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Thanksgiving, for most families in the United States, is all about the turkey. Hours go into the roasting and basting of the bird, and once the Thanksgiving feast is over, there are turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, and turkey casseroles to make. With all of that leftover turkey, what about sharing some with our dogs, whether slipped surreptitiously under the table, or on a Thanksgiving “plate” of their own?
But can dogs eat turkey? Is turkey good for dogs? Are any risks to feeding dogs turkey? We’ll walk through everything you need to know about turkey for dogs, from the benefits to the risks.
Can Dogs Have Smoked Turkey? A Vet’s Guide to Safety and Health Benefits
Smoked turkey is a delicious treat that many pet owners wonder if they can share with their canine companions. As a veterinarian, I’m often asked, “Can dogs have smoked turkey?” The answer is not quite as simple as a yes or no. There are some potential health benefits to feeding dogs smoked turkey, but there are also some risks to be aware of. In this article, I’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the pros and cons, proper serving sizes, preparation tips, and safety precautions for feeding smoked turkey to dogs.
Potential Benefits of Smoked Turkey for Dogs
When prepared properly and fed in moderation, smoked turkey can provide the following nutritional benefits for dogs:
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Protein Turkey is a lean, low-fat source of high-quality protein Protein provides amino acids that help build and maintain muscle mass and strength.
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Vitamins and Minerals. Turkey contains B vitamins like niacin and B6. It also provides zinc, iron, potassium, and phosphorus. These vitamins and minerals support immune health, metabolism, blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and enzyme function.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Smoked turkey can provide omega-3s like alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Omega-3s benefit skin/coat health and reduce inflammation in joints and tissues.
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Low Calorie. Turkey is a low-calorie way to provide protein without excess fat or calories that lead to obesity.
When fed properly, smoked turkey can be a nutritious addition to a dog’s diet. The key is moderation and avoiding any unhealthy additions during cooking or preparation.
Potential Risks of Feeding Smoked Turkey to Dogs
While smoked turkey provides benefits, there are some potential risks to be aware of:
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High Sodium. Smoked meats like turkey often contain very high amounts of sodium from brining, curing, or smoking processes. Excessive sodium can cause gastrointestinal upset and dehydration. At worst, it can lead to sodium ion poisoning.
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Spices, Herbs, Garlic, and Onions. Many smoked turkey recipes include ingredients like garlic, onion, paprika, etc. These spices and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and even red blood cell damage in dogs.
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Fat Content. The skin on smoked turkey contains a high amount of fat. Excessive fat consumption can lead to pancreatitis and other issues.
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Bones. Bones can splinter and pose a risk of mouth/gastrointestinal lacerations or obstructions.
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Quality Issues. Poor quality smoked turkey may contain pathogens like salmonella. Spoiled smoked turkey can also cause food poisoning.
While smoked turkey has some risks, those can be managed by proper preparation and portion control. Consulting your vet can ensure your dog avoids any ingredients that don’t agree with them.
Recommended Serving Sizes for Dogs
When initially introducing smoked turkey, start with very small serving sizes:
- Small Dogs: No more than 1 oz
- Medium Dogs: 1 – 2 oz
- Large Dogs: 2 – 3 oz
Once you know your dog tolerates it well, smoked turkey should still comprise no more than 10% of their overall daily calories. Overfeeding can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Monitor your dog’s body condition and adjust portion sizes to avoid weight gain.
How to Prepare Smoked Turkey for Dogs
To maximize benefits and minimize risks, follow these preparation tips:
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Choose plain smoked turkey without sauces or rubs. Avoid flavored smoked turkey breasts or poultry that contains paprika, garlic, onions, etc.
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Remove the skin before feeding. The skin contains a significant amount of fat.
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Take the meat off the bone. Bones can splinter and pose a hazard.
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Rinse smoked turkey under water for 1 minute before serving. This reduces excess surface sodium.
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Cut smoked turkey into bite-size pieces to reduce choking risk.
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Refrigerate promptly after serving to prevent spoilage. Discard any leftovers after 3-5 days.
Safety Precautions for Feeding Smoked Turkey
Follow these precautions to keep your dog safe when feeding smoked turkey:
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Introduce new foods slowly. Start with a small portion and monitor for any intestinal upset.
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Avoid giving smoked turkey in excess. Overconsumption can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Stick with the recommended serving sizes.
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Supervise your dog when eating. Make sure they swallow pieces completely without choking.
