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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 is a healthy, lean protein that can make a great addition to your dog’s diet when fed in moderation. But is it safe to feed ground turkey to dogs daily? Let’s take a closer look at the pros, cons, and healthy guidelines for feeding ground turkey to dogs on a regular basis
Benefits of Ground Turkey for Dogs
Ground turkey provides many nutritional benefits when included as part of a balanced canine diet:
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Lean protein – Turkey is a great source of lean, low-fat protein to help maintain and build muscle.
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Amino acids – Turkey contains amino acids like lysine and cysteine for growth and muscle maintenance.
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B vitamins – It is high in vitamin B6, niacin, and other B vitamins to support metabolism.
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Minerals – Turkey provides iron zinc, potassium phosphorus for blood, enzymes, bones, and nerve functioning.
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Lower fat – Ground turkey is lower in unhealthy fats compared to fatty meats like beef.
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Digestibility – Turkey is easy for most dogs to digest when introduced slowly,
For these reasons, ground turkey can be a healthy part of a dog’s balanced diet when fed properly.
Potential Concerns of Too Much Ground Turkey
While ground turkey does provide valuable nutrition for dogs, there are a few potential drawbacks to be aware of if fed in excess:
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Weight gain – Turkey contains more calories than some other lean meats, so overfeeding may lead to obesity. Stick to small portion sizes.
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Allergies – Some dogs may have allergies or intolerances to poultry. Discontinue feeding if signs of allergy appear.
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GI upset – Too much turkey could lead to loose stools or diarrhea if introduced too quickly. Transition slowly over several days.
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Nutritional imbalance – Excess turkey could create an imbalance of certain nutrients, so variety and moderation is key.
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Boredom – Feeding the same protein source daily could create taste fatigue and finicky eating over time. Rotate proteins.
As long as you feed appropriate portion sizes as part of a varied diet, ground turkey should pose little risk. Monitor your dog closely when introducing any new food.
Feeding Guidelines for Ground Turkey
When adding ground turkey to your dog’s diet, follow these tips for proper nutrition and food safety:
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Fully cook – Always cook ground turkey thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria. Avoid raw.
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Small portions – For a medium dog, feed 1-2 tablespoons max per day. Adjust up or down depending on size.
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Mix with meals – Mix a few spoonfuls of cooked ground turkey into your dog’s regular kibble or canned food.
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Limit fat – Choose 93-96% lean ground turkey and drain any excess fat after cooking.
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No seasoning – Do not add any oils, onions, garlic, salt or other seasoning which can harm dogs.
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No bones – Be sure to remove any bones before feeding ground turkey to avoid choking hazards.
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Moderation – Feed turkey no more than a few times per week as part of a varied diet for nutritional balance.
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Small breeds – Very small dogs should only eat ground turkey sparingly, as the high protein content may tax their kidneys.
Following these tips will allow you to safely incorporate ground turkey into your dog’s diet. But vary it up by rotating with other lean proteins as well.
Best Practices for Feeding Ground Turkey Daily
For dogs that tolerate ground turkey well, you can feel comfortable feeding it on a daily basis by following these best practices:
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Feed no more than 1-2 tablespoons daily based on your dog’s size and activity level.
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Mix turkey into dry or wet dog food to balance with carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
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Include other lean proteins like cooked chicken, fish, eggs or lamb a few days per week for variety.
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Choose 93-96% lean ground turkey and drain fat after cooking. Leaner cuts are best.
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Supplement with omega-3 oils like fish oil if not feeding fatty meats.
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Substitute turkey or chicken baby food as a softer option for senior dogs.
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Stop feeding if you notice any signs of an allergy and consult your veterinarian.
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Maintain yearly vet visits to monitor your dog’s health and nutritional status.
As long as your dog tolerates ground turkey well, enjoys the taste, and has no underlying conditions, it can be fed daily as part of a nutritious diet. But be sure to consult your vet if you have any concerns.
Answering Common Questions on Ground Turkey for Dogs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about feeding ground turkey to dogs:
How much ground turkey can I feed my dog daily?
For medium dogs, feed 1-2 tablespoons per day. Very small dogs should have 1 tsp or less. Adjust portions based on your dog’s weight and activity level.
Is ground turkey high in fat?
93-96% lean ground turkey contains just 1-4% fat, making it a healthy low-fat option. Be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking.
Can I season the ground turkey?
No. Do not add any oils, salt, garlic, onions or other seasonings as these can be toxic for dogs. Cook plain.
Is ground turkey easy to digest?
Ground turkey is usually well tolerated in small amounts when introduced slowly. It is more digestible than beef for sensitive dogs.
What is the best way to introduce ground turkey?
Mix just 1-2 teaspoons of cooked ground turkey into your dog’s meals for a few days. Then slowly increase portion sizes over 2 weeks.
Can I feed ground turkey bones?
No, always remove any bones before feeding ground turkey to avoid choking hazards or intestinal obstruction.
Can puppies eat ground turkey?
In small amounts, ground turkey can be fed to puppies over 12 weeks old. But large breed puppies should wait until full grown to prevent developmental issues.
The Bottom Line
Ground turkey can absolutely be included in your dog’s diet on a regular basis as part of a balanced diet. Just be sure to introduce it slowly, feed appropriate portion sizes, choose lean cuts, and mix it up with a variety of other healthy proteins. Consulting your vet can help you determine the right amount and frequency based on your dog’s needs. With a thoughtful approach, ground turkey can provide great nutritional value for dogs.
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.)
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.