There is much debate about the safety of giving dogs ‘real’ bones like those from a turkey. While bone-shaped biscuits may be a household staple for your best friend, we did some research as to the benefits and risks of feeding your pup a turkey bone. Here’s what you need to know before you throw a dog a bone.
Turkey legs are a classic snack around the holidays, but is it safe for your dog to nibble on those delicious bones? I dug into the details to bring you the complete guide on whether dogs can have turkey legs
As a fellow pet owner, I know how tough it is to resist those begging eyes when you’re snacking. But not all human foods are safe for canine consumption. So let’s break down the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision about turkey legs for your pup.
An Overview of Turkey Legs for Dogs
Turkey can be a healthy source of lean protein for dogs. It provides nutrients like zinc, phosphorus, and B vitamins. But what about gnawing on a big turkey leg bone? Here are the key things to consider:
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Fat content – The skin and meat near bones can be high in fat, which can trigger digestive upset in dogs.
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Seasonings – Flavors like salt and garlic are typically added to turkey legs and too much can be toxic for dogs.
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Bones – Cooked bones tend to splinter easily and can cause choking hazards or internal injuries.
So some dangers definitely exist. But dogs might be able to safely eat small amounts of boneless, unseasoned turkey meat under supervision. Let’s analyze the risks and benefits in more detail.
Potential Benefits of Turkey Meat for Dogs
Turkey meat without skin or bones does boast some healthy perks for canines
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Lean protein – Turkey breast is low in fat and delivers essential amino acids dogs need. This supports muscle growth and development.
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Vitamins and minerals – Turkey contains lots of B vitamins, phosphorus, zinc and selenium – all beneficial nutrients for dogs.
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Low calorie – With fewer calories than fattier meats like beef, turkey can be a smart choice for overweight pups.
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Bland flavor – The mild taste of turkey can make it a good option for dogs with sensitive stomachs who struggle with very rich foods.
So in moderation, plain turkey meat can provide valuable nutrition for dogs as part of a balanced diet. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and avoid seasoning.
Potential Risks of Feeding Dogs Turkey Legs
While the lean meat offers advantages, the legs themselves pose some hazards to be aware of:
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Choking hazards – Dogs are prone to wolfing down food. Gulping large chunks of turkey meat can lead to choking. Bones can also obstruct their airway.
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Gastrointestinal obstructions – Any bones can potentially splinter and block or puncture a dog’s digestive tract. This requires emergency veterinary treatment.
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High fat – The dark meat around leg bones is loaded with saturated fats. Too much can cause vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis.
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Seasonings – Most seasonings like garlic, onions, sage and salt are unsafe at high levels for dogs.
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Dehydration – Excessive salt intake found in seasoned turkey legs can lead to electrolyte imbalances.
So it’s clear why veterinarians typically advise against allowing dogs to chew on turkey legs. The bones and skin pose too much risk for most dogs.
Healthy Alternatives to Turkey Legs for Dogs
Rather than letting your dog nibble on your plate, there are other safer ways to give them the benefits of turkey:
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Lean turkey breast – Diced, cooked turkey breast has all the advantages of the meat without risky bones or skin.
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Turkey dog treats – Many stores sell turkey jerky and dried turkey strips made just for canines. These avoid seasonings harmful to dogs.
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Turkey dog food – Some commercial dog foods have turkey as the key protein. This gives balanced nutrition without excesses.
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Organ meats – Liver and gizzards are high in nutrients. Cook them plain to make a healthy but palatable topping for dog food.
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Turkey necks – These soft bones are fully digestible for most dogs. Just supervise to prevent too-eager gobbling.
So you have lots of options to let your dog benefit from turkey’s nutrition without endangering them with a whole leg bone.
Quick Safety Tips for Dogs and Turkey
To sum up, here are my top tips for safely feeding dogs any turkey meat:
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Remove all bones – cooked bones easily splinter and can injure dogs internally.
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Eliminate excess skin and fat – too much can lead to obesity or pancreatitis.
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Skip seasonings like onion, garlic and salt – most are unsafe for dogs.
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Introduce new foods gradually – and watch for signs of digestive upset.
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Dice meat into small pieces – reduces choking risk from swallowing large chunks.
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Supervise meal time – you may need to intervene if your dog gulps too rapidly.
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Ask your vet – if ever unsure, consult your veterinarian on appropriate turkey feeding.
Following these guidelines will let your dog gain the healthy benefits of turkey meat without the dangers of whole turkey legs.
Answering Common Questions on Dogs and Turkey Legs
Let’s wrap up by addressing some frequently asked questions about dogs and turkey legs:
Can dogs have smoked turkey legs?
No, smoked turkey legs are too high in sodium, fat and preservatives to be safe for dogs. Stick to plain turkey meat only.
What if my dog already ate a turkey leg bone?
Monitor them closely for signs of distress like vomiting, constipation or loss of appetite. Call your vet promptly if you have any concerns.
Is it OK if my large dog eats turkey bones?
No, even big dogs can choke on or be injured by turkey bones. Size does not make them safe. Always supervise and take away any bones.
Can dogs eat raw turkey legs?
No, raw poultry carries a high risk of salmonella or other bacteria that can make dogs sick. Cook turkey thoroughly before feeding.
Are there any turkey parts dogs can’t eat?
Bones, skin, excess fat or seasoned parts should all be avoided. Stick to lean cooked meat only.
I hope these answers help clarify the dos and don’ts of allowing dogs to eat turkey legs and other turkey parts. The bottom line – some plain, cooked, boneless turkey can safely be fed to dogs in moderation. But a whole leg with the skin and bone is too much of a hazard for most canines.
References
Can dogs eat raw turkey bones?
After reading all of these potential consequences, you’re probably wondering if your pup can even have turkey bones at all. The answer is yes, as long as the bones are raw. Raw bones, in general, are usually a good option for pups to have, but turkey and chicken bones (as well as other types of poultry) still tend to be thinner and splinter easier. So if you do share some raw bone with your dog, it’s important that you supervise them closely when they’re eating.
Raw bones and meat can come with additional risks for foodborne illness. Most healthy dogs should be able to handle raw bones. But, if you have an elderly or immunocompromised dog, check with your vet before feeding anything raw. Remember to clean your dog’s dish and any cutting boards, knives, and food prep areas that came in contact with raw meat or bone to avoid the spread of bacteria and foodborne illnesses.
Can dogs eat cooked turkey bones?
First things first, it’s important that you don’t ever feed cooked turkey bones to a dog. No matter how tempting it might be to let them have a little taste of that delicious holiday feast, cooked bones are dangerous for dogs. They can splinter and cause many problems, including injuries to the pup’s mouth and teeth, as well as intestinal blockages and gastric upset.
Injuries like broken teeth, cuts to the dog’s mouth, damage to the jaw, or bones lodged in the stomach may require surgery to repair. This is why it is important that you avoid giving your pup cooked bones. These injuries can be painful, expensive, and even in some cases, fatal. So, when it comes to cooked turkey bones and your pup, just say no (and don’t worry, we’ll remind you throughout the course of this blog post)!