With the holidays fast approaching, more and more pet owners once again find themselves asking the same question that comes around every year: can dogs eat turkey? If you’re thinking of feeding your dog turkey but you’re wondering if it’s safe to do so, you’re in the right place!
In the article below, we’ll explore some of the most important information you need to know about feeding your dog turkey. You can use this information to figure out when it might be appropriate to give your canine friend a little bit of turkey during the holidays. Read on to find out more.
Turkey is a lean protein that’s low in fat and high in essential vitamins and minerals. It can be an excellent occasional treat for dogs when prepared properly. But there are some important things to consider before feeding turkey to your pup. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about giving turkey to dogs.
Is Turkey Good for Dogs?
Turkey can be nutritious for dogs when served in moderation. Some of the potential benefits include:
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High-quality protein. Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein which provides amino acids that help build and maintain muscle
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Vitamin B6. Turkey contains vitamin B6 which supports immune health and aids in metabolizing fats and proteins.
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Niacin. Also known as vitamin B3 niacin helps convert nutrients into energy and keeps skin hair, eyes, and nerves healthy.
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Phosphorus This mineral is important for healthy bones and teeth in dogs It also helps filter waste from the blood,
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Selenium. Turkey provides selenium which acts as an antioxidant in the body to protect cells from damage.
So in short, turkey can be a great occasional source of protein and important vitamins and minerals when included as part of a balanced diet.
Potential Risks of Feeding Dogs Turkey
While turkey has nutritional benefits, there are some potential risks to be aware of:
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Bones – Turkey bones can splinter easily and cause choking hazards or damage the digestive tract. Be sure to remove all bones before feeding.
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Fat – The skin and fatty areas of turkey can lead to pancreatitis in dogs. Trim all visible fat before serving.
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Seasonings – Onions, garlic, salt, spices and other flavorings are unsafe for dogs and should be avoided. Only feed plain, unseasoned turkey.
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Portion size – Too much turkey can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Stick to small portions based on your dog’s size.
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Allergies – Some dogs may be allergic to poultry. Discontinue feeding if you see signs of allergies like itching or digestive issues.
As long as you take precautions to avoid these risks, turkey can be safe for dogs in moderation. Monitor your dog after first feeding turkey to watch for any reactions.
How Much Turkey Can Dogs Eat?
When feeding any treat to dogs, portion control is key. As a general guideline, dogs can be fed 1 ounce of turkey per 20 pounds of body weight, 1-2 times a week.
To determine the right portion size for your dog, consider factors like:
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Size – Smaller dogs should be fed less turkey than larger breeds.
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Age – Puppies and seniors may need smaller portions than adult dogs.
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Activity level – Less active dogs require smaller portions than high-energy dogs.
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Health conditions – Dogs with certain conditions like diabetes may have specialized diet needs.
If you’re unsure about the appropriate amount of turkey to feed your pup, consult your veterinarian. Start with small portions and adjust based on your dog’s individual needs.
How to Prepare Turkey for Dogs
To safely feed turkey to dogs, follow these preparation tips:
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Choose lean cuts – Opt for low-fat varieties like turkey breast or thigh meat. Avoid skin, excess fat, and drumsticks.
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Cook thoroughly – Turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This kills any potential bacteria.
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Remove bones – Carefully check for and discard any bones to prevent choking hazards.
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Avoid seasonings – Do not add onions, garlic, salt, butter or any other flavorings.
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Cut into bite-size pieces – Cut cooked turkey into small, chewable pieces for your dog.
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Refrigerate leftovers – Store any unused turkey in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Following these tips will ensure the turkey you feed is safe and healthy for your furry friend!
Can Puppies Eat Turkey?
Lean turkey, without bones or seasonings, can be fed to puppies in small quantities. The digestible protein provides amino acids that support growth and development.
However, puppies have sensitive stomachs so introduce turkey slowly. Start with just 1-2 bites mixed into their regular puppy food and monitor for any diarrhea or vomiting.
Wait until 12 weeks to introduce more new proteins like turkey. And as always, get specific portion recommendations from your veterinarian based on your puppy’s age, breed size, and health.
What About Turkey Necks, Wings or Giblets?
Certain turkey parts like necks, wings and giblets should be avoided for dogs. Here’s why:
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Necks – Can present a choking risk due to the bone inside. Also high in fat.
