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Taking a bite of tropical fruit is like taking a bite out of summertime. They’re the sweet and sugary, tart and juicy candies of the fruit world. And mango, pineapple, papaya and other tropical treasures aren’t just delicious, healthy snacks for you – your dog can enjoy them in moderation, too, fresh or dried.
Can My Dog Eat Dried Mango?
Yes. Mangos are a great source of vitamins, beta-carotene, antioxidants, and potassium. That said, dried mango has a higher, more concentrated sugar content and slightly fewer health benefits than fresh mango. So, while a small amount of dried mango is fine for your dog to eat, if you have the choice, fresh mango is a better option.
Is Mango Good For My Dog To Eat?
Mangos are chock full of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your dog’s health. First off, they’re rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is also responsible for the orangey-yellow color of a mango’s flesh. Beta-carotene has been shown to fight cell-damaging free radicals, lowering the risk of cancer.
Next comes heart healthy magnesium and potassium. Both minerals are associated with lower blood pressure and stronger bones. Magnesium also has anti-inflammatory benefits and even fights depression.
On the vitamin front, mangos are rich in vitamin K, a bone-strengthener that helps to prevent anemia, and the antioxidant vitamin C. The vitamin A in mangos supports a dog’s vision, organs, immune system and reproductive system.
Is Dried Mango As Good For My Dog As Fresh Mango?
Dried fruit is a good way to get a lot of nutrients into a small package – approximately 3.5 times that of fresh fruit by weight. Just one serving of dried fruit can contain the daily recommended intake of some nutrients vitamins and minerals. But not every nutrient makes it through the drying process in the same quantities that are present in fresh fruit. Vitamin C, for example, decreases significantly when a fruit is dried.
The bigger problem with dried fruit versus fresh fruit, however, is that the super concentration of nutrients that occurs in the drying process of also leads to a super concentration of sugar, and too much sugar is not good for dogs. Consuming high levels of sugar can lead to diarrhea and vomiting, not to mention weight gain, dental issues and diabetes if fed too much of the stuff over time.
When you have the option, fresh mango is therefore a more dog-friendly food than dried mango. A little bit of dried mango here and there, though, can provide a tasty nutritional boost.
How Do I Feed My Dog Dried Mango?
Share just one or two bites of dried mango with your dog periodically. Serving more than that could result in stomach upset and, over time, more serious issues like obesity. If your dog gets into a bag of dried mangoes, though, don’t freak out. It’s likely to result in diarrhea or vomiting but the symptoms should pass within 24 hours or so. If not, contact your vet.
If you like the idea of feeding mangos but are worried about how much to give your dog, check out Fruitables’ popular low-calorie dog treat that contains mango. If your dog loves the taste of mango, these treats are a safe, healthy choice.
What Other Tropical Fruits Can My Dog Eat?
Many tropical fruits are not only safe for dogs to eat, they contain lots of nutrients that help to boost and maintain their health. Whenever possible, choose fresh or frozen fruits over dried ones which lose some of their vitamins and minerals in the drying process and have higher concentrations of sugar. Because even fresh and frozen tropical fruits are high in sugar and can cause stomach upset, it’s best to feed them as occasional snacks instead of as regular treats. Always remove the skin and seeds, pits or cores of the fruit before giving it to your dog.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a good source of joint-supporting manganese, vitamin C and beta carotene.
Papaya
Papaya has all sorts of canine-friendly benefits including enzymes like papain and chymopapain which support digestion and dental health. It’s also packed with antioxidants, potassium and calcium.
Kiwi
Tart, sweet kiwi is full of immune system-defending vitamin C, wound-healing vitamin K and antioxidant vitamin E, as well as folate and potassium, which help the blood, nerves and muscles to function properly.
Banana
Bananas are dog-healthy powerhouses that count potassium, beta-carotene and vitamins C and E among their nutrients. Bananas also contain fiber, which helps to regulate sugar in the body and aid digestion.
Coconut
Unsweetened coconut and coconut milk is a good source of energy and can help to keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties!
For More Information
We offer a collection of articles on foods that are healthy or dangerous for dogs to eat, covering everything from grains, fruits, and vegetables. You might also be interested in reading “Can My Dog Eat Mango?”