Feeding our dogs with fresh natural human food has some noticeable benefits. Dogs can get profit from vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and many other nutrients. But it’s not only about the nutritional value: giving our dogs human food and including them in our eating ritual is part of the bond we share. If you enjoy giving your pup healthy treats, this article is for you.
Can dogs eat mango?
If you are looking for a straight answer, then yes. Being a highly nutritious food, dogs can really benefit from eating mango. It’s a fat, cholesterol, and sodium-free fruit, contains more than 20 vitamins, and it is a great source of fiber.
Regarding the different vitamins mango contains, we can find:
- Vitamin A: It helps boost the immune system and vision. Besides, it regulates the correct functioning of kidneys, heart, and lungs.
- Vitamin B6: This vitamin helps to maintain the right amount of amino acid in the bloodstream, and protects the body against possible infections.
- Vitamin C: It is in charge of the growth, development, and repair of the body tissues. It maintains healthy cartilage, bones, and teeth, and it helps in the formation of collagen.
- Vitamin E: This nutrient helps support the immune system, helps regenerate body cells, is essential for fat metabolism, and boosts skin health. Vitamin E deficiencies can lead to muscle degeneration.
- Vitamin K: It is in charge of creating the necessary proteins for blood clotting and contributes to avoid bleeding problems. Besides, it helps with bone formation.
- Beta-carotenes: This antioxidant inhibits the oxidation of molecules, and protects the body against free radicals, which can cause diverse chronic illnesses. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, an essential vitamin for the right functioning of the immune system.
- Folate: It is in charge of blood cell formation and healthy cell growth, maintenance, and functioning. As in humans, folate is essential during the first months of pregnancy, since it reduces risks of birth defects of the brain and spine.
Besides, mango helps dogs carry good digestive health. Due to its high content of fiber, this amazing fruit helps dogs stabilize their digestive system and avoid constipation. What’s more, it is also great for our dogs’ heart health: mango is a great source of potassium and magnesium, the two minerals that are related to low blood pressure, proper heart function, regular pulse, muscle movement, and nervous system signaling.
How many mangoes can I feed my dog? The counterparts of mango
Even though mango is a tasty natural treat with lots of vitamins and antioxidants, just as with almost every other human food, you should always give it to your dog in moderation. Mango is rich in sugar, it contains about 14% by weight, and in dietary fiber, which, if overeaten, can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomit in your pup.
Besides, the pits are the most dangerous part of mango. Technically speaking, mango pits are edible, and they are not toxic to pups. However, it represents a severe choking or blocking hazard. If your dog has accidentally ingested a piece of mango pit and swallowed just right, you should keep an eye on him and take him to the vet if needed.
Last but not least, mango peel contains Urushiol, a compound that is also found in poison ivy. It can cause irritation in your dog’s skin. Besides, mango pits are naturally a choking hazard, and they contain cyanide, which can be toxic both to dogs and people.
Healthy mango snacks
Can dogs eat mango? Yes, as we have already mentioned, this fruit has a lot of benefits, so if you decided to include it in your dog’s diet, here are some tips to power it up.
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Prepare a puppuccino: Mango, pumpkin, non-fat plain yogurt, and whole grain oat. Mix the ingredients and add a tbsp of Mokai’s All-in-one Superherbs, to boost your pup’s health and regulate his immune system. Then you have a healthy snack to feed your pup whenever you feel like it.
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Give it as a healthy treat. As mangoes are super sweet, your dog will absolutely love to be praised with this treat. Instead of giving him a dog candy full of unspeakable ingredients, you can give him a natural snack.
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Don’t prepare mango juice: If you squeeze the mango and give your dog its juice, a large amount of sugar without the fiber of the flesh enters your pups’ bloodstream and can cause a sugar spike. It is always better to give your dog an entire slice of mango, to avoid the sugar rush.
- Dried mango: This is another way of feeding your dog with mango. It is super practical and you can feed it anytime with it. Dried mango contains all the same nutrients as fresh mango and constitutes a good source of sugar, avoiding the spike.