As hard as it might be to refuse those puppy dog eyes, it’s important to know which parts of the turkey are safe for a dog before sharing any. Have no fear, Oakland Veterinary Referral Services (OVRS) is here to help.
With the holiday season upon us, it is good to know which parts of the turkey are safe for a dog. If your dog is like most members of the canine species, he is probably at your side from the time the turkey goes in the oven to the moment you put away the last of the leftovers.
As the holidays approach, many pet owners wonder if they can share a taste of Thanksgiving with their furry companions. Specifically, is it safe for dogs to eat raw turkey gizzards? While these nutritious bird organs provide protein and other health benefits, there are also potential risks with feeding them raw. This definitive guide from a veterinarian will give you the facts on feeding raw turkey gizzards to dogs.
What are Turkey Gizzards?
Turkey gizzards are part of the digestive tract of turkeys. They are muscular pouches that grind food, much like a human’s teeth. Gizzards contain a tough inner lining and outer layer of smooth muscle that contracts to break down food.
Along with the heart, liver, kidneys and other organs, the gizzard is considered an edible offal or organ meat. These nutrient-dense meats have been incorporated into many traditional cuisines around the world.
Nutritional Benefits of Turkey Gizzards
Turkey gizzards provide many nutritional benefits when included in your dog’s diet in moderation. Below are some of the key nutrients found in turkey gizzards:
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Protein: Gizzards are an excellent source of lean, low-fat protein. Protein supports strong muscles and tissues.
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Iron Gizzards contain high levels of iron which aids oxygen transport in the blood. Iron supports a healthy immune system and metabolism.
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Zinc: Zinc supports skin and coat health, enzyme function, and thyroid regulation in dogs. Turkey gizzards are a good source of this essential mineral.
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Vitamin B12 Gizzards provide vitamin B12, which is important for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation in dogs.
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Chondroitin and glucosamine: These compounds found in gizzards may support joint health and mobility in dogs.
When included as the occasional treat or as part of a whole prey model raw food diet, turkey gizzards can provide valuable nutritional benefits to your dog.
Are Raw Turkey Gizzards Safe for Dogs?
While cooked turkey gizzards are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, there are some potential risks associated with feeding gizzards raw. Here are the main concerns with raw turkey gizzards:
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Bacterial contamination: Turkey meat and organs may harbor dangerous bacteria including salmonella and E. coli. Cooking destroys these harmful microorganisms.
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Intestinal parasites: Gizzards may also contain parasitic worms or other parasites that can infect dogs if the meat is fed raw. Freezing for 3 weeks kills parasites.
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Choking or blockages: Raw gizzards can be quite tough. They present a choking hazard or may cause an intestinal blockage if large pieces are swallowed by dogs.
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Nutrient deficiencies: Feeding gizzards exclusively could lead to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids compared to commercial dog foods. Variety is key.
While the risks are low, many veterinarians recommend cooking turkey gizzards before feeding to eliminate bacteria and parasites. If feeding raw, proper handling and storage are crucial to reduce the risk of illness.
Feeding Guidelines for Turkey Gizzards
If you do choose to add raw turkey gizzards to your dog’s homemade meals or raw food diet, follow these guidelines to reduce risks:
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Purchase fresh gizzards from a trusted source. Avoid pre-packaged gizzards for raw diets.
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Wash gizzards thoroughly before preparing and handling.
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Cut gizzards into bite-sized pieces to reduce choking hazard.
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Only feed gizzards that have been frozen for at least 3 weeks to kill parasites before feeding raw.
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Limit portion to 10% or less of your dog’s overall daily diet. Too much organ meat can lead to vitamin A toxicity.
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Introduce new meats slowly over several days to check for allergies or intolerance.
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Always supervise your dog when feeding gizzards or any raw meaty bones.
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Never feed raw gizzards to immune-compromised dogs or young puppies. Cook gizzards to eliminate bacteria.
Following these tips will help make raw turkey gizzards a safe, healthy and delicious occasional treat for your dog. Monitor your dog after feeding raw gizzards and discontinue use if any digestive upset occurs.
Healthy Ways to Prepare Turkey Gizzards for Dogs
If you prefer to eliminate the risks associated with raw gizzards, here are some healthy cooking methods to prepare gizzards safely:
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Simmer or boil: Place gizzards in a pot, cover with water or low-sodium broth and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting into pieces.
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Bake or roast: Roast seasoned gizzards on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes until cooked through.
