If you have ever inspected the ingredients on several cat food products, you have likely seen that they contain a wide variety of ingredients, and you’ll find meat, fruit, vegetables, grains, and more. One of the questions we get frequently is if it’s safe for cats to eat Mango. The short answer is yes, cats can eat Mango, but there are several things to consider before making it a regular part of their diet. Keep reading while we discuss the pros and cons of this delicious fruit as well as the best way to feed it to help you be better informed.
Is Mango Bad for Cats?
Cats are Carnivores
The biggest problem with feeding your cat mango or any other fruit is that cats are strict carnivores. Cats do not consume any fruits in the wild as it’s not part of their natural diet. Instead, they prefer to stick to the mice, birds, insects, and other small animals that they kill. Since they don’t usually consume it, Mango can upset the cat’s sensitive digestive system causing discomfort and even diarrhea. Some will be more susceptible than others, so you will need to watch a cat carefully the first few times you give them a new food like Mango.
High In Sugar
Another problem with Mango and other fruit is that its high in sugar. Too much sugar can easily lead to weight gain and other health problems, and obesity is already a major concern for cats in the United States. Some experts are suggesting as many as 50% of cats over five years old are obese, so it’s often better to choose a healthier snack. The high sugar content can also promote tooth decay which is another problem that many cats suffer from in the United States, with experts suggesting that as many as 90% of cats over four years of age have some form of dental issue. There is also no benefit to giving your cat sugar as they cannot taste sweet things, likely because they only eat fresh kills in the wild, and there is no need for that ability.
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Is Mango Good for Cats?
Water – Many pet owners complain that it can be difficult to get their cat to drink enough water, leading to dandruff, extra shedding, constipation, and a lower tolerance for high temperatures. We recommend a cat fountain to help keep your pet hydrated because the sound seems to attract them, and they seem to prefer running water to a bowl of it. However, fruit can also be a great way to keep your pet hydrated, and the Mango is a good choice.
Vitamins – There are plenty of vitamins in Mango that can benefit your cat’s health, like vitamin A, C, E, and K. Vitamin A, in particular, is essential as long as your pet doesn’t get too much.
Potassium – Mango has plenty of potassium which is an important electrolyte for cats. A potassium deficiency can lead to kidney failure, increased urination, extreme stress and anxiety, metabolic disease, and other problems. Mango can be a great way to help supplement your pet with this nutrient.
Healthy Carbohydrates – The Mango is a good source of carbohydrates that can help your cat feel more energetic and alert. They don’t have as many genetic modifications as other ingredients you usually find in cat food like corn and soy, and cats tend to like the taste of it.
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How Can I Feed My Cat Mango?
Wash Thoroughly – Because Mango can have a lot of pesticides on it, we recommend washing it thoroughly before doing anything else. You may also want to let the fruit sit in warm water for ten to twenty minutes and use a vegetable brush to help get the chemicals off.
Remove the Skin and Seed – On you get all of the chemicals off, you can carefully remove the skin and discard it. Slice the fruit in half, remove, and discard the seed.
Chop or Blend – Chop or blend the remaining fruit until it’s about the consistency of their normal food.
Image Credit: toodlingstudio, Pixabay
How Much Mango Should I Feed My Cat?
We recommend limiting the mango portion size to a few tablespoons every 2-3 days as a treat. This amount shouldn’t contribute to weight gain or tooth decay as part of a healthy diet.
Can I Give My Cat Dried Mango?
Yes. You can give your cat dried Mango, but you need to be careful because this fruit will contain a much higher sugar concentration. Dried fruit also does not have the hydrating property of regular Mango, and it might also contain preservatives and other chemicals that can be harmful to your pet, so only allow your cat to eat small amounts of brands you trust.
What Other Fruit Can I Feed My Cat?
You can feed your cat several other fruits, including apples, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin, watermelon, and many others. With each of these fruits, you will need to clean them carefully and limit portion size as you do with Mango.
Image Credit: Guajillo studio, Shutterstock
What Are Some Healthy Snacks I Can Give My Cat?
There are many healthy treats available for your cat, and we recommend choosing a brand that uses natural ingredients and has chicken or other meat listed first. One of the best treats you can give your cat is plain cooked chicken. Boil a breast and chop or blend it to the consistency of your pet’s normal food for a healthy treat that’s high in protein without the added sugar.
Summary
Mango is a safe fruit for your cat to eat as long as you limit portion size so your pet doesn’t get too much sugar. We’ve found that many cats enjoy the taste, and it can be a great way to get a stubborn cat to eat. The downside is it’s high in sugar and can throw off your cat’s sensitive digestive system, which is only supposed to eat animal protein.
We hope you enjoyed reading this short guide and found the answers you need. If we have helped you find a new treat for your pet, please share our look into if cats can eat Mango on Facebook and Twitter.
Ed Malaker is a veteran writer who has contributed to a wide range of blogs that cover tools, pets, guitars, fitness, and computer programming. When he’s not writing, Ed is usually performing DIY projects around the house or working in the garden. He’s also a musician and spends a lot of time helping people fix their guitars and composing music for independent films.
