Can Shih Tzu Eat Mango? is an interesting question asked by Shih Tzu owners and that’s exactly what this post is about. In this blog, we will discuss the safety of feeding mangoes to your Shih Tzu as well as 5 ways to feed them and the benefits of doing so.
Can Shih Tzu Eat Mango?
Mango is considered a great snack for Shih Tzus because it is very rich in fibre and nutrients like vitamins A, B6, C and E. Additionally, mango is the richest source of antioxidants which is useful to include in the healthy diet of Shih Tzus. Fresh mango should only be fed to your Shih Tzus in small amounts. Special care should be taken about this.
Can Shih Tzus eat raw mango?
Raw mangoes are very high in malic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid and oxalic acid which can cause dehydration and digestive irritation in Shih Tzus. That’s the reason why Shih Tzu should never be fed raw mangoes. Citric acid is present in raw mango, lemon and other citric fruits like grapes. We can give ripe mangoes to Shih Tzu but in moderation.
Can Shih Tzus eat mango pits?
Shih Tzus owners should avoid giving mango pits because they can cause choking and get stuck in the digestive tract. Apart from that, Mango pits also contain levels of cyanide, which can be harmful to Shih Tzus.
Can Shih Tzus eat mango skin?
The skin of mangoes is not toxic to Shih Tzus. They have a high molecular weight, and the composition of fibre is difficult for Shih Tzus dog to digest and can induce blockage of the digestive tract, causing significant health problems. So, it is highly recommended to feed mangoes with skin or without the skin or pits to your Shih Tzus dog.
Can Shih Tzus eat mango leaves?
The mango leaves are not harmful to Shih Tzus dog, but they contain cellulose composition which has a high molecular weight which is difficult for your gd to digest and can also cause blockages, resulting in serious health issues. Never feed mango leaves to your Shih Tzu.
15 Benefits of Mango for Shih Tzu | 15 Pros
1 Shih Tzu can eat Mango as it is a sugar-free fruit.
2 Mango contains vitamins C, A and folate, which are very very important for the healthy growth of the Shih Tzu.
3 It also contains high amounts of fibre, which helps to improve the digestion of your Shih Tzu’s.
4 It also contains high amounts of potassium, which is great for the Shih Tzus dog.
5 Mangoes contain lutein, which is good for the eyes of your Shih Tzus dog.
It contains a lot of antioxidants, which are very good for the health of your furry friend.
7 Mango can be useful for barf for Shih Tzus dog.
Mango also contains high amounts of phosphorus, which is vital for the good health of Shih Tzu.
9 Mango can help Shih Tzu deal with stress.
10 It contains high amounts of carotene, which is good for Shih Tzu for their skin.
11 Mango can help Shih Tzu to keep their hair healthy.
12 Mangoes contain good amounts of folic acid, which is very important for the growth of Shih Tzu babies.
Mango can help strengthen the immune system of Shih Tzu.
14 It is high in manganese, which is important for Shih Tzu for their muscles.
15 Mango is also beneficial for Shih Tzu as they grow older.
16 Mango contains calcium, zinc, copper and iron for bone development. Low in fat compared to other fruits.
If you want to feed mango to your furry friend then, remember to feed it in appropriate amounts. Feeding mango in large quantities can cause stomach problems in your pet. Sometimes it is best to give mango to Shih Tzu along with their regular solid food so they can digest it better. You can include appropriate amounts of mango in your Shih Tzu’s diet while watching his weight.
15 Cons of Feeding Mango to Shih Tzu
Sometimes it is best to give mango to Shih Tzu along with their regular solid food so they can digest it better. You can include appropriate amounts of mango in your Shih Tzu’s diet while watching his weight.
- Allergy: Some Shih Tzus dog shows allergic symptoms to mango such as digestive problems hives or itching.
- GI upset: Mangoes contain a high amount of sugar and fibre that may cause gastrointestinal upset in some dogs, like diarrhoea or vomiting.
- Obesity or Overweight: As we know, mangoes have high natural sugars and calories, so overfeeding them can cause obesity, especially if you feed them regularly.
- Dental Issues: The natural sugar in mangoes can cause cavities.
- Diabetes: Overfeeding of mangoes can increase the chances of diabetes or worsen diabetes as they contain very high amounts of sugar.
- Pancreatitis: Shih Tzu dogs are very prone to pancreatitis because they are high in sugar and fat and can cause or worsen pancreatitis.
- Choking Issues: The fibrous texture of mangoes can pose a choking hazard, especially when the mangoes are not cut into small, manageable pieces.
- Stomach Obstruction: Mango’s tough skin and large core can pose a risk of stomach obstruction, leading to potentially serious health problems if your Shih Tzu accidentally ingests a mango.
- Medication Interference: Mangoes contain compounds that can interfere with certain medications your Shih Tzu is taking, so it’s important to consult your veterinarian before adding mangoes to your Shih Tzu’s diet.
- Potential toxicity: While ripe mango flesh is generally safe for dogs, other parts of the mango plant, such as the leaves, stems, and core, contain toxins that can be harmful if ingested.