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Know the signs of intestinal obstruction or pancreatitis. Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or abdominal pain require prompt vet attention.
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Don’t give smoked turkey bones. Opt for boneless meat only.
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Ask your veterinarian about any seasonings/spices to definitely avoid based on your dog’s health.
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Never feed smoked turkey that smells bad or looks spoiled. Discard if it’s past the expiration or sell-by date.
If your dog experiences vomiting, diarrhea, or other concerning symptoms after eating smoked turkey, stop serving it and call your vet.
Healthy Dog Food Alternatives
While the occasional small serving of smoked turkey can be safe for dogs, it shouldn’t become a dietary staple. Here are some healthier everyday alternatives:
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Dry Dog Food: Look for a high-quality commercial formula appropriate for your dog’s life stage and activity level. Dry kibble provides balanced nutrition.
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Fresh Cooked Turkey: Plain roasted, baked, or boiled turkey provides protein without excess sodium or spices. Remove bones and skin first.
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Lean Meat: Chicken, beef, pork, or fish offer protein, B vitamins, and minerals. Avoid fatty cuts.
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Eggs: Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs provide protein and nutrients for dogs.
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Greek Yogurt: Look for unsweetened, low-fat yogurt. Yogurt contains probiotics and calcium.
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Fruits/Veggies: Carrots, green beans, apples, blueberries, etc. provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
For everyday meals, homemade cooked food or a premium commercial kibble will keep your dog healthy without the risks of smoked meats. But the occasional nibble of plain smoked turkey can be a safe treat in moderation. Keep portion sizes small, and monitor for any signs of stomach upset or allergic reaction. By following some basic preparation and serving tips, smoked turkey can be shared and enjoyed by the whole family! Just make sure to check with your vet before introducing any new food or treat to your dog.
Frequency of Entities:
smoked turkey – 28
dogs – 24
turkey – 10
can – 7
poultry – 1
dog – 4
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones?
Cooked poultry bones are brittle. This, combined with their smaller size, makes them very dangerous for dogs. Veterinarians caution against feeding dogs cooked bones of any kind, including poultry bones, as they can cause the following problems:
- Mouth and tongue injuries
- Obstruction of the throat or intestinal tract
- Choking
- Possibly piercing stomach and intestine lining
- Constipation
- Rectal bleeding from sharp bone fragments
- Blockages that require emergency surgery
Some dog owners will choose to feed their dogs raw meaty bones as part of their diet, and in consultation with their vet. Raw turkey necks are a common choice for this purpose, but any raw meaty bone carries with it a risk of exposure to bacteria like salmonella. Talk with your vet about using raw meaty turkey bones for your dog to learn more about possible risks and benefits.
Choosing The Right Breed
AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
Thanksgiving, for most families in the United States, is all about the turkey. Hours go into the roasting and basting of the bird, and once the Thanksgiving feast is over, there are turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, and turkey casseroles to make. With all of that leftover turkey, what about sharing some with our dogs, whether slipped surreptitiously under the table, or on a Thanksgiving “plate” of their own?
But can dogs eat turkey? Is turkey good for dogs? Are any risks to feeding dogs turkey? We’ll walk through everything you need to know about turkey for dogs, from the benefits to the risks.
Dog bones: Which Are Safe For Dogs? | Ultimate Pet Vet
Can you give a dog smoked turkey?
When giving them smoked turkey, remove the skin and bones. The bones can splinter and cause internal damage, while the skin is high in fat which can lead to different health issues. It is better to avoid feeding them smoked turkey entirely.
Can dogs eat turkey meat?
Yes, your dogs can safely eat turkey, provided that they do not contain any ingredients that are considered harmful to them. When giving turkey meat to your dogs, make sure the meat is cooked properly. Raw or undercooked turkey meat may contain Salmonella, which may cause food poisoning for your furry friends.
What happens if a dog eats smoked turkey?
Smoked turkey often goes into a brining process, which uses lots of salt for flavor and preservation. Smoked turkey and other processed deli meats like ham, bacon, sausages, or bratwurst, contain high amounts of salt, among other ingredients. When your dogs consume a large amount of salt, they can quickly become dehydrated.
Are smoked turkey necks bad for dogs?
Like smoked turkey meat, smoked turkey necks may also contain ingredients like salt, spices, and seasonings that can negatively affect your dog’s health. So it might be best to skip it and switch to better and healthier options.