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19-12-2023 By Bridget Reed
Your dog probably wishes they could take a bite of everything on your plate, but that’s not always a good idea. Though humans and dogs have fairly similar stomachs, some foods are great for one and not-so-great for the other.
It’s important to do your research before sharing food with your dog. However, once you get the go-ahead, splitting a meal or a few bites of fruit can be a great way to bond with your pup while giving them a tasty treat they won’t forget.
Mango is a beloved and delicious fruit that’s especially popular during the summer months. If you enjoy slicing up mangoes and adding them to your meal or just eating them whole, you might wonder if you can share this amazing food with your dog.
The short answer is yes; dogs can eat mango. There are many health benefits to giving your dog a small piece of mango, and they’ll be more than happy to try whatever you’re eating.
Keep reading to find out what makes mango so healthy, how to feed your dog mango, and some other great fruits to share with your pup.
If you’re wondering what makes mango so healthy, there are many reasons behind it. Both you and your dog can enjoy the health benefits of mango. Here are just a few.
Fiber is critical to keeping your digestive system running smoothly. Mangoes are naturally high in fiber, which makes them great for promoting digestive health.
By getting plenty of fiber, you’ll support the good gut bacteria, which help break down nutrients. In short, giving your dog a bit of mango will help keep their stomach happy and healthy.
Mango is rich in vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These vitamins help your dog’s body function properly, supporting healthy vision, growth, metabolism, and more.
Without adequate vitamins, your dog’s health and immune system can deteriorate.
Potassium is vital; your dog’s cells need adequate potassium to function properly. Without potassium, your dog could struggle to regulate their heartbeat, metabolize their food, or use their muscles.
Bananas are well-known for their high potassium content, but mangoes are another fruit with plenty of potassium. Your dog will definitely appreciate getting a mango slice now and then.
Now that you know why mango is such a healthy food, you might wonder if you should give your dog as many mangoes as possible.
Before running to the supermarket, remember that treats and snacks (such as mangos) should never make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet.
Additionally, mangoes are very high in sugar, which might not be okay for all dogs. If your pup is dealing with diabetes or obesity, you should skip the mangoes and choose a treat with fewer calories and sugar.
If you’re going to feed your dog mango, make sure you peel it and remove the seed in the center. Mango peels can be difficult to digest, and the seed poses a choking hazard.
We recommend chopping your mango into small, bite-sized pieces and giving one or two chunks to your pup, so they can easily chew and swallow their portion. As long as you follow these guidelines, your dog can happily enjoy a bite of mango every once in a while.
While sharing food with your dog can be great, remember that 90 percent of their diet should be composed of nutritious and balanced dog food, such as our Turkey & Veggies Recipe for All Adult Breeds.
By giving your dog a high-protein diet that supports their immune system with added vitamins and minerals, you’ll look out for their health and wellbeing in the best way possible.
Mangoes make for a delicious warm-weather treat, but you might wonder what other foods you can split with your pup. Thankfully, there are plenty of tasty fruits that you and your dog can both enjoy.
Remember that the 10 percent rule still applies. Most of your dog’s diet should be composed of high-quality dog food, like our super-premium dog food collection recipes. Save these snacks for special occasions. Your dog will appreciate the chance to taste whatever you’re eating.
Strawberries are a sweet treat for humans and dogs alike. They’re also chock-full of health benefits, including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as potassium.
Strawberries have a high water content, which makes them very hydrating. Remember that they also contain lots of sugar, so don’t feed your dog too many. We recommend slicing them into thin pieces before feeding any to your pup.
Blueberries are another popular fruit your pup can enjoy. They’re just the right size for popping in your mouth and have low sugar and fat content compared to other berries.
Blueberries contain healthy vitamins and antioxidants and are also rich in minerals, including magnesium, iron, and calcium. Blueberries make a nutritious treat for any dog.
If you’d like to make sure your dog’s diet contains a helping of blueberries, consider our Chicken & Veggies Recipe for All Adult Breeds, which uses dried blueberries as a premium ingredient. Like all our dog food, it’s also free of artificial preservatives, colors, and GMO ingredients.
Watermelon is a hydrating snack for hot days. As you might have guessed, it contains plenty of water and a nice helping of vitamins. Watermelon can also provide your dog with lycopene, an antioxidant that supports their body’s natural defenses against cell damage.
Be sure to remove the watermelon rind and any seeds before giving your dog a chunk of watermelon.
Bananas are naturally high in potassium, a critical mineral for supporting your dog’s health. They contain lots of fiber to aid digestion and a good amount of vitamin C.
Remember that bananas are also high in sugar, so you should feed them to your dog sparingly. Make sure you remove the peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
While there are plenty of foods that humans and dogs can both appreciate, there are also some meals you should never share with your pup. Some of the most common fruits that aren’t safe for dogs include:
These citrus fruits aren’t usually eaten on their own, but you might want to give your dog a slice and see whether they like it. However, lemons and limes can potentially harm your pup, so keep them far away from the dog bowl.
Grapes are toxic to dogs, and raisins aren’t any better. No matter how much your dog begs, you should never feed them a grape.
These sweet little fruits are great for humans but pose a health risk to dogs. Save the cherries for yourself, and give your dog a raspberry or blackberry instead.
There’s more to mango than meets the eye. Beyond the sweet taste and excellent flavor, mango provides the fiber and vitamins you and your dog need to stay healthy and happy.
However, while giving your dog an occasional bite of mango will surely get their tail wagging, you should save most of this delicious fruit for yourself. Your dog might wish they could share every meal with you, but they’ll be much happier and healthier in the long run with a bowl full of dog food.
Sources:
Can Dogs Eat Mango? Are Mangoes Good For Dogs? | American Kennel Club
Oxidative stress and food supplementation with antioxidants in therapy dogs | PMC