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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.
Turkey bones are a controversial topic among dog owners. We’ve all heard the saying “throw a dog a bone,” but is it safe to give your pup turkey bones? This article will cover everything you need to know about feeding turkey bones to dogs.
The Short Answer
The short answer is no, dogs should not eat turkey bones The only exception is raw turkey necks, which are generally safe if supervised Turkey bones are small, brittle, and prone to splintering. This makes them a choking hazard and can cause injuries to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.
The Dangers of Turkey Bones
Most veterinarians advise against feeding any poultry bones to dogs, including turkey. Here’s why
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Brittle when cooked – Cooking causes bones to become brittle and prone to splintering. These splinters can then lodge in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
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Sharp when raw – Raw turkey bones are less likely to splinter but can still puncture or become lodged in the throat or digestive tract. Pieces can break off and be swallowed.
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Difficult to digest – Turkey bones do not break down easily compared to other raw meats. The bone pieces can collect in the stomach or intestines and cause a blockage.
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Choking hazard – Like any bone, turkey bones can become lodged in the throat, leading to choking. This is especially risky with small turkey bones.
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Foodborne illness – Raw turkey may contain Salmonella or other bacteria that can make your dog sick.
So while dogs can technically eat raw turkey bones, the multitude of risks make them inappropriate as a chew or treat.
Are Raw Turkey Necks OK?
While most other turkey bones are too small and brittle, turkey necks do have some advantages. Turkey necks contain lots of cartilage which is softer and less likely to splinter. The size helps prevent swallowing chunks of bone.
However, raw turkey necks still come with quite a few warnings:
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Supervise your dog the entire time to monitor choking or digestive issues.
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Only feed large breed adult dogs turkey necks, not small dogs or puppies.
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Introduce slowly or it may cause digestive upset.
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Stop feeding immediately if you notice vomiting, constipation, or other signs of distress.
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Wash hands and bowls thoroughly to prevent potential spread of bacteria.
If you want to try turkey necks, go slowly with supervision and stop at the first sign of trouble. Most vets still do not recommend them.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Turkey Bones
If your dog accidentally eats turkey bones, here are some steps to take:
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First, check if they are choking. If so, follow procedures for helping a choking dog.
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Call your vet for advice. They may recommend coming in or just monitoring at home.
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Look for signs of injury or distress over the next 2-3 days including vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, etc.
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Check stools for bone fragments. If you don’t see remnants after 3-4 days, have your vet examine your dog for potential obstructions.
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Bread or mashed potatoes can sometimes help bones pass more easily. But ask your vet before giving anything.
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If your dog shows signs of injury or distress, go to the vet immediately. Prompt treatment is crucial.
While incidents don’t always end in injury, turkey bones should be avoided whenever possible. Quick action is key if your dog manages to grab one.
Signs of Trouble After Eating Turkey Bones
After eating turkey bones, watch for any of the following symptoms and seek veterinary care immediately if observed:
- Choking, gagging, trouble breathing
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Black or bloody stool
- Crying or whimpering in pain
- Difficulty pooping
- Lacerations in the mouth
Don’t wait and hope the symptoms resolve on their own. Get veterinary help right away if you notice any of these signs. Timely treatment is essential for the best outcome.
Alternatives to Turkey Bones
The risks of turkey bones simply outweigh any benefits. But what about satisfying your dog’s desire to chew? Here are some safer alternatives:
Raw meaty bones – Raw beef or lamb bones are dense enough to withstand chewing. Always supervise to prevent choking.
Recreational bones – These are bones specially made for dog chewing. Look for an edible variety without plastic.
Beef kneecaps – These bony treats offer an extended chew time. Make sure to get an appropriately sized one.
Bully sticks – These dried bull penises offer long-lasting chewing and are easily digestible.
Antlers – Deer and elk antlers are a popular chewing option that lasts a while.
Nylon chews – Try a flavored nylon bone for durable chewing that helps clean teeth.
