As a health-conscious dog owner, you know that certain fruits can benefit your canine companion. Fruits like apples and blueberries offer a range of vitamins and nutrients that keep your dog healthy and happy.
However, not all fruits are suitable for your pup. You may already know some foods dogs can not eat, like grapes or cherries, but what about the popular fruit mango? Learn whether your dog can eat mangos safely, the benefits of this sweet fruit for your pup and how to add it to your dog’s diet.
Benefits of Fruits for Your Furry Friend
Fruits offer several benefits for your furry companion. Apples found in Open Farm’s Grain Free Wild-Caught Salmon dry dog food are loaded with vitamins A and C. This benefits your dog’s skin, coat and immune functions.
Treats with blueberries like our Be Good Bites Turkey Recipe are bursting with antioxidants to support immune health and fight against oxidative stress, making them an excellent choice for senior dogs.
Pumpkin, found in our Catch-of-the-Season Whitefish Grain Free dog food, is high in fiber and beta-carotene content, aiding in digestive health and vision support. Our Grain Free Pasture-Raised Lamb dry dog food features cranberries rich in vitamin C and fiber that can be particularly beneficial for urinary tract health.
While less widely available than these fruits, mangos also offer beneficial vitamins and minerals that can complement the dietary palette of your four-legged friends.
Are Mangos Safe for Dogs?
Mangoes are a delicious tropical fruit for humans and can be a safe treat for dogs when offered in moderation. The flesh of the mango is rich in vitamins A, C and E, as well as dietary fiber, which are beneficial for canine health.
However, there are a few precautions to consider when feeding your dog mangos:
Selection: Opt for ripe mangos, which are softer and easier for dogs to digest. An unripe mango can be tough and not as palatable.
Thorough cleaning. Wash the mango well to remove any pesticides or external contaminants. Even if you’re peeling the mango, it’s good practice to clean it first to prevent the transfer of contaminants.
Mango pit: Mango pits aren’t dog-friendly. They pose a choking risk and contain a small amount of cyanide, which is harmful to your dog. Always remove the pit before giving the mango pieces to your pup.
Mango skin: While the skin isn’t toxic, it can be tough and harder for some dogs to digest. For some pups, eating the skin may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset.
Serving suggestions: A good tip for first-time dog owners when feeding your pup mango is to start with a small, bite-sized piece to gauge their reaction and see if they like it. Depending on your dog’s size, you can offer larger slices or chunks, but only in moderation. While mangos are nutritious, they also contain natural sugars, which can be a concern if overfed.
Monitor for reactions: As with any new treat or food, monitor your dog for allergic reactions or sensitivities. Watch for signs such as itching, swelling, difficulty breathing or digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting.
How to Add Mango to Your Dog’s Diet
Adding variety to your dog's diet can be a delightful treat and provide nutritional benefits. Here’s how you can safely incorporate mango into your dog’s meals:
Raw: Offer the mango either as slices or small chunks. You can add it as a topper to dry food for dogs as a sweet treat to complement the dish.
Pureed: You can blend the mango and mix it with their regular meal. This can be beneficial if you’re considering diversifying their diet. For instance, combine mango puree with RawMix dog food to provide a nutritious meal that’s easy to chew for puppies and older dogs.
Frozen treats: For a refreshing treat, consider pureeing the mango and freezing it in small portions, creating mango ice cubes for your dog to enjoy.
Mixed delights: Mix mango with other dog-safe foods. For instance, mix some pureed or frozen mango into bone broth for dogs for a flavorful and vitamin-packed treat.
Tropical twist to freeze-dried meals: Incorporate bits of mango into freeze dried food for dogs. This adds a touch of natural sweetness and infuses the meal with additional vitamins and minerals beneficial for your furry companion.
Give Your Dog a Healthy, Balanced Diet With Open Farm
At Open Farm, we offer premium dog foods enriched with wholesome fruits and veggies. Our selection of dry dog food and RawMixes is the perfect base to add mango treats for your pup.
Enhance your pet’s mealtime with Open Farm and enjoy a healthy blend of nature’s best. Browse our dog food selection, delicious treats and wholesome supplements today and give your dog the nourishment they deserve.
*This article is meant only as an example meal with fully balanced nutrition, please reach out to our customer experience team if you have any questions about your pet’s own unique circumstances! To ensure these products are a good fit for your pup, we also recommend consulting your pup’s vet about any new supplement or diet changes, especially if there is a medical concern. They should be able to help as you and your vet know your pup’s medical history best! *
