able to handle the same amount of sugar as a human. Sugar and carbs are abundant in mangoes. 

Overindulging in sweets, particularly mangoes, can cause your dog’s stomach to upset and result in long-term obesity.

The Safety of Mangoes for Dogs

 We’ve seen that digs can eat mangoes but digs may not do well with certain mango components, such as the peel and seed. 

 Even though the mango’s interior is regarded as a safe and nutritious occasional treat, you must get rid of the peel and the pit before giving your dog any mango chunks. Although the skin is theoretically edible, most dogs find it to be rough and difficult to digest.

Additionally potentially dangerous to dogs is the mango seed. It provides a choking risk if ingested due to its size. Even if your dog can swallow the mango seed without choking, it could become lodged and result in an obstruction in the digestive tract. And last, cyanide, a poison, is found in trace levels in mango pits. 

It’s preferable to keep cyanide completely out of your dog’s system even though the amount present in a mango may not be sufficient to produce a serious reaction in them.

In addition to these dangers, foods with high fiber content, such as mangoes, are unfamiliar to most dogs and so your dog may experience diarrhea or an upset stomach if he consumes it. 

Mangoes have a high sugar content as well; each fruit has 46 grams of sugar which means that your dog risks developing diabetes, tooth damage, and stomach problems if it consumes too much of it.

Health Benefits of Mangoes for Dogs

Mangoes offer certain health benefits to your dog, just like a variety of fruits and veggies do.

Mangoes are free of cholesterol, salt, and fat. In addition to many other vitamins and minerals, they’re a great source of vitamins A, B6, C, and E. In essence, mangoes are a nutritional powerhouse.  

Mangoes can be given to your dog frozen or at room temperature, especially in hot climates. Those frozen chunks of mangoes can be excellent for keeping your dog cool. 

Also, mangoes or other fruits can be dried to provide a delicious portable snack.

It’s important that you only feed your dog the correct amounts of mangoes and avoid giving them too many. Everything you give them should be given moderately, however, you need to speak with your dog’s veterinarian to ascertain the best portion for their breed and weight.

Vitamins and Minerals in Mangoes

Mangos can offer significant health advantages thanks to their vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For instance, vitamin K promotes healthy blood clotting and guards against anemia. Additionally, it is critical in supporting bone health.

Mangos are also a good source of vitamin C, which is necessary for the formation of healthy collagen and blood vessels as well as for wound healing.

Read Also: Decoding Canine Diet: Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?

Immune support and antioxidants

The pigment beta-carotene, which gives mangos their yellow-orange hue, is abundant in mangoes. One of the antioxidants included in mangoes is beta-carotene. 

Mangoes include antioxidants that have been demonstrated to combat free radicals, which can harm cells and perhaps result in cancer.

Digestive Health

Mangos can assist maintain the digestive tract of your dog. They provide dietary fiber and amylase chemicals, which might help you avoid constipation. 

Compounds called amylase can aid in the digestion of other foods by breaking down challenging carbohydrates in the stomach. Mango fiber, on the other hand, may work better to relieve constipation than comparable fiber supplements.

Potential Risks and Precautions

Just as mangoes are beneficial to the health of your dog, they can also be very dangerous and even deadly. More of this is explained below. 

Mango Pit and Toxicity

A mango’s pit also has trace quantities of cyanide in it. There’s a possibility that the mango pit will digest in your dog’s body easily if he swallows one. Therefore, you should call your veterinarian right away if you observe a change in his eating routine after consuming a mango pit. 

Portion Sizes and Caloric Intake

Dogs need approximately 30 calories per pound of body weight each day to maintain their present weight. 

Larger breeds may only need 20 calories per day, whereas small, active dogs may need as many as 40 calories per pound.

Of course, other aspects can affect how much food your dog needs; we’ll talk about those later.

Allergic Reactions

Generally, dogs are not allergic to mangoes. However, mangoes can be harmful to dogs in certain situations, despite the fruit’s many health advantages. 

Dogs with illnesses like pancreatitis or diabetes need a highly specific diet to keep healthy, thus mangoes are bad for them. Before introducing new items to your pet’s diet, be sure to discuss any underlying conditions with your veterinarian.

Mango fruit skin is hazardous for dogs because it contains urushiol2, a substance that can cause a rash if it comes in contact with your dog’s skin, and is also present in poison ivy and poison oak. 

Additionally, mango skin can be challenging to chew and digest, which could result in nausea, vomiting, or intestinal distress. 

Mango pits are harmful to dogs because they provide a significant choking threat. If your dog swallows a mango pit, it may become lodged in the stomach and cause significant, potentially fatal intestinal obstruction.

If you believe your dog ate a mango pit, look for clinical obstruction symptoms like:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Continent pain
• a diminished appetite
• Lethargy
• Having trouble breathing
• Constipation
• Bloated stomach 

The best course of action is to quickly seek emergency veterinarian care because some of these symptoms can be lethal if neglected. 

Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible if you’re not sure whether your dog consumed a mango pit. They might suggest diagnostic procedures like physical examinations and canineX-rays.

Serving Mangoes to Dogs

Dogs almost always want to have a taste of what humans eat. So if you wish to give mango to your dog as a snack, take into account the following recommendations:

1. It’s best to feed your dog fresh mango flesh. If there isn’t any additional sugar, frozen mango can also work. Also, you should avoid buying dried mango from supermarkets since they may have extra preservatives.

2. Present the mango in bite-sized chunks: Feed your dog the mango after cutting it up and never give a full mango to your dog to chew on. Both the mango pit and skin might pose health risks to him or her. 

3. Serve mangos to your dog moderately; Mangoes shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet, nor should other fruits like blueberries and melons. Their diet should consist primarily of dog food that has been carefully developed for canines. 

How to Properly Prepare Mangoes For Dogs

1. Get the mango ready.

Mangoes should be properly prepared before being given to your dog. To start, thoroughly wash the mango to get rid of any dirt or residue.

2. Slowly introduce mangoes.

It’s vital to introduce mango cautiously to dogs that have never tasted it before. Give them a small piece of mango to start, and keep an eye out for any symptoms of an allergic response or stomach problems.

Mango allergies in some dogs may exist, so it’s crucial to keep an eye out for signs like vomiting, swelling, or itching.

If your dog loves mangoes, you could dry the fruit to make a chewier, chopped-up reward that would last longer and be used during training sessions. 

3. Use Mangoes as a Snack

Give your dog mangoes as a treat only; do not substitute or replace mangoes for their normal food. Mangoes are a nutritious supplement to your dog’s diet, but you should only give them occasionally. Consuming too much fruit can cause intestinal problems for your dog.

4. Pick ripe mangoes.

Choose ripe mangoes that feel smooth to the touch when choosing mangoes to feed your dog. Mangoes that are too hard or underripe might be hard to digest and may upset your stomach.

The ingredient combination for a stuffed Kong or other treat-dispensing toys can also include ripe mango. It can be muddled and blended with other pet-friendly fillings, such as peanut butter.

5. Dry or freeze the mangoes

When you dry mangoes, they may be kept in your pocket without getting messy or mushy. Mango slices can also be frozen in strips or blended with ice in an ice cube tray to make a smoothie popsicle. This is the ideal choice for a cooling, hydrating, and cooling treat for your dog on a hot day.

6. Creative Mango-Based Recipes for Dogs

Below are two great mango-based recipes for your dog that they’re bound to love.

• Mango Popsicles

You’ll need just two ingredients for this recipe. Mango flesh and yogurt. Follow the steps below: 

• The mango’s peel and core should be removed. 
• Divide into parts.
• Blend the mango and yogurt in a blender until thoroughly combined.
• Fill the popsicle molds with the mixture.
•  Freeze for four hours and serve your dog. 

• Mango peanut butter dog treat recipe

Ingredients needed; 

• a half-cup of diced mango
• Half a cup of peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley and 1 tablespoon honey
• Brown rice flour, 1 cup

Instructions;

• Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
• All ingredients should be thoroughly mixed in a big basin.
• Create a dough ball and roll it out to a thickness of 1/2 inch on a floured board.
• Use the cookie cutter of your choice to cut cookies and lay them on the baking sheet you have prepared.
• After 10 to 15 minutes of baking, take it out and put it in the fridge to cool. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

It’s been all about mangoes and dogs in this article. We’ve discussed what mangoes are, the nutritional value and benefits of eating mangoes and even giving your dog mangoes. Above all, we answered the question; Can dogs eat mangoes?

We also saw the health benefits of mangoes for dogs and even the dangers and risks of giving mangoes to dogs. Furthermore, we shared tips on how to feed your dog mangoes and even two great recipes that many dog owners love. A full banquet indeed! 

Overall, just as you introduce sweet treats to your child’s diet from time to time, the same goes for your dog. You can include mango in your dog’s diet from time to time but it shouldn’t be a habit. 

If you notice they’re allergic to it, stop giving it to them immediately and consult a veterinarian. 

Therefore, do well to make extensive research on your dog’s breed before feeding him mango or any other fruit or food. Do well to share this article with other dogs others you know may need it and please you can share all your questions and concerns about the topic with us in the comments section or through our email.