Can Dogs Eat Mangoes? How much?

Sweet and creamy, mango is one of the most beloved tropical fruits across the globe. While it's tempting to share a slice with your curious pup, not all people foods are safe for canine companions. But can dogs eat mango? More importantly—should dogs eat mango? Learn all you need to know about dogs eating mango in this guide.

Can Dogs Eat Mango?

The short answer is yes, dogs can have mango as it's not toxic. Whether or not dogs should have mango—and how much they should eat—is where things get a bit more nuanced. While dogs are omnivores and therefore do benefit from some plant-based nutrients, there are other factors that make mangos not the best choice. It's important to think of mangos as a treat for your pup rather than a part of their main food source.

Is Mango Good for Dogs?

Mango is not the worst treat for dogs, but it's also not going to earn any medals. It is packed with water, fiber and more than 20 vitamins and minerals, including immune-boosting vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium. However, mango is considerably high in sugar, and when offered in small quantities, the nutritional benefits are unlikely to make an impact. If you are offering a complete and balanced food, your dog is getting all the nutrients they need in their regular meals. But this doesn't mean mango can't be a fun and tasty treat to share on occasion with your dog.

Diced and whole mangos

Are There Risks of Feeding Mangos to Dogs?

Just as no medication is without side effects, no food is without its potential risks. Though it isn't a fruit that is known to cause allergic reactions in dogs, it's still possible for them to be allergic to mango. In some cases, they may cause GI upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. More severe reactions could include hives, facial swelling or difficulty breathing, but these signs are rare. High sugar foods like mango can also promote tooth decay, so it's best to save mango for special occasions.

Can Puppies Eat Mango?

Mango is not toxic to puppies, but the high sugar content can pose increased risks to puppies compared to adult dogs. Smaller breed puppies can struggle with the body's balance of insulin in response to glucose spikes, so offering mango and creating a higher blood glucose spike poses an unnecessary challenge to this system. With all that said, if your puppy accidentally got a bite of mango, don't panic. But there are better foods to offer your puppy as a treat.

How to Safely Feed Your Dog a Mango

If you want to offer mango to your dog as a treat, follow these steps:

Peel and slice it. Mango skin is more likely to cause GI upset, usually in the form of diarrhea.
Remove the pit. The mango pit is a large and dangerous choking hazard, as well as a potential blockage risk for their GI tract! Never offer your dog mango fruit attached to the seed.
Cut it into bite-sized pieces. About 1/2-inch pieces is a good rule of thumb for cutting mango, but smaller dogs mean smaller pieces, so slice it accordingly!

What Kind of Mango Can Dogs Have?

While fresh raw mango is safe for dogs, there are other forms that might not be the best option:

Frozen mango is safe, and many dogs love the texture of frozen fruit, but make sure it's a small enough size that it doesn't pose a choking hazard. It can also take dogs a couple more chews when frozen, which can help stretch the portion offered.
Dried mango is higher in sugar and calories per volume, so it's best to avoid dried mango for your pup.
Mango juice is too high in sugar and calories to offer your dog.

How Much Mango Can Dogs Eat?

Though mango is high in water and fiber, it remains very high in sugar. Ensure your dog's treats don't make up more than the veterinary-recommended 10% of their daily calories. Remember, when offering any new food, the key is to start with a small cut piece of the flesh and ensure no reactions follow before offering more.

Small dogs can have up to a tablespoon
Medium-sized dogs can have up to 3 tablespoons
Large and giant breed dogs can have up to a cup of fruit

How Often Can Dogs Eat Mango?

Mango shouldn't be a daily treat for your dog. Though it does offer some nutritional value, your dog's main food is nutritionally complete. Think of mango for your dog as the seasonal, occasional fruit that it is.

A Sweet Balance

As with any treat, mango should be offered sparingly. Aside from the nutritional aspects, serving your dog mango too frequently makes it less of a novelty! But here and there, it can add variety and excitement to their day. Be sure to check with your veterinarian if you have any questions about what people foods your dog can eat. They are your best resource when it comes to ensuring your pup is healthy and happy.

Dr. Laci Schaible

Dr. Laci Schaible is a small animal veterinarian, veterinary journalist, and a thought leader in the industry. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University and her Masters in Legal Studies from Wake Forest University.