Can Shih Tzus Eat Mango Safely and Enjoy Its Benefits

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Posted Oct 31, 2024

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Shih Tzus can enjoy mango as a treat, but it's essential to do so in moderation.

Mangoes are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can benefit a Shih Tzu's digestive health.

However, mangoes are high in sugar, which can be problematic for Shih Tzus.

Their small size and sensitive digestive system make them prone to weight gain and digestive issues.

Can Shih Tzus Eat Mango?

Dried mangoes are not a great choice for Shih Tzus, as they are high in sugar, calories, and carbohydrates.

Shih Tzus should stick to fresh mango instead of dried mango to get the most health benefits.

While a small amount of dried mango won't harm your Shih Tzu, it's still a good idea to keep it to a minimum.

Too much dried mango could cause stomach upset in Shih Tzus, and that's not something you want to deal with.

You should also be aware that dried mango can lead to tooth decay in dogs, which can result in expensive teeth cleaning costs down the road.

It's better to be safe than sorry, so it's best to limit or avoid giving dried mango to your Shih Tzu altogether.

Benefits and Risks of Feeding Mango to Dogs

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Mangoes are a nutritious snack for dogs, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They're a great source of vitamins A, C, E, and B6, as well as potassium.

Feeding mango to your Shih Tzu in moderation is essential, as it's high in sugar and carbs. Too much sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, and stomach upset.

A small amount of mango as an occasional treat is unlikely to cause harm, but it's crucial to remove the pit and skin, as they can cause stomach upset and even be toxic.

Here are some key nutrients found in mangoes that are beneficial for dogs:

  • Vitamin A promotes good eyesight, prevents cataracts, and aids in night blindness and dry eyes.
  • High levels of antioxidants boost the immune system and defend against degenerative diseases, skin problems, and allergies.
  • Mangoes contain protein that helps repair muscles and other body tissues, and are rich in potassium that improves nerves and muscles.
  • The dietary fiber found in mangoes ensures a smooth digestive process and alleviates symptoms of diarrhea and constipation.

Remember to always consult your veterinarian about the proper food choices for your dog's dietary needs, especially if they struggle with obesity or diabetes.

What's Good for Dogs?

Dogs can benefit from eating mango as a nutritious snack alternative to traditional dog biscuits.

Mangos are high in fiber, which can help keep weight down and make your dog feel more full.

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Kaci Angelone, DVM, MS, recommends mangos as a good snack choice due to their high fiber content.

Mangos are also a good source of vitamins like A, C, E, and B6, which are essential for your dog's overall health.

Here are some key nutrients found in mangos that are beneficial for dogs:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Potassium

The sweet fruit is a great source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein, and dietary fiber that all support good health in dogs.

Mangos contain protein which can help with the repair of muscles and other important body tissues.

They are also rich in potassium, which helps improve your pup's nerves and muscles.

The dietary fiber found in mangos is great for your pup's digestive system, ensuring everything runs smoothly in their digestive tract and alleviating symptoms of diarrhea and constipation.

Bad for Dogs?

Dogs can't eat dried mangoes without consequences. The drying process strips the fruit of its health benefits and concentrates its sugar content, which can lead to stomach upset and tooth decay.

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Mangoes are not toxic to dogs, but they're high in carbs and sugar, which can cause obesity, diabetes, and oral health problems if fed excessively.

Feeding your dog lots of sugar over time can lead to a range of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and stomach upset.

Some dogs may be allergic to mangoes, but there are no documented cases of a mango allergy in dogs. However, it's essential to monitor your dog's reaction to new foods.

Dogs with pre-existing conditions like obesity or diabetes should avoid mangoes altogether. Consult your veterinarian for personalized dietary advice.

One-quarter cup of fresh mango per week (or twice a week for large dogs) is a safe and healthy serving size. This amount can help prevent diabetes and obesity.

Feeding Mango to Dogs

Feeding mango to your Shih Tzu can be a nutritious and delicious treat, but it's essential to do it safely. Wash the mango thoroughly before feeding it to your dog, and remove the skin, seed, and any leaves.

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You can cut the mango into small, 1-inch cubes or puree it and mix it with other dog-safe fruits like blueberries, watermelon, and bananas. For a special treat, add a little plain, sugar-free, xylitol-free yogurt.

To determine the safe serving size for your Shih Tzu, consider their weight and breed size. Here's a rough guide to help you:

Remember to monitor your Shih Tzu's reaction to the mango and adjust the serving size accordingly. If you notice any signs of an upset stomach, such as decreased appetite, fatigue, or vomiting, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How Much Fruit Does a Dog Need?

Feeding mango to dogs can be a healthy and tasty treat, but it's essential to know how much fruit your furry friend needs. The general rule of thumb is to limit treats, including fruit, to 10% of your dog's diet.

Dogs of different sizes have varying needs, so it's crucial to consider your dog's weight and breed size when determining the right amount of fruit. For example, a small dog (21-30 lbs.) can have 2-3 pieces of mango (1-inch wide by ¼-inch thick), while a large dog (51-90 lbs.) can have a handful of mango pieces.

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A safe serving size for dogs is one-quarter cup of fresh mango once a week, or twice a week for large dogs. This amount can help prevent diabetes and obesity in dogs. However, it's essential to remember that mangoes contain high amounts of sugar and calories, so they should be given in moderation.

Some dogs may be allergic to mango, so it's always a good idea to start with small amounts to confirm there are no side effects due to allergies. Your vet is the best resource to determine how many mangoes you can feed your dog based on their weight, size, and medical history.

Here's a general guide to serving mango to dogs of different sizes:

Dogs Eat Dried

Dogs can eat dried mango, but only if you dehydrate it at home. This way, you can control the ingredients and avoid preservatives and added sugars.

Make sure to feed your dog smaller portions than normal, as the sugar content is more condensed.

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Store-bought dried mango is not recommended for dogs due to the presence of preservatives and extra sugar.

If you do choose to give your dog dried mango, be aware that it's high in sugar, calories, and carbohydrates.

Feeding your dog fresh mango is a better option, as it retains its health benefits and doesn't cause stomach upset or tooth decay.

To make dried mango safe for your dog, cut it into small cubes and serve in moderation.

Whole

Feeding mango to your dog can be a great way to add some variety to their diet, but it's essential to do it safely. Don't feed your dog a whole mango, as the pit can be a choking hazard.

The pit, also known as the stone, contains cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. You'll want to remove it before serving mango to your dog.

Mango skin can also be a potential choking hazard, especially if the mango is underripe. The skin can be tough and slippery, making it easy to slide down a dog's throat before they've chewed properly.

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Here are some guidelines for safely feeding mango to your dog:

Remember to always wash the mango thoroughly, peel the skin off, and remove the pit before serving it to your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fruits can a Shih Tzu eat?

A Shih Tzu can safely eat a variety of fruits, including apples, apricots, bananas, berries, citrus fruits, and tropical fruits like mangoes and papayas, but always remove seeds, pits, and cores. For a complete list and safe consumption guidelines, please see our full article on fruits for Shih Tzus.

Why can't dogs eat mango?

Dogs can't eat mango because its pit is potentially harmful and the skin is tough to digest. Removing the skin and pit is crucial before sharing mango with your furry friend.

How much mango is safe for dogs?

For a healthy treat, feed your dog 1/4 cup of fresh mango once a week, or up to twice a week for larger breeds. However, due to high sugar content, mangoes should be given in moderation to prevent diabetes and obesity.

Eileen Kessler

Junior Writer

Eileen Kessler is a rising star in the world of pet-focused writing. With a passion for canine companions, she has established herself as a go-to authority on all things dog-related. Her writing career has taken off, with a portfolio that showcases her expertise in crafting engaging and informative content.