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Sauté: Cook bite-sized gizzard pieces in olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until browned.
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Dehydrate: Using a dehydrator or oven at a very low temperature, dehydrate thin slices of gizzard for 8-12 hours.
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Air fry: Air fry small gizzard pieces at 380°F for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
Always monitor temperature carefully when cooking and cut gizzards into safe pieces. Cooked gizzards can be served on their own, mixed into kibble or incorporated into homemade dog food recipes.
Can Dogs Eat Other Turkey Parts?
Many dog owners also wonder if other Thanksgiving leftovers are safe for dogs. Here are some quick guidelines on what dogs can and cannot eat:
Safe:
- Cooked white turkey meat (no bones, skin or seasoning)
- Turkey broth (unsalted)
- Plain mashed potatoes
- Cooked sweet potatoes
Unsafe:
- Turkey skin, fat or gravy
- Stuffing containing onions, garlic, or raisins
- Casseroles with dairy, onions or garlic
- Rich desserts
- Ham
- Any cooked bones
Be sure to only feed dogs “people food” in strict moderation. Introduce new items slowly and monitor your dog’s digestion carefully when making any diet changes.
Are There Any Alternatives to Turkey Gizzards?
If your dog cannot tolerate turkey gizzards or you wish to offer more variety, many other organ meats offer similar nutritional value. Some alternatives include:
- Chicken gizzards or hearts
- Beef or lamb liver
- Kidneys from beef, pork or lamb
- Duck or goose gizzard
Chicken hearts are small, easy to digest and low in fat. Beef liver is high in vitamin A and other nutrients. All organ meats should be fed cooked or follow the same raw feeding guidelines.
While turkey gizzards can be a healthy supplemental food for dogs, it is generally recommended to cook them before feeding to eliminate risks. If feeding raw, be sure to take precautions to reduce the chances of harmful bacteria or parasites being transmitted. Supervise your dog when feeding gizzards and discontinue use if any digestive upset occurs. When fed in moderation as part of a balanced homemade or raw diet, turkey gizzards can provide valuable nutrition to support your dog’s health. Consult your veterinarian about incorporating organ meats into your dog’s meals.
The Safest Parts of the Bird
While both white and dark meat portions of a turkey are safe for a dog to eat, white meat tends to be a better protein source. If you want to feed your dog a small amount of turkey to satisfy their craving without giving them too many extra calories, stick to the white meat pieces. The giblets (or the liver, kidneys, heart, and gizzard) are also safe for pups to eat, just make sure to cut them up into easily chewable pieces. Avoid feeding your dog the neck, though, as the bones inside could be dangerous.
Turkey as a Safe Protein for Dogs
In general, turkey is a great source of protein for dogs that also gives them access to important vitamins and minerals and overall nutritional benefits they need. Since it is an easy meat for dogs to digest, turkey is usually a great option for dogs. If your dog suffers from an inflammatory condition, turkey is considered a better protein choice than chicken. Chicken is a very common food allergy for dogs. If your dog suffers from this poultry allergy, you might want to consult your veterinarian about whether or not turkey is a good choice.
Can dogs eat raw gizzards from turkey?
FAQ
Can dogs have raw turkey gizzards?
How to prepare turkey gizzards for dogs?
Can dogs eat gizzards raw?
Is it better to feed dogs raw or cooked turkey necks?
Can dogs eat gizzards?
They are a useful option if your dog is allergic to turkey but you would still like to feed gizzard treats. Dried Sardines – These are high in protein plus they contain good amounts of healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids. They can be fed to all sizes of dogs and can be crumbled onto food as a topper to increase palatability.
Are turkey gizzards good for dogs?
Turkey gizzards are becoming a more common snack for dogs. They are high in protein and low in fat. They contain a variety of useful vitamins and minerals and are easily digestible. What exactly are turkey gizzards? Are they safe to feed our dogs? What are the health benefits and are there any disadvantages of feeding them?
What does a turkey gizzard eat?
It is a strong muscular pouch which is used to mechanically break down food such as nuts and seeds that the bird eats. Birds often swallow small bits of sand and gravel which conveniently sit in the gizzard and help grind up the food. Turkey gizzards come in raw and dried forms for dogs.
Can you eat turkey gizzard?
Risks of feeding turkey gizzard treats include bacterial contamination, choking, digestive irritation and gastrointestinal blockages. Some popular alternatives to turkey gizzard include chicken gizzard, veterinary-approved dental chews, dried sardines and beef tendons. What Are Turkey Gizzards?