Few things scream “summer” like a slice of mango! Juicy, fresh, and packed with flavor, this delicious fruit is just one of many emblems of enduring fun in the sun. Surely, our pups deserve to enjoy this flavor, too!
At The Dog Bakery, we’re dedicated to making sure every pup lives an amazing life. We love seeing owners bonding with their pups, and one of the best ways to do that is through food.
Photo credit: @woofylogan
Much like people, dogs love tasting new things. Unfortunately, not everything that we eat is safe for our pups. That’s why we’re constantly looking into foods that we, as humans, eat and seeing if they’re safe to share with our dogs. We’ve covered plenty of topics, — including cheesecake, cupcakes, and edamame — and now it’s time for something new: mango!
What’s in a Mango?
Despite being a fruit, mangos are part of the cashew family and are some of the most widely consumed fruits in the entire world. They’re sweet, delicious, and surprisingly nutritious! Mangoes are packed with a variety of performance-boosting vitamins and minerals, including:
- Fiber
- Potassium
- Protein
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C (lots of it!)
That’s a lot of amazing stuff, but it’s worth keeping in mind that mangoes are also pretty sugary. Like most fruits, this delicious treat gets its sweetness from its natural sugars. One whole mango will have around 46 grams of sugar in it, and that sugar content will vary depending on the fruit’s size and age.
Is Mango Healthy for Dogs?
So, what does that mean for our pups?
First and foremost, it means that mangoes should only be an occasional treat. There are plenty of amazing fruits that our pups can safely gobble up, but caution should always be taken when giving any pup something as sugary as a mango.
Like people, too much sugar is bad for dogs. Veterinary doctor John Faught, who works with animals in Texas, notes that too much sugar can easily cause inflammation in dogs. This inflammation puts pressure on dogs’ joints, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Moreover, if sugar is a frequent part of a pup’s diet, they’ll be prone to obesity, which can dramatically shorten their lifespan.
Dogs and Mango: The FAQ
Now that we know what’s in a mango, let’s look into the big question!
To help dog lovers decide whether or not a slice of mango is a good treat for their beloved canine companion, we’ve rounded up some of the most frequently asked questions about this delicious fruit, so keep scrolling to see the answers!
Can Dogs Eat Mango?
Photo Credit: @sassyandrocco_bulldogs
Let’s start with the biggest question.
Yes! Dogs can eat mangoes! While it’s high in sugar and should only be given to dogs on an occasional basis, this fruit is a safe treat for pups.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Mango?
Yes! As long as the dried mango does not include any additional ingredients, dogs can safely have a bite. However, if you choose to feed your pup some dried fruit, be aware that its sugar content is much higher than the fresh version, so give them even less than you would if it were fresh.
Can Dogs Eat Frozen Mango?
Yes! Dogs can safely have a bit of frozen mango. To make sure they don’t hurt themselves trying to eat it, let the frozen fruit thaw a little bit before serving it.
Can Dogs Eat Mango Ice Cream?
No! You should not feed your dog mango ice cream. Like many other types of dairy desserts, mango ice cream contains a high amount of unnecessary fats, sugars, and additives. While it may be palatable, it’s likely to cause a tummy ache.
If you really want to give your pup some ice cream, we recommend finding a specially formulated pup-friendly serving. For fans of nuts, we have Peanut Butter Ice Cream, and meat-lovers will adore our Maple Bacon Ice Cream for Dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Mango Seeds / Stones?
No! Dogs should never be fed mango seeds. In addition to being rather bland and tasteless, seeds are a dangerous treat for pups. One of the biggest problems you’ll have when you give a dog mango seeds or pits is the chance that it will get stuck in their digestive tract or throat. If this happens, the seeds become an intestinal blockage, which is a veterinary emergency.
Mango pits also contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs and humans.
If your dog swallows a mango pit, contact your veterinarian immediately!
Can Dogs Eat Mango Skin?
No! Mango skin is technically fine to give dogs, but it’s rough and hard to digest. It may not cause a blockage, but it’s likely to cause some level of discomfort for your pup. As such, it’s recommended that you peel mangoes before you give them to your dog.
How Much Mango Can a Dog Eat?
A lot! Dogs will eat as much mango as their tummies can handle and, if left alone, they’ll probably eat even more than that! However, allowing your pup to eat until they’re full is a bad idea. A better question would be…
How Much Mango Can I Give My Dog?
A cup of mango should be the perfect serving size for any pooch. This amount will ensure that your dog gets the full experience without posing any risks to your dog. When you serve mango to your dog, be sure to peel it and discard the pit and seeds.
How to Serve Mango to Your Dog
There are plenty of ways to serve your dog some mango. The easiest approach is to toss some peeled bite-sized slices into a cup, but we also have a few fun recipes that you can try!
Mango Pupsicles
If it’s a particularly hot day, consider whipping up some of these easy-to-make pupsicles. To make these mango treats, you’ll need:
- 2 cups of fresh pureed mango
- 1 cup of coconut water or milk
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, start mixing!
- After peeling and coring your mango, it should be pureed in a blender. Once this is done, add the coconut milk or water and blend some more.
- Pour this mixture into ice cube or popsicle trays.
- Freeze the tray overnight.
When the treats are frozen and solid, they’re ready to serve!
Mango Chicken Cookies
For something warmer, consider some cookies! To make these delicious treats, you’ll need:
- 4 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup of chopped mango
- ¾ cups of flour
- ½ cup of rolled oats
- ½ cup of ground cinnamon
- 1 egg
To make the cookies, follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Combine the chicken, mango, flour, oats, and cinnamon in a bowl. If your mixture is dry, feel free to add an egg.
- Gently knead the dough.
- Roll the dough onto a sheet of parchment and cut out the shapes.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes.
Once done, these cookies can be stored for 2–3 days.
Barkuterie Boards
Image Source: charcuteriebykylie
Our final idea is simple and easy to make. For a refined dining experience, chop up a variety of fruits and veggies. Arrange these on a large serving tray or cutting board, and you’ll have yourself a pup-friendly charcuterie board, which we like to call barkuterie boards.
If you’re looking for even more amazing treat ideas, don’t be afraid to drop by our blog. We have plenty of fun recipes and helpful information. You can also check out our store, where we stock pup-friendly treats for dogs of all sizes and tastes!
