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.
Can You Give a Dog a Turkey Leg? A Vet’s Guide to Safe Feeding
As the holidays roll around, turkey often becomes the centerpiece of festive meals. You may be tempted to share some tasty turkey meat with your canine companion. But is it safe to give your dog a turkey leg? Let’s explore the potential benefits and risks.
What is a Turkey Leg?
Turkey legs are the lower part of a turkey’s leg including the drumstick, shank and foot. They contain dark meat that is richer in fat iron, zinc and B vitamins compared to breast meat. Turkey legs offer a juicy, savory flavor when roasted or smoked. However, the skin, bones and seasoning pose potential hazards for dogs.
Potential Benefits of Turkey for Dogs
Lean turkey meat provides several nutritional benefits when fed to dogs in moderation:
-
Excellent Source of Protein – Turkey is loaded with high-quality protein to support your dog’s muscles and tissues. The amino acids in turkey help maintain lean muscle mass.
-
Contains Essential Nutrients – Turkey contains vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, phosphorus and B vitamins that are vital for overall health.
-
Promotes Heart Health – The L-carnitine in turkey may support heart function and cardiovascular health in dogs. It’s also relatively low in fat.
-
Natural Source of Glucosamine – Turkey contains natural glucosamine that helps maintain healthy joints and mobility. This is especially beneficial for senior dogs.
Potential Risks of Feeding a Turkey Leg
While turkey meat is safe for dogs, turkey legs pose certain risks you should be aware of:
-
Choking Hazard – The irregular shape and small bones could present a choking risk for dogs who gulp their food.
-
Gastrointestinal Blockages – Cooked bones tend to splinter and can puncture the stomach, intestines or esophagus.
-
Pancreatitis – The high fat content, especially in the skin, may trigger pancreatitis which can be life-threatening.
-
Seasonings – Onions, garlic, sage and other seasonings on turkey legs can cause toxicity.
-
Dehydration – Excessive sodium from smoked or cured turkey can lead to dehydration.
How to Safely Feed Turkey Leg Meat to Dogs
If you want to share some turkey with your pup, here are some tips for safe feeding:
-
Remove the skin and bones – The bones become brittle when cooked and can splinter. The skin is full of fat that can cause issues.
-
Choose plain, unseasoned meat – Onions, garlic and other spices used for flavoring are toxic for dogs. Go with plain roasted or boiled turkey.
-
Cut into bite-size pieces – Cut the meat into small pieces that are easy to chew and swallow to prevent choking.
-
Cook thoroughly – Ensure any raw turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill harmful bacteria like salmonella.
-
Start with small amounts – Introduce new meats gradually to allow your dog’s stomach to adjust. Too much may cause diarrhea or vomiting.
-
Avoid giving on an empty stomach – Feeding high-fat meats without anything else can increase risk of pancreatitis. Mix with their regular food.
-
Store properly – Refrigerate or freeze any leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-5 days to prevent spoilage.
Healthy Turkey-Based Dog Treats
For a nutritious turkey-themed treat, whip up some homemade dog biscuits like these:
Turkey and Cranberry Dog Biscuits
- 2 1⁄2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup shredded turkey breast
- 1⁄4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 egg
- 1⁄2 cup turkey broth
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix flour and baking powder. Stir in turkey, cranberries, egg and turkey broth until a dough forms. Roll out dough and cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before serving. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 week.
Turkey Mash Dog Treats
- 1 cup cooked turkey breast, finely chopped
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1⁄4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 egg
Mash sweet potato in a bowl until smooth. Mix in remaining ingredients until well combined. Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Cool before serving. Refrigerate unused portions for up to 5 days.
The Bottom Line
While turkey meat provides valuable nutrition, exercise caution when considering feeding your dog an actual turkey leg. The bones, skin, fat content and seasonings pose too much risk for safe consumption. For a healthy treat, stick with boneless, unseasoned, lean turkey meat fed in moderation. With some precautions, your pup can join in holiday meals without the dangers of turkey bones. As always, consult your vet if you have any concerns about new foods.
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)!
Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey Legs
FAQ
Can I give my dog a turkey leg bone?
What if my dog eats a whole turkey leg?
What part of turkey can dogs not eat?
Can dogs chew on turkey feet?