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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 can be a healthy, nutritious addition to your dog’s diet When properly prepared, ground turkey provides lean protein, essential vitamins and minerals, and a tasty meaty flavor dogs love However, there are some things to consider before feeding your dog ground turkey. This article will cover the benefits of ground turkey for dogs, which parts are safe, proper preparation and serving sizes, and potential concerns to be aware of.
An Overview of Ground Turkey’s Nutritional Value
Ground turkey is packed with nutrition that makes it a great occasional treat or addition to your dog’s regular meals. Here are some of the main benefits:
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Lean Protein: Turkey is a lean meat, meaning it is low in fat. It contains around 25-30% protein, providing dogs with an efficient protein source to maintain and build muscle mass.
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Vitamins and Minerals Turkey contains vitamin B6, niacin iron zinc, potassium, and phosphorus. These vitamins and minerals support immune health, metabolism, oxygen transport, and enzyme function.
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Lower Calorie Ground turkey can contain fewer calories per ounce compared to fattier meats like beef or chicken with skin This makes it a smart choice for dogs needing to lose weight
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Hypoallergenic: For dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, or intolerances, ground turkey is often well tolerated since it contains different proteins than chicken or beef.
Which Turkey Parts Are Safe for Dogs?
When choosing ground turkey for your dog, opt for plain, unseasoned turkey made from breast meat or a combination of light and dark meat. Avoid ground turkey made solely from organ meats like livers as too much organ meat can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Skinless, boneless turkey breast is the leanest option. But a blend including some dark meat can provide a balance of lean protein from the breast and healthy fats from the legs and thighs. This gives a more complete amino acid profile.
Proper Preparation Guidelines
To maximize the nutritional benefits of ground turkey and avoid potential health risks, follow these preparation guidelines:
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Use only fresh, unseasoned turkey. Avoid pre-seasoned, smoked, or fried versions.
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Check the label to confirm there are no onions, garlic, spices, salt, or sugar added. These seasonings can be harmful to dogs.
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Cook the ground turkey thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. Raw turkey may contain harmful bacteria.
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Chop cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces for easier chewing and digestion if needed.
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For young puppies, you may want to shred or lightly process the turkey to make it easier to chew and digest.
Appropriate Serving Sizes
Since ground turkey is very lean, it’s best fed to dogs in moderation along with other balanced sources of nutrients. Here are some serving size guidelines:
- Small dogs under 15 lbs: No more than 2 tbsp per day
- Medium dogs 15-50 lbs: Up to 1/4 cup per day
- Large dogs over 50 lbs: Up to 1/2 cup per day
When introducing any new food, start slowly with small portions. Monitor your dog for any signs of an upset stomach or allergic reaction.
Potential Concerns and Risks
While ground turkey can be a healthy treat for dogs, there are a few potential concerns to keep in mind:
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Allergies: As with any new protein, some dogs may be allergic or intolerant to turkey. Observe for signs like itching, gastrointestinal upset, or skin irritation.
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Bacteria: Raw or undercooked turkey may contain Salmonella or other bacteria that can make dogs sick. Always cook thoroughly to recommended temperatures.
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Nutrient Balance: While nutritious, turkey by itself is not a complete and balanced diet. For optimal nutrition, pair with balanced commercial dog food or other foods like grains, veggies, and healthy fats.
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Pancreatitis: The high protein and low fat content of turkey mean it’s more likely to cause pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. Avoid overfeeding.
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Gastrointestinal Upset: Too much turkey, especially if introduced too quickly, may cause loose stools, gas, or vomiting.
The Verdict on Ground Turkey for 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.
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 I feed my dog ground turkey everyday?
FAQ
Can I feed my dog cooked ground turkey?
Is ground turkey better than ground beef for dogs?
Is ground turkey hard for dogs to digest?
What ground meats can dogs eat?
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.
Can dogs eat roast turkey?
Cooking meat kills the bacteria, making it a lot safer for you and your dog. Many of the seasonings commonly used to flavor roast turkey or ground meat are unhealthy or toxic for dogs. Garlic, onions, shallots, chives and any seasonings made from or containing these vegetables are toxic to dogs.
Can a dog eat turkey on Thanksgiving?
There’s no rule that says you have to share turkey with your dog on Thanksgiving (or on any day!). In fact, many dog owners spend lots of time and effort making sure their dogs don’t beg at the table, or they specifically don’t share food from their own plates. But if you choose to give turkey to your dog, there are safe ways to do so.