The holidays are a time for togetherness, gratitude, and lots and lots of food. As you prepare your Thanksgiving feast, your furry friend is likely looking up at you with begging eyes, hoping for a bite of turkey straight from the table. But is it safe for dogs to indulge in Thanksgiving turkey? I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about sharing turkey with your pup.
An Overview of Turkey for Dogs
Turkey meat contains lots of lean protein as well as important nutrients like riboflavin and phosphorous. Many commercial dog foods actually contain turkey as an ingredient. So turkey meat itself is not toxic or inherently dangerous for dogs
However, the way we typically prepare turkey for Thanksgiving dinner makes it less pet-friendly. Roasting a turkey whole means the skin is included which adds a lot of fat. The turkey is also coated in oil or butter and seasoned aggressively. All that salt spices, herbs, and fat can wreak havoc on your dog’s stomach and pancreas.
So while plain turkey meat is fine, you can’t simply toss your dog a slice of seasoned, roasted Thanksgiving turkey. Certain preparation methods and ingredients are no-no’s for canine consumption.
Dangerous Turkey Ingredients to Avoid
When considering sharing turkey with your dog, watch out for these potentially dangerous ingredients:
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Onions/Garlic: Onions are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Garlic is less dangerous but can still cause problems in large quantities. Avoid any turkey seasoned with onions or garlic.
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Fatty Skin: The fatty skin can lead to pancreatitis in dogs. Be sure to remove it before giving any turkey meat to your dog.
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Bones: NEVER feed your dog cooked turkey bones, which can splinter and cause injury or obstruction.
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Rich Gravy: Gravy made from turkey drippings is high in fat. Skip giving your dog any gravy atop their turkey.
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Herbs & Spices: Sage, pepper, rosemary and other strong seasonings can irritate your dog’s stomach. Stick to plain meat.
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Salty Brine: A salt-heavy turkey brine can cause excessive thirst and urination or even sodium ion poisoning. Avoid brined turkey.
How to Safely Feed Turkey to Your Dog
If you want let your dog indulge in Thanksgiving turkey, follow these tips:
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Remove all skin, bones, and visible fat before feeding. This eliminates choking hazards and high fat content.
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Verify there are no onions, garlic, or other toxic ingredients mixed in. Check both the turkey meat itself and any nearby stuffing.
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Feed only a small portion of turkey meat. Treat it as you would any people food “treat.” Too much can upset your dog’s stomach.
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Mix some plain turkey into your dog’s regular food instead of giving it alone. This helps avoid gastrointestinal issues.
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Consider moistening dry kibble with turkey broth instead of turkey fat/drippings. Broth is safer and lower in fat.
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Talk to your vet before introducing any new foods like turkey into your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has health conditions.
What About Turkey Bones and Skin?
While plain turkey meat is generally considered safe for canines, you should never feed your dog:
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Cooked turkey bones – Cooked bones of any kind can splinter and cause injury or intestinal obstruction. These are a choking hazard.
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Raw turkey bones – Though some owners feed raw bones, raw turkey bones may contain salmonella. Talk to your vet before feeding any raw meaty bones.
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Turkey skin – The fatty skin can trigger life-threatening pancreatitis in dogs. Avoid giving your dog any turkey skin.
Alternatives to Turkey for Dogs
If you’d rather not share turkey with your pup, don’t worry – there are lots of other ways to include your dog in the festivities! Consider these turkey-free options:
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Turkey or Thanksgiving-themed dog toys, like plush drumsticks.
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Turkey dog treats or chews, like turkey tendons or dried turkey strips.
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A meal of Thanksgiving-inspired canned dog food.
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An extra long walk before the big meal to tire them out.
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Letting them lick the gravy off a plate pre-washing (verify no onions first!).
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Simply reserving them some of their regular dog food away from the human food.
The Verdict: Yes, Dogs Can Eat Turkey!
Plain turkey meat without bones, skin, or rich seasoning is generally considered safe for healthy dogs to consume in small portions. While you shouldn’t make a habit of feeding table scraps, the occasional holiday treat of plain turkey is unlikely to harm your dog as long as you follow some basic precautions.
However, any sudden change in diet can upset your dog’s stomach or trigger other issues like pancreatitis. So talk to your vet before introducing any new foods. Monitor your dog closely after treating them to Thanksgiving turkey to be sure they don’t experience any gastrointestinal distress or other reaction.
With some common sense precautions, your dog can safely partake in the Thanksgiving turkey tradition. Just be sure to avoid feeding them any turkey bones, skin, or fatty drippings. Stick to a small portion of plain meat free of onions, garlic, spices, gravy, and other dangerous ingredients. Then you and your furry friend can enjoy a wonderful holiday feast together!
Your dog can safely eat the following Thanksgiving dinner foods:
- Turkey – Turkey meat is perfectly fine for dogs if you stick to the turkey meat that has not been prepared with any seasonings.
- Potatoes – Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamins. Regular potatoes are fine to give your dog if theyre boiled or baked with no added butter, sour cream, or seasonings. Serve in moderation.
- Green Beans – Plain green beans are full of vitamins and fiber and are a safe treat for dogs if theyre plain without any added seasonings or butter.
- Apples – Apples are another great source of fiber and vitamins. However, make sure to remove the skin and core as the seeds can be toxic.
- Pumpkin – Pumpkin is a fall favorite and is quite healthy for dogs. If you want to give some to your dog, make sure it is raw pumpkin without any spices or inside any baked goods. Those desserts may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
The American Kennel Club and American Veterinary Medical Association have compiled a list of traditional Thanksgiving foods that are safe to feed dogs and foods that should be avoided.
As we load up our plates for Thanksgiving dinner, it might be tempting to sneak your dogs a snack from the table. Before giving them a special treat, make sure what you are giving your pet is safe for them to eat. Its easy to offer up the turkey bones, but the American Kennel Club and American Veterinary Medical Association say to avoid bones because they can potentially cause damage to your pets digestive tract. Many other foods arent good for your pup, either.
“When it comes to the foods you shouldnt feed your dog, foods like ham, turkey skin, and gravy tend to be fatty, which can cause pancreatitis in dogs,” Sarah Bank, American Kennel Club Communications Coordinator, says. “Chocolate and other sweet holiday desserts contain xylitol, which is toxic for dogs. While raisins and grapes dont contain xylitol, they happen to be toxic as well.” Bank also said not to give your dogs foods that are heavily seasoned. However, there are healthier and safer choices to share with your dog on Thanksgiving.
From green beans to sweet potatoes, plenty of fall favorites can be good options for your dog to share in small portions during holiday festivities. “Moderation is key. Be mindful of how much youre giving your pet. Even if its healthy for them, too much can still cause stomach issues,” Bank said. Here is a list of foods your dog can eat and some your pup should avoid.
Can dogs eat Thanksgiving turkey?
FAQ
Is Thanksgiving turkey okay for dogs?
Is cooked turkey safe for dogs?
Can dogs eat stuffing from the turkey?
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?
Can a dog eat turkey if he is allergic?
Certain breeds, particularly those prone to allergies, may require extra caution when introducing new foods like turkey. Breeds like Bulldogs, Retrievers, and Terriers are more susceptible to food sensitivities.
Can dogs eat leftover turkey meat?
Here are the steps to take before you slip your dog those leftovers: Ensure that you’re only feeding them turkey meat and remove all the other ingredients. Garlic in large quantities and onions are toxic for dogs and will upset their stomachs. Remove the turkey skin.
Can dogs eat raw turkey?
But raw turkey can be harmful for your dog. Wismer recommends pet parents don’t offer their dog raw or undercooked turkey, because it may contain salmonella bacteria, which can make them sick. Related: Raw Food Diet for Dogs: Good or Bad?