Can dogs eat mango?

Updated 13/04/2024

Mangos have got to be one of the most refreshing, juicy fruits going, so it's no wonder they fly off the shelves when summer rolls around. And as you're tucking into your favorite summertime snack, you might wonder - can dogs eat mango? Well luckily for your four-pawed (and hungry as always) pal, dogs can eat mangos safely -as long as some precautions are followed (like with feeding dogs any fruit!). In fact, dogs can benefit from the breadth of vitamins and minerals in mangos, just like us humans can. Explore below for more on feeding dogs mangos safely.

Is mango poisonous to dogs?

As the diligent pet parent you are, you're probably wondering - can dogs eat mango willy-nilly,  or is mango bad for dogs in some way? Or worse, is mango toxic to dogs when prepared in a certain way? Well as we've mentioned, the juicy flesh of the mango is perfectly safe for dogs to eat (in small amounts, naturally), so there's no risk of your pup getting poisoned by mango flesh any time soon.  It’s still sensible to chop the mango flesh into tiny bits before feeding them to your dog, though (to minimize chances of choking). 

The pits, however, do contain a small amount of cyanide which (in high levels) is toxic to both dogs and humans. And while we wouldn't imagine you'd eat the pit yourself or attempt to feed it to your pup (choking hazards, ahem), just know that the cyanide they contain could potentially harm your dog if it's somehow consumed in high amounts. So if you suspect that your dog has swallowed a mango pit, call your vet right away.

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Is mango good for dogs?

So, can dogs eat mango and get any health benefits out of it, or is mango just a sweet, tasty summertime treat for dogs? Well fortunately, dogs can benefit from the range of vitamins and minerals in mangos (we'll dive into those later on). But, like many of our favorite fruits, mangos contain high levels of sugar which means your furry friend should never be consuming lots of it, and therefore will only soak up a little of the nutrients within the flesh. And as you'll probably know, sugar is pretty bad for our canine companions - causing tooth decay, obesity, and diabetes, it makes sense why sweets should never be allowed and fruits like mangos should only be the occasional treat. And like other fruits, mangos contain lots of fiber, which - while great for us humans - can be a little too much for our pups and can cause diarrhea if too much of the fruit is eaten. 

And what about the rest of the fruit? Can dogs eat mango skin? Well we'd strongly advise against feeding your dog mango skin. If you've ever eaten it yourself, you'll know that it's pretty tough to gnaw through. That's why - with its thick texture - mango skin is pretty difficult for dogs to digest, and can cause a stomach upset if ingested, but not digested properly. Mango skin can also be a choking hazard for dogs, or cause a tummy blockage.

And when it comes to the pit, well you should never feed it to your pup for a few reasons. Firstly, it contains low levels of cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. Secondly, it's pretty tough so could damage your dog's teeth if gnawed at. And lastly, if you've ever seen a mango pit, you'll understand why it poses a pretty serious choking hazard for dogs, and has a high chance of damaging parts of their gastrointestinal system if somehow swallowed.  Mango pits can also cause a tummy blockage (gut obstruction). Signs of a tummy blockage include excessive vomiting, inability to keep food or water down, decreased appetite, reduced activity and so on. Consult your vet immediately if you see signs of choking or tummy blockage in your dog, as they are life-threatening.

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Health benefits of eating mango

As we've mentioned, mangos contain a breadth of vitamins and minerals that are great for us humans when ingested and could benefit your pup, too. So, if you find your dog eating mango flesh without permission, take the sugary treat away but know that they’ve at least topped up on a few essential micronutrients. And without any further ado, find the micronutrients in mangos below that your pooch could be benefitting from.

• Vitamins A (great for immunity), B complex (supports a variety of functions such as nerve function), C (anti-inflammatory), K (supports blood clotting function and bone health) and E  (anti-oxidant)
• Calcium  (helps with healthy bones and teeth. Also supports heart, nerve and muscle function)
• Phosphorus (helps with healthy bones and teeth)
• Iron (important for healthy red blood cells)

However, we want to emphasize once again that mangoes should only be given as treats.  Mangos are so high in sugar that if your dog eats mangos, the harmfulness of the sugar content will outweigh any benefits from the small amount of nutrients that your dog will absorb.

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Feeding your dog mango

So, now we've tackled your burning question - can dogs eat mango - you might be wondering what the best way to share the fruit with your pup is. Well before we get into some of the most commonly asked questions about sharing mango with your furry friend, we'll talk a little about the safest way to prepare mango for dogs.

Preparing mango for dogs

As we've mentioned, mango should never make up a staple part of your dog's diet - despite its range of vitamins and minerals, mango is high in sugar, which is why only small amounts should be fed to your dog. For a specific recommendation, consult your vet as the size, age and breed of your dog will affect how much mango is safe for them to nibble on. When preparing the mango itself, peel off the skin, cut into chunks and always serve it without the pit.   

Can dogs eat dried mango?

And can dogs have mango if it's dried? Sure - dried mango is safe for your dog to try, but don't make a habit of sharing it with your dog as it contains less nutrients and even more sugar than the fresh stuff. Plus, always check the ingredient list to make sure no extra flavorings have been added - these could be harmful to your pup. 

Can dogs eat mango skin?

Is mango safe for dogs with the skin on? We advise against feeding your dog the mango skin. If you've ever prepared a mango, you'll know it's pretty tough, which means it's hard to digest for dogs and can even pose a choking hazard.

Can dogs eat frozen mangos?

And can dogs have mango if it's frozen? Certainly - frozen mango is a treat that will certainly get your pup's tail wagging on a hot day. However, feed the frozen mango in tiny amounts and/or mix it with room-temperature snacks to reduce the chances of a “brain freeze” (a headache induced by cold food/drink). 

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Other mango products

When it comes to knowing what's safe to feed your dogs, each product should be taken on a case by case basis. Why? Well while mangos for dogs are safe in moderation, other products like cakes and desserts could be potentially harmful or just downright irritating to your dog's gut, so never assume that because dogs can eat mangos, they can have everything mango is cooked into as well. 

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs eat mango - let's explore other foods dogs can eat that we humans love.

• Salmon
• Turkey
• Popcorn

Related article: Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts?

Meet our veterinary expert, Jnanee

This article has been checked by veterinarian Jnanee Krishnasamy, BVSc (Massey). Dr Jnanee is a small animal veterinarian. She was born in sunny Singapore and spent her formative years there, before studying veterinary medicine at

Massey University. Since graduating from vet school, Dr Jnanee has worked in a variety of settings that include private practice, shelter medicine, and veterinary telemedicine. Due to her varied experiences, she is well-informed on many aspects of the veterinary industry!