Summer has arrived, and the enticing aroma of hot dogs sizzling on the grill wafts through the air. As you’re loading up your bun with all the fixings, you catch your canine companion giving you “the look”—that pleading stare that begs for a taste of the grilled goodness.
But can dogs eat hot dogs? Unlike other summer BBQ foods dangerous for dogs, it’s safe to give your tail-wagging pal small pieces of plain, cooked hot dog in moderation. Of course, there are some cautions and guidelines to consider. We spoke with a vet expert to learn how to safely treat your furry friend with this all-American food.
Expert input provided by Dr. Alex Schechter, DVM, co-founder of Burrwood Veterinary in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Come Thanksgiving, many pet owners find themselves wondering if they can share a holiday favorite with their furry friend – turkey franks. These sausage-like processed meat products are a staple during Thanksgiving feasts. But are turkey franks safe and healthy for dogs to eat?
In this complete guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about feeding turkey franks to dogs, including
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What exactly are turkey franks?
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Potential health risks of turkey franks for dogs
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Healthier meat alternatives to turkey franks
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Safe ways to let your dog enjoy turkey flavors
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Expert opinions on turkey franks for dogs
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the pros and cons to make an informed decision before sharing turkey franks with your pup this holiday season.
What Are Turkey Franks?
Turkey franks are a processed meat product made from ground turkey thigh and breast meat mixed with water, salt, spices, and other binders and preservatives. The turkey meat mixture is stuffed into a collagen casing to make the familiar hot dog or sausage shape.
Turkey franks can come smoked or unsmoked. They are typically lower in fat than beef and pork hot dogs, as turkey is a leaner protein. But turkey franks are still high in sodium from added salt.
Common brands of turkey franks include Butterball, Jennie-O, Hebrew National, and Oscar Mayer. They can be purchased pre-cooked or raw.
Potential Health Risks of Turkey Franks for Dogs
While turkey franks may seem like a harmless holiday treat, there are a few potential health concerns to consider before feeding them to your dog:
High Sodium Content – Like most processed meats, turkey franks are very high in sodium to help preserve them. Too much sodium can be problematic for dogs and lead to excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, and even sodium ion poisoning in severe cases.
Fat Content – Even though turkey is lean, the addition of skin and fat from other turkey parts can make some turkey franks high in fat. Excessive fat can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
Preservatives – Preservatives like nitrites and nitrates help keep turkey franks shelf-stable but have been linked to cancer in humans. While less studied in dogs, some vets recommend avoiding these chemical preservatives.
Seasonings – Many turkey franks contain lots of added seasonings and spices like garlic, onion, paprika, nutmeg, and sage. These seasonings can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
Raw Meat Risk – Raw turkey franks carry risks of salmonella and E. coli bacteria that can make dogs very sick. Always cook turkey franks thoroughly before feeding.
So while the turkey meat itself is fine, some of the additions in processed turkey franks can be problematic for your dog. Talk to your vet if you have any concerns.
Healthier Meat Alternatives to Turkey Franks
If you want to avoid the risks of processed turkey franks, there are safer meat options to feed your dog instead:
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Plain Cooked Turkey Meat – Small amounts of cooked, unseasoned white turkey meat is perfectly healthy and safe.
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Lean Beef or Lamb – Low fat proteins like ground beef or lamb are less likely to cause pancreatitis.
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Chicken or Pork – In moderation, plain cooked chicken or pork make good treats.
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Fish – Salmon, whitefish, sardines, and tuna are great. Avoid raw fish.
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Organ Meats – Liver, kidney, and heart are very nutrient-dense.
When preparing any meat, avoid onions, garlic, and other toxic seasonings. And remember to introduce new proteins slowly to watch for any allergic reactions.
Safe Ways Dogs Can Enjoy Turkey Flavors
If you really want to share the festive turkey fun with your dog, there are a couple safer ways to let them enjoy the flavor:
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Add a spoonful of plain turkey drippings from the roasting pan over their regular dog food. Avoid any juices if onion/garlic were used.
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Mix a tiny bit of mashed plain turkey meat into their meals. Start with just a teaspoon and monitor reactions.
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Use turkey bone broth instead of water when cooking rice or dog-friendly veggies to serve.
Monitor your dog closely when first introducing any new food and stop immediately if you notice any digestive upset. Moderation is key to safety.
Expert Opinions on Dogs Eating Turkey Franks
Overall, most veterinarians and canine nutrition experts agree:
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Processed turkey franks are not ideal or recommended for regular canine consumption.
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The high sodium content in particular makes turkey franks something to avoid or only feed very sparingly.
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Plain, unseasoned, properly cooked turkey meat is perfectly fine for dogs in moderation.
