Can Dogs Taste Dried Mango?

Mango is a delicious, bright yellow, sweet, and slightly creamy tropical fruit. It is versatile and quite easy to find in just about every supermarket in the United States. With summer coming up, you are likely to buy more mangos to eat around the pool or throw into salads and salsas. You may also buy dried mango for a sweet and chewy snack to eat on the run or have for dessert. 

If you love dried mango, you may have been wondering if you can share some with your dog and if it is safe for them to eat. In short, yes, dogs can have dried mango. But let's take a further look at the benefits and drawbacks of dried mango.

You are likely able to tell if your dog likes a certain food, if they are uncertain about it, or if they really do not like the new food you are having them try. All dogs react differently to certain foods - some dogs may love dried mangos, while other dogs will completely turn their noses up to this fruit. 

If your dog does like the taste and texture of dried mango, they are likely going to eat the piece of fruit without any resistance or hesitation. After they finish their first piece, they will generally beg for more as well. Begging can consist of many different actions that are unique from dog to dog. A begging dog may stare at you, sit patiently in front of you, bark, howl, cry, or whine. They may even paw at your leg, wag their tail, and spin around in circles. They are also likely to drool...a lot. 

If your dog does not like dried mango, they may attempt to chew the food, but then spit it out. Maybe they will paw at it or try to play with it like it's a toy. Some dogs like to give foods and things they don't like the "ugly face" as well, which is basically them showing their teeth or snarling. 

Mangos are native fruits to South Asia, close to East India. This may be surprising because we associate mangos with tropical islands like in the Caribbean. Mangos are related to pistachios and cashew nuts. Mangos have always been very popular among different cultures. 

Mangos did not make it to the United States until the 1860's. They have a long and rich history and have played a pivotal role in cultures throughout the world. Historically, mangos are a symbol of life and happiness. They have appeared in many religious texts and are thought to have helped shaped peoples lives. 

Mango production in the United States is quite limited compared to other countries around the world. Mangos are mainly grown in California and Florida as the mango trees need warm and tropical-like climates to grow and thrive. Although there are hundreds of varieties of mangos, the US only cultivates and harvests a few varieties. 

It is generally unknown if mangos were given as a source of food and nutrition to dogs and animals throughout the centuries. Mangos used to be very pricey and exclusive, so it is likely these precious fruits were just reserved for wealthy people to consume and give as gifts. 

Mangos are a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals for your dog. They contain vitamins A, B6, E, and C. Mangos also have a high amount of fiber, which can help with your dog's digestion and to help keep them regular.

This yummy fruit also has beta-carotene, anti-oxidants, and potassium. If your dog suffers from high cholesterol, mangos can help lower their levels naturally. They can also help boost their immune system to help fight off illnesses and they can improve their eyesight, which is particularly important in older dogs. Antioxidants can help clear their cells from free radicals and prevent certain types of cancer.

Your dog is either going to love dried mangos or they are not going to be too happy with the taste or texture. Dried mango is chewy and this may not be a texture all dogs enjoy. 

If your dog does like to snack on this dried fruit, you will want to limit their intake. Dried mango has a lot more sugar than fresh mango and you don't want too much extra sugar in their diet as it is unnecessary and has no nutritional benefits. Many brands also add even more sugar to their dried mango, so you must find a brand that does not include added sugars. 

You will also want to cut the dried mango into smaller pieces. Dried mango often comes in long strips. Since it can be a bit hard and chewy, you don't want your pup to choke on any large strips of mango. 

If you are worried about adding too much sugar to your dog's diet or your dog does not seem to like dried mango, try giving them fresh mangos. Fresh mangos are naturally sweet, soft, and juicy, which may be more appealing to your dog. Fresh mango will also be easier for them to eat and chew. You can chop up some fresh mango and give it to them as a special treat or snack or you can throw it into their food bowl during meal times. 

Always make sure you cut away all of the tough skin from the mango as it is hard to chew and digest. You also need to make sure your dog never eats the hard and fibrous pit inside of the mango. This large, flat pit is hard, stringy, and very hard for both you and your dog to digest safely.