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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.
Ground turkey has become an increasingly popular choice for pet owners looking for a lean protein-packed meat to add to their dog’s diet. But is ground turkey truly safe and healthy for dogs? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of feeding ground turkey to dogs.
The Benefits of Ground Turkey for Dogs
There are several reasons why ground turkey makes a nutritious choice for canine meals:
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High in Protein Turkey is a great source of lean protein, which dogs require for building and maintaining muscles The protein in ground turkey is easily digestible and contains essential amino acids.
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Low in Fat. Regular ground turkey is much lower in fat than fattier meats like beef, making it less likely to cause pancreatitis or other fat-related conditions. Look for 90-93% lean turkey to limit the fat content.
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Rich in Nutrients. Ground turkey contains vitamins and minerals including iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus and B vitamins. These support immune function, metabolism, growth and energy levels.
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Helps Dogs Feel Fuller. The protein and low fat in ground turkey can help dogs feel satisfied between meals. This may aid weight management programs.
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Relatively Affordable. Ground turkey tends to cost less than similar amounts of lean ground beef or other specialty dog foods. This makes it budget-friendly to add to your dog’s diet.
How to Feed Ground Turkey Safely
To maximize the health benefits while avoiding potential risks, here are some tips for feeding ground turkey to dogs:
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Choose Plain, Unseasoned Meat. Avoid pre-seasoned turkey meat loaded with onions, garlic, salt and other flavorings that are unsafe for dogs. Stick with 100% plain ground turkey with no additives.
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Cook Thoroughly to 165°F. Raw or undercooked turkey can harbor bacteria like salmonella. Cook until well-done and use a food thermometer to verify it reaches 165°F minimum.
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Avoid Fatty Dark Meat. The dark turkey meat is much higher in fat compared to white breast meat. Choose lean ground turkey made from breast meat when possible.
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Limit Portion Size. Since ground turkey is very rich, too much can lead to gastrointestinal upset. For a medium dog, stick to 2-3 ounces daily maximum. Adjust amounts based on your dog’s size and needs.
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Mix with Familiar Foods. Introduce ground turkey gradually mixed with your dog’s regular food to avoid digestive issues from a sudden diet change. Once adapted, you can feed larger amounts.
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Don’t Rely on It As a Sole Food Source. Ground turkey should be fed as part of a balanced diet, not the only food your dog eats. Variety is important to canine nutrition.
Potential Concerns with Ground Turkey
While ground turkey can be a healthy choice, there are a few potential downsides to consider as well:
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High in Phosphorus. Turkey contains more phosphorus than most meats. Excess phosphorus can be dangerous for dogs with kidney disease. Talk to your vet before feeding.
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Can Cause Allergies. Turkey is a common allergen for dogs. Signs of an allergy include itching, ear infections and digestive issues. Stop feeding if you suspect an allergy.
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More Sodium than Plain Turkey. Depending on the brand, ground turkey may contain added sodium for flavor. This can be harmful to dogs prone to heart disease. Check labels for sodium content.
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Higher Fat than Breast Meat. If not using lean breast meat, ground turkey can be significantly higher in fat compared to skinless turkey breast. The extra fat is unnecessary for dogs.
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Risk of Salmonella. As with any raw meat, turkey carries some risk of salmonella or other bacteria if undercooked. Take care to cook thoroughly and avoid cross-contamination.
Tips for Serving Ground Turkey
Here are some simple ways to incorporate healthy ground turkey into your dog’s diet:
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Mix with dry kibble or canned dog food. The turkey juices help moisten and add flavor.
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Stuff into Kong toys or chew bones then freeze for a fun, bonding treat.
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Add to homemade dog food along with cooked grains, veggies and supplements.
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Use as training treats by cutting cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces. Refrigerate or freeze for longer storage.
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Make turkey meatballs by combining ground turkey with whole wheat bread crumbs and egg. Cook and store for quick snacks.
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Create tasty turkey broth for adding moisture to kibble. Simmer ground turkey in water then strain out the meat.
The Verdict on Ground Turkey
When chosen wisely and fed properly, ground turkey can be a nutritious addition to most dogs’ diets. Lean ground turkey provides high-quality protein, important vitamins and minerals, and helps keep dogs feeling satisfied. Just be sure to introduce it slowly, avoid fatty varieties, and always cook thoroughly before feeding. Check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about ground turkey’s suitability for your unique dog.
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?
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.
Can I feed my dog ground turkey everyday?
FAQ
Is cooked ground turkey good for dogs?
How much ground turkey can I give my dog?
Is ground turkey better than ground beef for dogs?
Is ground turkey hard for dogs to digest?
Can dogs eat ground turkey?
You can use ground turkey to reward your dog for good behavior. When feeding ground turkey to your dog, it is important to make sure that the ground turkey is cooked thoroughly. You should also avoid giving your dog ground turkey that has been seasoned with onions, garlic, or other spices. Ground turkey is a safe and healthy food for dogs to eat.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
How much ground Turkey should a dog eat a day?
As a general rule, you should feed your dog no more than 10% of their daily calories in ground turkey. For a 10-pound dog, this would be about 1/2 cup of ground turkey per day. It is also important to cook ground turkey thoroughly before feeding it to your dog. This will help to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present.
Can a dog eat a Thanksgiving turkey?
Breeds like Bulldogs, Retrievers, and Terriers are more susceptible to food sensitivities. Consult with a veterinarian before incorporating turkey, following the guideline of consulting with professionals for personalized advice tailored to the specific needs of the dog. Can I feed my dog leftover Thankgiving turkey with seasoning?