So if you want to indulge your dog’s holiday tastes, go for plain turkey meat rather than processed turkey franks this Thanksgiving. And be sure to consult your own vet about diet concerns specific to your dog’s health needs.
The Bottom Line
While the occasional small piece of cooked turkey frank won’t seriously harm most dogs, these processed meat products are far from an ideal canine diet choice.
Turkey franks contain many additives and preservatives that don’t provide real nutritional value. And their high sodium content can truly endanger dogs prone to heart disease or sodium ion poisoning.
For a safer way to let your furry friend in on the Thanksgiving feast, stick to all-natural plain turkey meat with no seasonings. Or try mixing a bit of turkey flavor into their regular dog food.
By understanding the health risks of turkey franks and alternatives, you can make the best decision for your dog’s diet and wellbeing. Trust your veterinarian guidance, feed any new food in strict moderation, and your pup can safely and deliciously join in celebrating Turkey Day!
How Much Hot Dog Can My Dog Eat?
While you may be tempted to spoil your dog by tossing them a whole link—especially when they give you that irresistible look—portion control is essential.
Human foods and treats should make up no more than 10 percent of a dog’s daily calories. The other 90 percent should come from well-balanced dog food.
Giving your dog pieces of hot dog shouldn’t be an everyday occurrence. Limit giving your pup this treat one to two times per week.
The average hot dog provides about 150 calories, and the amount of hot dog you can give your dog depends on their size. Let’s break it down: WeightServing Size
Very small dogs (2-20 pounds)
1 piece (1/4-inch thick)
Small dogs (21-30 pounds)
1–2 pieces (1/4-inch thick)
Medium dogs (31-50 pounds)
2–3 pieces (1/4-inch thick)
Large dogs (51-90 pounds)
4–5 pieces (1/4-inch thick)
Very large dogs (91+ pounds)
up to half of a hot dog, cut into 1/4-inch-thick pieces
What Types of Hot Dogs Can Dogs Eat?
Hot dogs made from beef, turkey, chicken or plant-based ingredients are considered relatively safe for dogs, barring any individual food allergies. However, it’s crucial to note that not every hot dog on the shelf is fit for Fido.
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a hot dog that’s safe for your pup:
- Onion- and garlic-free: Check the ingredients list to ensure the hot dogs don’t contain onion and garlic, as these foods are toxic to dogs.
- Spice-free: A zesty hot dog might tickle your taste buds, but your dog’s digestive system isn’t equipped to handle spices, like pepper, chili or paprika. If your dog consumes them, it can result in an upset stomach. Opt for plain, unseasoned hot dogs when treating your dog.
- Lean meats are best: The most suitable hot dogs for dogs are those lower in fat—options made from leaner meats, like chicken or turkey, or plant-based ingredients are generally the best choices.
- Low sodium: High levels of sodium are a no-go for dogs. When choosing hot dogs to share with your pup, look for those labeled “low sodium” or “reduced sodium.”
- Preservative-free: Many hot dogs are filled with additives and preservatives such as nitrates, nitrites and artificial colors. These chemicals can be harmful to dogs over time. Choose natural, additive-free hot dogs when possible.
- Hold the condiments: While we humans might jazz up our hot dogs with mustard, ketchup and relish, your pup’s hot dog should be served plain. While a lick of these condiments likely won’t hurt your dog, larger amounts can upset your dog’s stomach, and some may contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, like garlic, onion and a sweetener called xylitol.
Pet questions: Can dogs eat turkey?
FAQ
What kind of hotdogs can dogs eat?
Can dogs eat chicken franks?
Can dogs eat Oscar Mayer turkey hot dogs?
Can dogs eat turkey heart?
Can dogs eat leftover Thanksgiving turkey?
No, it’s not advisable to feed dogs leftover Thanksgiving turkey with seasoning. Seasonings like garlic, onion, and certain herbs commonly used in human cooking can be harmful to dogs, causing toxicity. Always opt for plain and unseasoned turkey, adhering to the guideline of avoiding harmful additives when preparing food for your dog.
Can dogs eat turkey?
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.
Can dogs eat turkey bones?
When feeding your dog turkey, stick to the meat only and avoid the fatty parts of the bird. Dogs should never eat turkey bones. Cooked bones splinter easily and can get stuck in your dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines. Some parts of the turkey, such as the neck, may also be a choking hazard or cause a digestive obstruction.
Can dogs eat turkey necks?
While some people do feed turkey necks to their dogs because they’re slender (the idea being that if you cook them thoroughly, the bones will be soft enough that your dog can crunch them up and eat them without issues), but Dr. Sinn cautions there’s always a chance that a fragment or piece of bone can splinter and cause problems. Q: