Can my dog have mango?

Yes! In small portions, mango is a safe and even healthy treat for pet parents to share with their pups. With the fruit’s sweet taste and pleasant texture, it’s a great summer snack. However, there are things you should know before popping a piece into your dog’s bowl. And as always, check with a veterinarian before adding any new foods to Fido’s diet, especially if your dog has any underlying medical issues.

Mangos are a healthy snack for dogs because of their high nutritional value. They’re low in fat, contain minerals, and are actually considered a superfood. They also contain:

• Vitamin A. This supports healthy eyes and organs.
• Vitamin B6. This vitamin regulates many functions in the body, including nervous system function and immune response.
• Vitamin C. This vitamin can help improve cognitive health and reduce inflammation.
• Vitamin E. It’s fat-soluble and essential for cell and eye function. Vitamin E can also help with dry or irritated skin.
• Antioxidants. Antioxidants are immune-boosting, protect against free radicals, and also benefit a dog’s skin and coat.

Mangos have a high water content, which can help keep your dog hydrated. And while their fiber content can be too much for a dog’s stomach, the right amount can actually help regulate their digestive system. Nutrients like these are an essential part of a dog’s world, but your dog should already be getting enough if they’re eating a well-balanced diet. But, adding the occasional slice of mango to your dog’s diet is OK.

Mango is a healthy snack for dogs, but keep in mind that there are many other pet-friendly fruits to choose from. You can safely share small bits of bananas, blueberries, and watermelon with your pup, too.

While mangos are a generally safe treat to share with your dog, not all parts are edible. Here’s what you need to know before feeding your dog mango.

• The pit. Mango pits are large and could cause your dog to choke and if ingested, cause an intestinal blockage Trusted Source American Kennel Club (AKC) Registry of purebred dog pedigrees. Go to source . Mango seeds and pits also contain trace amounts of cyanide, which is toxic to dogs.
• The skin. Mango skin is tough and difficult for pups to digest. It could also be a potential choking risk.
• The sugar and fiber content. Mangos are high in both natural sugar and dietary fiber, so feeding large amounts to your dog can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.

If you think there’s any chance that your pup has swallowed a pit or seed, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Mangos come in many forms: canned, ice cream, yogurt, or fresh produce. But when you want to feed Fido mangos, you’ll only want to give them fresh fruit. Here are three steps to prepare the fruit for your pup.

1. Remove the pit, skin, and seeds — Before feeding, cut out these pieces and keep them away from your pup at all times. You should also pull off any leaves that may be on the stem. While they’re not toxic, they wouldn’t make a very good snack for your pup.
2. Cut into chewable pieces — Cut mangos into small cubes or slices to let your pup enjoy. Mangos are quite soft and large pieces could be easily swallowed whole.
3. Always serve small amounts — Start with small amounts when giving any kind of new treat to your dog. You want to make sure that they don’t have an allergy reaction or get an upset tummy.

Once you know this fruity snack sits well with your dog, there are many ways to incorporate it into your dog’s bowl.

• Freshly picked and cut. Slice a fresh mango into pieces and feed as a treat. You can even put a little over your dog’s food as a topper. Keep in mind that some pups love the soft texture and others don’t.
• Freeze into a cool summer treat. Frozen fruit ice cubes are a fun and yummy warm weather treat for Fido, and they can cool them down after playing outside. Cut the mangos up small and pop cubes into the freezer for a few hours, then serve as needed.
• Pureed and blended with dog-friendly ingredients. Pureeing mangos is another great way to feed them to your canine. Just place them into the blender or food processor with a bit of water or (even goat’s milk!) to make them silky smooth. Then, you can freeze into popsicle trays for another frozen snack or serve as is.