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 Dogs Eat Turkey Legs? A Guide to Feeding Your Dog Turkey Safely
As Thanksgiving approaches, many dog owners wonder if they can share a taste of holiday feast with their furry companions by giving them turkey legs. While small amounts of boneless turkey meat can make a healthy treat turkey bones pose a real risk of injury or illness. This article provides pet parents with a comprehensive guide to safely feeding turkey legs and meat to dogs.
The Dangers of Turkey BonesTurkey bones, like all poultry bones, easily splinter when chewed by dogs These bone fragments can cause serious damage by puncturing or lacerating the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Eating turkey bones can also lead to intestinal obstructions or dental injury. While larger dogs are at risk, these dangers are especially acute for smaller dogs Because of their brittle nature, cooked turkey bones should never be fed to dogs under any circumstances.
Some Specific Risks of Feeding Turkey Bones
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Esophageal perforations and tears – These injuries allow food contents and bacteria to leak into the dog’s chest cavity, leading to potentially fatal mediastinitis or sepsis. Emergency surgery is typically required.
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Stomach or intestinal punctures – Turkey bone fragments can poke holes in a dog’s stomach or intestinal wall. This also allows leakage of intestinal contents into the abdomen and leads to peritonitis. Surgery may be needed.
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Intestinal blockages or obstructions – Splintered bones can get lodged in the small intestines or rectum, blocking the passage of food. This requires emergency surgery.
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Broken teeth – Turkey bones may crack or break dogs’ teeth. Tooth extraction and other dental surgery would be necessary.
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Choking – Dogs can easily choke on turkey bones, especially when swallowed in large chunks. Choking prevents breathing and requires emergency care.
Signs of Trouble After Eating Turkey Bones
Some signs that a dog may have internal injury or obstruction from eating poultry bones include:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Black, tarry stools
- Straining to pass stool
- Coughing or gagging
If any of these symptoms develop after a dog eats turkey bones, immediate veterinary care is essential. Timely treatment can help prevent a dire situation from becoming fatal.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Meat?
While turkey bones are too risky to feed dogs, unseasoned boneless turkey can make a healthy, lean treat. White meat turkey without skin contains high-quality protein for building and repairing muscles. It also provides vitamins and minerals like niacin, vitamin B6, selenium and phosphorus.
Lean turkey supports canine health in the following ways:
- Building and maintaining muscle mass
- Supplying energy with its protein and fat content
- Aiding digestion with phosphorus and B vitamins
- Boosting immunity through its zinc, iron and selenium
Turkey skin should not be fed because of its high fat content. Seasonings like garlic, onion or salt are also unsafe for dogs and may cause gastrointestinal upset. Plain boiled or baked turkey meat makes the best and safest treat.
How Much Turkey Can Dogs Eat?
While nutritious and delicious, turkey meat should always be fed in strict moderation. The approximate maximum amounts that dogs can safely consume depend on their size:
- Small dogs: 1 to 2 oz
- Medium dogs: 2 to 4 oz
- Large dogs: 4 to 6 oz
- Giant dogs: 6 to 8 oz
Consuming too much turkey can lead to gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, weight gain or other problems. Stick to small portions offered occasionally, not exceeding 10% of the dog’s daily calorie needs. Never feed turkey daily or as a primary part of the diet.
Tips for Safely Feeding Turkey Meat to Dogs
Follow these tips for giving your dog turkey meat safely:
- Choose plain, boneless, cooked white turkey meat with no skin, fat, bones, seasoning or stuffing
- Cool fully before serving to prevent burns
- Cut or shred into bite-sized pieces for easy chewing and digestion
- Feed appropriate portion sizes based on your dog’s size
- Provide plenty of fresh water to help digest the protein
- Refrigerate promptly and avoid leaving turkey out for bacteria to grow
- Supervise your dog while eating to be sure they chew thoroughly
Avoid Overindulging During Holidays!
While the holidays are a time for indulging, resist sharing holiday dishes or table scraps with your dog. Excessive treats can quickly lead to weight gain and other health issues. Focus giving your dog their own safe, healthy turkey meat snack, not your food.
In Conclusion…
Cooked turkey bones should never be fed to dogs due to major health risks. However, boneless, plain cooked turkey meat makes an excellent occasional lean protein treat. By following proper portion guidelines and preparation methods, you can allow your dog to enjoy turkey safely this holiday season. Most importantly – keep those turkey bones away from your dog! With caution and moderation, your pooch can join in the Thanksgiving fun.
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 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 Raw Turkey Legs
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