Frozen chews – Frozen carrots or Kongs filled with peanut butter provide cold relief while chewing.
Skip the turkey bones and choose a safer chew. Monitor your dog with any new option to ensure it’s working for them.
Raw Diet Cautions
If you feed a raw diet, take extra care regarding raw bones. Ensure you are sourcing quality ingredients free of bacteria. Handling and storage also require more diligence when pathogens are a concern.
Many premade frozen raw diets exclude bones for safety and balance. Bones can throw off the nutritional formulation if included. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian about the best diet plan for your individual dog.
Key Takeaways on Turkey Bones and Dogs
To recap, most veterinary experts recommend against feeding turkey bones to dogs. The main risks include:
- Choking on bones or bone fragments
- Mouth/throat lacerations
- Splinters getting lodged in the digestive tract
- Perforations in the stomach or intestines
- Blocked intestines requiring surgery
The only exception may be raw turkey necks under very close supervision. Even then, most vets advise avoiding turkey bones altogether. If an accident happens, monitor closely and seek prompt veterinary care at the first sign of trouble.
While dogs may crave bones, there are many safer chew options available. Stick to bone-free treats to avoid putting your dog at risk of injury or illness. Say no to turkey bones for a happier, healthier companion.
How to Safely Feed Your Dog Turkey
If you decide to feed your dog turkey, keep these tips in mind.
- Remove turkey skin: Too much fat (from the skin itself, plus whatever butter or oil was used for roasting or frying) and seasonings are dangerous for dogs. High fat content can cause pancreatitis, while all the extra spices and seasonings can irritate your dog’s stomach.
- Only feed your dog turkey meat: Pick through whatever meat portion you’re offering your dog to ensure none of the roasting aromatics are mixed in. Onions are toxic to dogs, and garlic can be toxic in large quantities.
- Feed your dog small portions of turkey meat: Talk to your vet about adding occasional food scraps into your dog’s diet before deciding to feed them turkey, especially if your dog has a preexisting health condition, like diabetes. Keeping portions small, and more like a treat, helps healthy dogs avoid any stomach upset from eating different foods than they’re used to.
- No cooked turkey bones: Make sure whatever portion of turkey you decide to feed your dog contains just meat, and that there are no cooked turkey bones mixed in or still attached.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey?
Whether or not dogs can eat turkey depends on how the turkey is cooked. Turkey is not inherently toxic to dogs. It’s used as an ingredient in many commercial dog foods, and is rich in protein, riboflavin, and phosphorous. When turkey is cooked plain—in other words, without added salt, fat, or seasonings—turkey can be a wholesome part of a homemade dog food diet under the guidance of your veterinarian.
That said, the turkey we eat on Thanksgiving platters is rarely cooked “plain.” We rub our birds with butter or oil, and season them with all sorts of combinations of salt, pepper, herbs, and spices. Many cooks opt to stuff their turkey with onions, garlic, apples, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and more. To people eating the meal, all of these flavors, aromas, and textures can be delicious. For our dogs, some of these seemingly healthy ingredients can actually be toxic (ie, onions). Even if some common Thanksgiving ingredients aren’t exactly toxic to dogs, they can still be a recipe for unpleasant digestive upset or pancreatitis. (And just so there’s no confusion: onions are toxic to dogs.)
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones? Yes and No!
FAQ
Can you give dogs raw turkey bone?
What parts of a raw turkey can a dog eat?
Do raw turkey bones splinter?
Are any raw bones safe for dogs?
Can dogs eat raw turkey bones?
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.
Can dogs eat raw chicken bones?
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.
Can dogs eat raw meaty bones?
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.
Are turkey bones toxic to dogs?
Turkey bones aren’t toxic, so you don’t need to worry about rushing your dog to the vet in most cases. However, they aren’t safe and can cause a range of complications. Therefore, monitoring is very important in these situations. Firstly, don’t panic. Although the bone can cause problems for some dogs, the chance of serious complications is low.