- Nutritional imbalances: If mangoes are consumed in excess without considering your Shih Tzu’s overall diet, it can cause nutritional imbalances that can lead to major nutrient deficiencies.
- High blood sugar: The natural sugars in mangoes can cause high blood sugar, which can be problematic for diabetic Shih Tzus dog or people who are predisposed to diabetes.
- Excessive gas: Some dogs may experience gas or bloating when fed mangoes, which can be uncomfortable for both dog and owner.
- Potential Skin Irritation: Mango handling may leave a residue on the skin that can cause irritation or allergic reactions if your Shih Tzu comes into contact with the mango.
- Ingestion of Pesticides: If mangoes are not organic or not properly washed, they may contain pesticide residues that can cause harm if your Shih Tzu ingests them.
How do I serve mangoes to dogs?
- As already mentioned above, not all parts of mangoes should be eaten by dogs. The mango skin should be peeled before feeding them.
- Although skin can be eaten, it is not digested easily, hence causing digestive issues.
- The mango pit should also be removed, as it can cause hazardous choking. The pit can also get stuck in the digestive tract of your pup. The mango pit also contains a small quantity of cyanide, which is a harmful chemical.
- Mangoes are high in fibre, which can cause diarrhoea if your dog overeats, so avoid overfeeding them.
- Cut the food into smaller slices for your Shih Tzu. You can also serve frozen mangoes in the summer, apart from fresh mangoes.
- You can also feed your dogs mango puree with cottage cheese or yoghurt as snacks.
- Dried mango slices are also a tasty snack.
How much mango is good for dogs to eat?
Ask your veterinarian about the quantity you can serve your dog. Also, consult how often your dog can eat mangoes. Always take advice from your veterinarian before giving any new food to your dog. It is recommended to serve small quantities to dogs no more than two times a week. Mangoes can cause diarrhoea and other digestion problems; hence, one should follow the quantity recommended.
For large dogs, serve at most a quarter cup periodically. Mangoes contain a large amount of sugar and are sweeter than most fruits. They should not be served to dogs with diabetes. Fresh mangoes have 14% sugar by weight, and a cup of mango has 22 grams of sugar and 99 calories. Hence, moderate quantities should be served.
What Foods Can Shih Tzus Eat
Like all other dogs, Shih Tzus dog also requires a good amount of protein for their growth. Chicken meal, chicken, turkey, and eggs are good sources of protein. As well as Fish is also an important source of protein and healthy fats. Sweet potatoes, oats, rice, and barley can be healthy sources of carbohydrates, which are required by Shih Tzus dog. Veggies are also very important to meet the requirement of minerals and vitamins.
Recommended foods:
- Organs (liver, heart)
- Fish
- White chicken meat
- Lamb
- Blueberries
- Sweet potato
- Green beans
- Sweet peas
- Cottage cheese
- Baby carrots
- Whole yogurt
- Raspberries
- Plain white or brown rice
Shih Tzu Food To Avoid
- Grapes and Raisins: These can cause serious kidney damage and it does not take a large amount.
- Chocolate: Most people have heard that chocolate may not be good for a dog; the fact is that even a small amount can cause seizures, coma, and death to a small dog like the Shih Tzu.
- Onions: This can destroy a dog’s red blood cells. Take caution with foods like pizza, pasta sauce, and meatloaf that may contain onions.
- Coffee, Tea, and Soda: Caffeine can cause seizures, coma and eventual death.
- Salt: While this is needed in small amounts, a large quantity of salt will cause kidney issues.
- Macadamia nuts: This expensive and sought-after nut can cause devastating reactions. The results of ingesting this can include muscle tremors and paralysis.
- Fruit pits and seeds: The fruit seeds and pits of many fruits including apricots, apples, and pears can cause a range of health issues including breathing difficulty, and/or fluids that fill up in a dog’s abdomen and heart. Some fruit seeds can be fatal within 24 hours.
- Xylitol – This is an artificial sweetener that can be found in gum, candy, baked goods, and other foods.
FAQ
Q Is mango allowed for Shih Tzu?
Ans: Yes, dogs can eat mango! It’s sweet and tasty which means many dogs love it and the flesh is very soft and easy for them to eat too. However, it’s very sugary and should only be given in small amounts as an occasional treat.
Q How much mango can a dog eat?
Ans: How many mangoes can dogs eat? One-quarter cup of fresh mango once a week (or twice a week for large dogs) is an appropriate serving to prevent diabetes and obesity.
Q Is fresh mango OK for dogs?
Ans: Yes, dogs and puppies can eat mango. These sweet, delicious fruits are packed full of great nutrients. However, they do have a high sugar content, so you should only give mango to your dog in small portions.
Conclusion: In this post we have discussed a question Can Shih Tzu Eat Mango? along with pros and cons. Mangoes are a delicious fruit that no one can resist, whether they are animals or humans. Eating excessive mangoes can cause problems for humans. The same applies to dogs. Dogs, too, can enjoy this exotic fruit filled with nutritional elements.
