It’s not easy to say no to a mango. Many people enjoy these tropical fruits because of their bright yellow flesh, pleasant aroma, and delicious taste.
While your dog may find mango to be an irresistible and entertaining snack, your cat may be less enthusiastic. However, if your feline friend seems to be drawn to the colorful treat, there is some encouraging news.
Can Cats Eat Mango?
To put it briefly, yes. A small amount of mango as a treat is safe for cats and won’t harm them in any way. However, the real issue is whether or not they want it.
Mangoes, with their naturally occurring sugars, may pique a dog’s interest as an alternative to the more common dog biscuits. Mango’s primary selling point—its sweetness—is lost on cats because they lack the ability to taste sweet things.
Mango is rich in vitamin C for humans, but cats can produce their own supply of the vitamin, so feeding your cat mango isn’t doing it any favors nutritionally.
Is Mango Good for Cats?
Many cat owners lament that their feline friend has dandruff, excessive shedding, constipation, and a lower tolerance for high temperatures because they don’t drink enough water. Cats seem to be attracted to the sound of running water, and we recommend a cat fountain to help keep your pet hydrated. The Mango, however, is also a great choice as a fruit option for hydration of your pet.
Vitamins – Mango is loaded with nutrients that are good for your cat’s health, including vitamins A, C, E, and K. Particularly important is vitamin A, but it must be given in moderation.
Potassium is abundant in mango and is a vital electrolyte for felines. Kidney failure, excessive urination, high levels of stress and anxiety, metabolic disease, and other issues can result from a lack of potassium. Mango is an excellent source of this nutrient for your pet.
Mangoes are a great source of healthy carbohydrates, which can give your cat a boost of energy and mental clarity. They have a more natural flavor than common cat food ingredients like corn and soy, and cats generally prefer them.
You should provide your pet with the best possible diet, so why not do the same for their food and water?
The best bowls on the market are those made of food-grade stainless steel, so you know your pet is getting the healthiest food possible.
Is Mango Bad for Cats?
Cats are Carnivores
The main issue with giving your cat mango or any other fruit is that they are strictly carnivores and cannot digest plant matter.
Fruits are not part of a wild cat’s natural diet, so they are never eaten by wild cats. Instead, they specialize in killing small animals like mice, birds, insects, and the like.
Mango, which cats typically avoid, can cause stomach distress and even diarrhea due to its unusual flavor.
When introducing a new food to a cat, like Mango, you should keep a close eye on them for the first few times.
High In Sugar
Mango, like many other fruits, has a high sugar content. Cat obesity in the United States is a serious problem that can be exacerbated by a diet high in sugar.
The majority of cats over the age of five, according to some experts, are overweight, so it’s best to opt for a healthier option when snacking.
Tooth decay is another common problem for cats in the United States due to the high sugar content; some estimates put the percentage at 90% for cats older than four years old.
There is no point in feeding your cat sugar because cats lack the ability to taste sweet things in the wild, where they eat only freshly killed prey.
How to Prepare Mango for Cats Safely
Some felines may still find the juicy freshness of mango appealing, even with the aforementioned drawbacks.
Mango is a healthy and safe treat for cats in these situations. Because of the potential for poisoning and choking, fruit pits must be removed from the flesh before being fed to cats.
It’s also a good idea to peel the mango. Kaci Angelone, DVM, MS notes that fruit peels can be problematic for canine and feline digestion. Peeling fruits prior to serving not only removes potential choking hazards, but also aids digestion. ”
And while fruits are an important source of vitamins for humans, their natural sugars can be dangerous for pets. ‘Any time you give your pet a lot of fruit, sugars become a concern,’ continues Angelone.
“But there are foods available for pets that include apples and other fruits. This means they are safe, but the biggest worry is the potential severity of the bite. ”
In conclusion, remember that cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they derive the majority of the protein and nutrients they need from meat.
Fruits and vegetables that are safe for cats to eat can be a tasty treat, but they should never be fed in place of a high-quality, complete-and-balanced food for cats.
How Can I Feed My Cat Mango?
Thoroughly wash the mango before eating or using it in any way, as it may contain pesticides. To further remove the pesticides, soak the fruit for ten to twenty minutes in warm water and scrub it with a vegetable brush.
Carefully remove the skin and discard it after washing off any remaining chemicals. The seed can be easily removed by slicing the fruit in half.
Get the consistency of their regular food by chopping or blending the remaining fruit.
Symptoms to watch out for after feeding your cat mango for the first time
The veterinarian has given the green light, the fruit has been peeled, the seeds removed, and it has been cut into small pieces. Let’s hear your cat’s opinion now.
Always keep a close eye on your cat after introducing a new food or treat. If your pet is experiencing symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, you should make an appointment with the vet.
Feed your cat only one small cube of mango every so often, and always be on the lookout for signs of choking so you can act quickly if necessary.
Also, many cats won’t like mangos because of their acidic flavor. If your cat isn’t showing any enthusiasm, you might want to try something else.
Now that you know your cat can enjoy a mango, you can investigate other fruit options. Find out if cats can eat grapes and if it’s safe to feed your cat bananas.
How Much Mango Should I Feed My Cat?
Mango should be enjoyed in moderation, no more than a few tablespoons every two to three days. As part of a balanced diet, this quantity should not cause excess weight gain or tooth decay.
Can I Give My Cat Dried Mango?
Yes. Dried Mango can be given to your cat, but you should exercise caution due to the increased sugar content.
You should only give your cat a small amount of dried fruit from a brand you trust because it lacks the hydrating properties of fresh fruit and may contain preservatives and other chemicals that are harmful to pets.
Other Fruits and Vegetables Cats Can Eat
Cats can eat a variety of fruits, not just mangoes. It’s best to avoid giving your cat grapes and other supposedly healthy human foods like chocolate, which may actually be toxic.
Keep in mind that human foods are only generally safe for healthy cats; if your cat has a medical condition like diabetes or heart disease, your vet may advise against feeding anything other than the prescribed diet.
Even though regular meals of cat food are best for your cat’s overall health, here are some safe snack options you can share with your cat.
- Blueberries
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- Broccoli
- Potatoes, cooked but unsalted
- Corn
What Are Some Healthy Snacks I Can Give My Cat?
We suggest picking a brand that has natural ingredients and has chicken or other meat listed first on the ingredient label when shopping for cat treats. Plain cooked chicken is one of the best treats you can give your cat.
For a low-sugar, high-protein treat, boil a chicken breast and then chop it up or blend it until it’s the consistency of your pet’s regular food.
Summary
If you’re concerned about giving your cat too much sugar, mango is a safe fruit option. It’s a great way to get a picky cat to eat, and many cats seem to enjoy the flavor.
The high sugar content and potential gastrointestinal upset are drawbacks for cats that should stick to animal protein.
We sincerely hope you found this quick reference useful and entertaining. Please share our investigation into whether or not cats can eat mango on Facebook and Twitter if you’ve found it useful in your search for a new treat for your pet.