Although rabbits can eat a small amount of dried mangoes, it’s best to avoid giving them this snack. Dried mango is high in sugar which can lead to dehydration and gastrointestinal issues for your rabbit. Fresh fruit and veggies are always best.
You just pulled out your new bag of dried mangoes and made your way over to the couch. You sit down and see your rabbit staring at the bag. You want to share this special treat with them, but then you wonder if rabbits can eat dried mango?
Rabbits love fruit, but you need to be careful about how much sugar they’re eating. Dried mangoes (dried fruit in general) are a concentrated source of sugar. They should only be given to rabbits in small quantities.
This article will cover all the pros and cons of letting your rabbit eat dried mango. After all, you’re the owner and you know what’s best!
What You'll Learn
Why is Dried Mango Bad For Rabbits?
Let’s start off by going over the “cons” of dried mango. As we mentioned in the introduction, the main concern is the high sugar content.
Rabbits Should Have a Low Sugar Diet
Rabbits have delicate digestive systems and too much sugar can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, gas, bloating, and even intestinal blockages.
A diet that is too high in sugar can also lead to obesity and all the health problems that come along with being overweight.
So, how much sugar is in dried mango? 1/3 cup of dried mango contains a whopping 32 grams of sugar! To put this in perspective, rabbits should only eat 25 grams of sugar per day per six pounds of body weight. This means if you have a six-pound rabbit, 1/3 cup of dried mango already puts them over the limit.
High Sugar Can Lead to Dehydration
Another issue with too much sugar is that it can cause dehydration. When too much sugar is in the bloodstream, the body tries to dilute it by pulling water from other tissues. This can lead to dehydration and even heatstroke in rabbits.
Dried Mango is High In Calories
A third concern with dried mango for rabbits is the high-calorie content. 1/3 cup of dried mangoes contains 160 calories. This might not seem like a lot, but it starts to add up when you consider that the average six-pound rabbit only needs about 200-300 calories per day.
Rabbits that eat too many calories are at risk for obesity and all the health problems that come along with being overweight.
Dried Mango is Too Soft
Another concern with dried mango is that it is too soft. This might not seem like a big deal, but rabbits need to grind their teeth with foods that force them to chew (such as hay and raw veggies). If a rabbit gets full on dried mango, it won’t grind down its teeth properly.
Dried Fruit Does Not Contribute to Hydration
One final concern with dried mango is that it does not contribute to hydration. This is because the water has been removed from the fruit during the drying process.
What if I Already Gave My Rabbit Dried Mango?
If you have already given your rabbit dried mango, don’t panic. The most important thing is to watch for any adverse reactions.
Here are a few steps you should take.
How Much Did You Give Them?
You first need to consider how much dried mango you gave your rabbit. They will probably be fine if you only gave them a few pieces. However, if you gave them a lot, they might be at risk for gastrointestinal issues.
Watch For These Symptoms
Next, you must watch for any symptoms that might indicate your rabbit is not feeling well. These include diarrhea, gas, bloating, intestinal blockages, and dehydration.
If Necessary, Call The Vet
If you notice any of the above symptoms or are concerned for any other reason, it is always best to err on the side of caution and call your vet.
Are There Any Health Benefits to Dried Mango?
Now that we’ve gone over all the negatives of dried mango, let’s take a look at the positives. Dried mango does have some health benefits for rabbits. It’s not all doom and gloom!
Good Source of Vitamin A and C
Dried mango is a good source of vitamin A and C. Vitamin A is important for vision, immunity, and reproduction. Vitamin C is important for tissue repair, healing wounds, and maintaining healthy gums.
Good Source of Fiber
Dried mango is also a good source of fiber. Fiber is important for rabbits because it helps keep their digestive system running smoothly.
Making The Decision
So, should you give your rabbit dried mango? It’s up to you! There are pros and cons to consider. Weigh the positives and negatives and make the decision that is best for your rabbit. Although we would say the cons far outweigh the pros, it’s not our decision to make.
If you do decide to give your rabbit dried mango, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Only Feed Your Rabbit a Small Amount
First, only give your rabbit a small amount. A few pieces here and there will not hurt them, but too much can lead to health problems.
Be Sure to Monitor Them
Second, be sure to monitor your rabbit closely after eating dried mango. Watch for any adverse reactions and call the vet if you are concerned.
Don’t Make it a Habit
Finally, don’t make dried mango a regular part of your rabbit’s diet. It should be an occasional treat, not a staple food.
Bottom Line
Rabbits can eat dried mango, but it is not the best choice for them. Dried mango is high in sugar and calories and does not contribute to hydration. It is also too soft, which won’t help with oral health. If you give your rabbit dried mango, do so in moderation and monitor them closely for any adverse reactions.
