Many dogs love human foods. There’s no doubt about that. But food scraps don’t always agree with them. Some can cause digestive upset, while others can be downright toxic.
But can dogs eat turkey? It’s often included in dog food, but is giving them a piece of turkey from your table the same thing? While turkey is safe for dogs–good for them, too, actually–it doesn’t mean you should go overboard with the table scraps (yes, that includes during Thanksgiving!).
We talked to two veterinary experts about the benefits and risks of turkey for dogs, how to safely feed turkey to dogs, and more.Expert input provided by Bethany Hsia, DVM, mobile veterinarian and co-founder of
Turkey is a lean, protein-rich meat that’s a staple for many families, especially around the holidays. It’s only natural for dog owners to wonder whether they can toss their dog a piece of leftover turkey after a big meal The answer isn’t a simple yes or no While turkey can be a healthy treat for dogs, there are some important safety guidelines to follow.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey?
Plain, cooked turkey meat without skin, bones, or seasonings is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities Both white and dark turkey meat are rich sources of protein, minerals, and B vitamins like niacin and vitamin B6 Many commercial dog foods contain turkey meat as an ingredient.
However, the heavily seasoned, butter-basted turkey served at holiday dinners can cause problems for dogs. Ingredients like onions, garlic, rich gravy, butter, and even salt, can potentially lead to stomach upset, pancreatitis, and other issues.
So should dogs eat turkey? Here are some key dos and don’ts:
Safe Ways to Feed Turkey to Dogs
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Only feed plain, cooked turkey meat, without skin, bones, or any added fats/oils/seasonings.
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Double-check the meat to ensure no onions, garlic, or other cooked aromatics are mixed in. Onions and garlic can be toxic to dogs.
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Only offer small portions of turkey as an occasional treat, not a regular part of their diet. Too much can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
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Make sure no cooked bones are present, as these can splinter and pose a serious choking hazard or internal injury risk.
Unsafe Turkey-Related Foods for Dogs
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Avoid feeding dogs turkey skin, which is high in fat that can trigger pancreatitis.
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Do not feed turkey meat with any seasoning, gravy, oils/butter, onions, garlic, etc. Stick to 100% plain meat.
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Never give dogs raw or cooked turkey bones, which can cause serious injuries.
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Don’t add turkey into your dog’s regular diet without consulting your vet, especially for dogs with medical conditions. An abrupt food change could worsen problems like colitis.
Health Benefits of Turkey for Dogs
When fed properly in moderation, turkey can be a healthy occasional treat for dogs. Some benefits include:
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Lean protein: Turkey is a high-quality source of protein for maintaining and repairing muscle tissue. Dogs require sufficient protein in their diets.
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Vitamins and minerals: Turkey contains a variety of nutrients including niacin, vitamin B6, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium.
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Low fat content: Plain turkey meat without the skin is low in fat, supporting dogs’ cardiovascular health.
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Promotes energy: The abundance of B vitamins in turkey help dogs efficiently convert food into cellular energy.
Potential Risks of Feeding Turkey to Dogs
While turkey has benefits, there are also some potential health risks to be aware of:
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Pancreatitis: Excess fat from turkey skin, gravy, or oils may trigger this painful inflammation of the pancreas.
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Gastrointestinal issues: Seasonings, onions, garlic, and other incompatible ingredients can irritate dogs’ stomachs and intestines, causing vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or abdominal pain.
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Salmonella or other bacteria: Raw or undercooked turkey may contain harmful pathogens. Cook turkey thoroughly before feeding to dogs.
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Bone injuries: Cooked turkey bones easily splinter and can cause lacerations, blockages, constipation, or serious obstructions requiring emergency surgery if swallowed.
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Nutritional imbalance: Too much turkey could lead to deficiencies or excesses in certain nutrients when fed in large amounts long-term.
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Obesity: Excessive turkey treats on top of regular dog food can quickly lead to unhealthy weight gain.
Serving Turkey Safely to Your Dog
Follow these tips for safely incorporating turkey into your dog’s diet:
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Always monitor your dog when feeding turkey to prevent choking hazards.
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Introduce new proteins like turkey slowly and in small amounts at first to check for any allergic reactions.
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Opt for cooked, thoroughly lean, plain white or dark meat with no bones, skin, fat, or spices.
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Double-check for any cooked onions, garlic, or other toxic ingredients before feeding.
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Feed infrequently and sparingly as an occasional treat, not a staple protein source.
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Refrigerate or freeze leftover turkey to prevent bacterial growth, and don’t keep for more than 2-3 days.
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Don’t make any significant diet changes without consulting your veterinarian first.
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If your dog experiences vomiting, diarrhea, or other concerning symptoms after eating turkey, call your vet right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat deli turkey?
Deli meats like turkey and roast beef are very high in sodium from added salt/preservatives. Excessive sodium intake can cause serious neurological and kidney damage in dogs. It’s best to avoid feeding dogslunch meats unless they are completely unseasoned.
Can dogs eat cooked turkey bones?
Cooked poultry bones are unsafe for dogs to eat, as they become brittle and can easily splinter. These shards can then get stuck in or puncture your dog’s mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. Only feed dogs meat with no bones attached.
How much turkey can I feed my dog?
For a generally healthy adult dog, a few thin slices of plain turkey once or twice a week make an acceptable treat. Overfeeding turkey can lead to nutritional imbalances, obesity, and other issues though, so portion control is key.
Is turkey a hypoallergenic protein source for dogs?
No, turkey allergies in dogs are possible, although less common than beef or dairy allergies. Signs of a food allergy include itchy skin, ear infections, and gastrointestinal distress. Talk to your vet about allergy testing if your dog shows any signs of reacting poorly to turkey.
Can puppies eat turkey?
You can introduce plain, cooked turkey meat in small amounts after your puppy is fully weaned, around 8-12 weeks old. Ensure your puppy tolerates turkey before increasing portion sizes. Since puppy digestion is still developing, feed turkey in strict moderation.
In conclusion, adult dogs can enjoy plain cooked turkey meat in small, infrequent portions as an occasional treat. However, any turkey with bones, skin, fat, seasonings, or other additives should be avoided. Always exercise caution when feeding dogsfrom the table to prevent adverse reactions. Consult your vet if you have any concerns about whether turkey is appropriate for your dog. With some basic safety precautions, turkey can be a healthy supplemental protein.
Is Turkey Good for Dogs?
The short answer is, yes, turkey is good for dogs. However, it’s important to be mindful of how much turkey you’re giving your dog—and how you’re giving it to them.
Before getting into that, though, let’s look at the health benefits and potential risks of adding turkey to your dog’s diet.
It can lead to upset stomach or pancreatitis
Be mindful of the fat content of different types of meat. Dark meat is higher in fat and calories than white meat. The skin is also high in fat.
High-fat foods are harder on your dog’s digestive system and are more likely to cause health problems.
If you feed your dog too much dark meat with the skin on it, it can cause an upset stomach or lead to pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas.