Why
Mango flesh is not toxic to dogs. The AKC notes that it contains fiber and vitamins A, B6, C and E, along with potassium and beta-carotene. It is soft and sweet, and most dogs like it.
The problems are the pit, the skin and the sugar. The large, hard pit can choke a dog or get stuck in its intestines, and it contains small amounts of cyanide. The skin is hard to digest, and PetMD notes that it contains urushiol, the same compound found in poison ivy. Mango is also high in sugar, so it belongs in the treat category, not the food bowl.
What to watch out for
- The pit: choking and intestinal blockage
- Skin, which is hard to digest
- Diarrhea or stomach upset from eating too much
- Sugar content for dogs with diabetes or weight problems
- Store-bought dried mango with added sugar
How to serve it
- Peel the mango, cut the flesh away from the pit, and throw the pit out where your dog cannot reach it.
- Cut the flesh into small pieces, even though it is soft. Gulping large chunks can still cause choking.
- Frozen mango cubes make a cool summer treat. Offer them in small pieces.
- Start with one or two pieces to see how your dog's stomach handles it.
How much?
A small dog can have one or two small pieces of mango and a large dog up to a handful, now and then.
My dog swallowed a mango pit
A mango pit is large, hard and slippery, and dogs that steal one often try to swallow it whole. The AKC warns that it can be a serious choking hazard and can get stuck in the digestive tract. PetMD advises calling your vet right away if your dog swallows a pit, even if it seems fine.
Do not try to make your dog vomit the pit at home. Your vet will ask about your dog's size and the size of the pit, and may want to take x-rays. Signs of a blockage can take hours or days to appear. Watch for:
- Repeated vomiting or retching
- Refusing food or water
- Straining without passing stool
- A tender or swollen belly
- Unusual tiredness
Dried mango and mango candy
Dried mango is a favorite snack and gift in many parts of Asia, and bags of it are easy for a dog to raid. Drying removes the water, so the sugar in each piece is much more concentrated than in fresh fruit. PetMD says store-bought dried mango is generally not recommended because it often has added sugar and preservatives.
A piece or two of plain dried mango is unlikely to cause harm, but a whole bag can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. Check the label of chewy mango candies and sugar-free snacks for xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. If you want to share dried fruit, a few small pieces of homemade, unsweetened dried mango is the better choice.
Mango for dogs with diabetes or weight problems
Mango is one of the sweeter fruits you can share. PetMD says that dogs with diabetes or obesity should generally avoid it, because its natural sugar can add up quickly and affect blood sugar.
If your dog is on a weight-loss plan or a prescription diet, ask your vet before adding any fruit. For other dogs, keep mango as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit, and count it as part of the treat allowance.
Common questions
Is mango good for dogs?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Mango flesh is not toxic to dogs. The AKC notes that it contains fiber and vitamins A, B6, C and E, along with potassium and beta-carotene.
Is mango bad for dogs?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: the pit: choking and intestinal blockage.
Are dogs allowed to have mango?
Yes. Peel the mango, cut the flesh away from the pit, and throw the pit out where your dog cannot reach it.
Sources
- PetMD. Can Dogs Eat Mango?
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.
- American Kennel Club (AKC). “Can Dogs Eat…?” article series.
If your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Do not wait for symptoms. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).