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Wings – Small bones can easily splinter and cause obstructions or perforations.
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Giblets – Liver and other organs are very high in vitamin A, which can cause toxicity in large amounts.
While these turkey pieces may be tempting to add some variety, they pose safety concerns. Stick to lean meat only with all bones removed.
Healthy Alternatives to Turkey for Dogs
If turkey isn’t the right option for your dog, there are many other healthy protein alternatives including:
- Lean beef
- Chicken breast
- Salmon
- Eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Peanut butter
You can also rotate between a few different proteins to add variety. Just introduce new foods slowly and watch for any signs of allergies.
Answering Common Questions on Turkey for Dogs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about feeding turkey to dogs:
Can I give my dog turkey bones? No, turkey bones should never be fed as they can easily splinter and cause damage.
Is it safe to feed turkey skin to my dog? No, the high fat content of skin can lead to pancreatitis. Always remove the skin before feeding turkey.
What if my dog eats turkey bones by accident? Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog ingested bones. Look for signs of choking, vomiting, or bloody stools.
Can I give my dog leftover turkey scraps? Yes, as long as they are boneless, skinless, and cooked thoroughly. Uneaten turkey should be refrigerated for no more than 3 days.
Are there any side effects of feeding turkey? Diarrhea, vomiting or allergies are possible if too much is fed, if bones are present, or if the turkey contains seasonings.
The Verdict on Dogs and Turkey
In conclusion, lean, boneless, unseasoned turkey can be a healthy occasional treat for dogs when given in moderation. Make sure to start with small amounts to test for tolerance. Avoid bones, skin, fat, and flavored turkey to prevent safety issues. And as with any dietary change, check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog and turkey. With proper precautions, turkey can provide great protein, vitamins and minerals to compliment your pup’s diet.
What About Other Ingredients That Can be Cooked with Turkey?
There are some ingredients that can be used with turkey that are harmful for your dog and others that pose no harm to their health. We break down the different ingredients that are harmful and the ones that are safe for your pet below.
The biggest danger in feeding your dog turkey lies in the other ingredients that are cooked with the turkey. Spices, seasonings, and some vegetables that may seem perfectly fine for you to eat on your turkey may be dangerous to your pet, and it’s important to avoid these when feeding your dog.
Some of the most dangerous ingredients often included with turkey are onions and garlic. These ingredients can not only cause severe stomach upset in dogs, but they can even damage your dog’s red blood cells when eaten in high quantities.
Another important ingredient to pay attention to in your dog’s turkey is salt. Dogs do not need nearly as much sodium in their diets as humans do, and they cannot handle much sodium, either. Because of this, you should prepare turkey for your dog that has not been seasoned with any salt, or any other spices for that matter. Plain turkey is the best plan for your pet.
Some ingredients often cooked with turkey that are safe for your dog to eat in small quantities include celery, apples, and carrots. Feeding your dog turkey with these ingredients is not only safe but also provides a good source of nutrients.
If you have any questions about this or want further confirmation, don’t hesitate to contact your vet or an emergency vet if it’s during the holidays to find out for sure.
Important Things to Know When Determining Whether or Not Dogs Can Eat Turkey
To help answer the question on whether or not it’s safe to feed your dog turkey, there are some key things you need to know about this food and how it may impact your dog’s health. When in doubt, call your vet or an emergency vet to find out the best solution, as they’ll be able to guide you in the best direction for your pet.
Below are 3 important questions to ask when determining if dogs can eat turkey:
No, turkey is not toxic at all to dogs (or cats!). Many dogs enjoy a diet of kibble, wet food, or both that contains turkey as one of the leading ingredients. In fact, turkey contains a wide variety of healthy nutrients for dogs, such as phosphorus, and it is a good source of protein for your pet as well. And as an added bonus, most dogs love the taste of turkey and are more than happy to eat it!
With all that said, however, it is important to always monitor the way your dog eats turkey. Just because you’ve roasted a turkey for your family, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a safe choice for your pet.
Additionally, you should always watch how much turkey your dog eats, as too much can be harmful to his digestive system. Overdoing it with turkey can lead to serious results, including pancreatitis, which is dangerous and potentially deadly without the right treatment.
Start with just a few bites of turkey so you can determine how much your pet can eat without stomach upset.