AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
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.
Smoked turkey breast is a popular deli meat that many dog owners wonder if they can share with their furry friend It’s only natural to want to give your dog a taste of the foods you enjoy. However, smoked turkey contains ingredients that may be unsafe for dogs This article will examine if and how dogs can eat smoked turkey breast safely.
An Overview of Smoked Turkey Breast
Smoked turkey breast is turkey meat that has been cured and smoked over wood chips to impart flavor The smoking process cooks the meat while also preserving it In addition to wood smoke, smoked turkey breast contains a number of other ingredients such as water, turkey broth, salt, sugar, sodium phosphates, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite, and seasonings.
These ingredients serve various purposes like improving flavor, texture, moisture retention, and shelf life. However, some of these added ingredients can be problematic for dogs.
Potential Dangers of Feeding Smoked Turkey to Dogs
While smoked turkey breast is safe for human consumption. there are a few reasons why it may not be ideal for dogs
-
High Sodium Content – Smoked turkey contains a lot of added sodium from salt, sodium phosphates, and other sodium compounds. Excessive sodium can cause increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, and even sodium ion poisoning in dogs.
-
Nitrates/Nitrites – These compounds are commonly used in cured meats to preserve color and prevent botulism. However, high levels of nitrates and nitrites can be toxic to dogs and cause a condition called methoglobinemia.
-
Garlic & Onions – Some smoked turkey products contain garlic or onions for added flavor. Both members of the allium family are toxic to dogs and can damage their red blood cells.
-
Artificial Preservatives – Smoked turkey may contain preservatives like sodium erythorbate. While considered safe for people, some artificial preservatives can cause allergic reactions or stomach upset in canines.
-
Fat Content – The high fat content of smoked turkey skin can trigger acute pancreatitis in dogs.
-
Spices & Seasonings – Smoked turkey breast often contains spices, herbs or flavorings that may cause gastric distress in dogs.
So while smoked turkey breast is not outright toxic to dogs, there are definitely some problematic ingredients to be aware of. Moderation and care should be taken when feeding it.
Can Dogs Eat Smoked Turkey Breast Safely?
The answer is yes, dogs can eat smoked turkey breast safely, but only if it is prepared properly. Here are some tips for feeding smoked turkey breast to dogs:
-
Remove the skin and visible fat first, as the high fat content can cause pancreatitis. Stick to feeding just the lean smoked turkey meat.
-
Check the ingredient label and avoid any smoked turkey that contains onions, garlic, artificial preservatives, or heavy spice blends.
-
Rinse the turkey under water to remove excess surface salt and seasonings. This helps reduce the sodium levels.
-
Feed only very small amounts infrequently, like a few thin slices 2-3 times a month. Too much can overload your dog with sodium.
-
Introduce new foods slowly to check for allergies or intolerances. Discontinue feeding if you notice any digestive upset.
-
Never feed smoked turkey bones, as cooked bones splinter easily and can pierce internal organs.
Following these guidelines will allow your dog to enjoy smoked turkey breast as an occasional treat without endangering their health. Monitor your dog closely when introducing any new food. And as always, consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Healthier Meat Alternatives for Dogs
While smoked deli meats are not ideal everyday foods for dogs, there are plenty of healthier meat-based treats and foods to feed them instead. Here are some dog-friendly alternatives:
Plain Cooked Turkey or Chicken
Lean cooked turkey or chicken breast provides protein without unwanted seasonings or preservatives. cook it simply by baking, boiling, or grilling plain turkey or chicken meat.
Frozen or Freeze-Dried Raw Turkey
Raw frozen or freeze-dried turkey is minimally processed and contains more nutrients than smoked deli meats. Check with your vet before feeding raw.
Low-Sodium Turkey Hot Dogs
Some brands make low-sodium all-turkey hot dogs that are safer for dogs than seasoned deli meats. Check labels and feed occasionally in moderation.
Dehydrated Turkey for Dogs
Pet stores carry dehydrated turkey strips made specifically for dogs. These are free of onions, garlic, fat, and harmful preservatives.
Canned Dog Food with Turkey
High-quality canned dog foods containing turkey provide a balanced meal without excess sodium or spices. Choose products made for dog consumption.
The Verdict
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.
Is cooked turkey OK for dogs?
FAQ
Can dogs eat smoked turkey?
Can dogs eat packaged turkey breast?
Can dogs eat smoked meat?
What deli meats can dogs eat?