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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.
With the holiday season coming up, pet owners often wonder if they can share a bit of their Thanksgiving turkey with their furry friends. Turkey breast in particular may seem like a healthy treat for your dog. But is turkey breast actually safe and beneficial for dogs to eat? Let’s take a closer look.
An Overview of Turkey Breast Nutrition
Turkey breast contains high-quality protein and important vitamins and minerals Some of the key nutrients found in turkey breast include
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Protein: Turkey breast is a great source of lean protein. Protein provides amino acids that help maintain and repair muscle tissue.
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Niacin: Also known as vitamin B3, niacin supports skin and nervous system health.
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Vitamin B6 This vitamin aids in red blood cell production and supports immune function
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Phosphorus: This mineral helps form healthy teeth and bones. It also assists in energy production.
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Selenium: Selenium is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
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Zinc: Zinc helps maintain a healthy immune system and aids in wound healing.
So turkey breast can provide useful nutrients for your dog. But there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind.
Is Cooked Turkey Breast Safe for Dogs?
Cooked, boneless, plain turkey breast is usually safe for dogs to eat in small portions. The key is that the turkey must be properly prepared. Here are some preparation tips:
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Cook thoroughly: Any raw poultry carries a risk of salmonella. Be sure to cook the turkey breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Remove bones: Bones can splinter and cause lacerations or obstructions in your dog’s throat or digestive tract. Never feed turkey bones to your dog.
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Avoid seasonings: Onions, garlic, sage and other seasonings can be toxic for dogs. Only feed plain turkey with no added ingredients.
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Cool before serving: Hot food can burn your dog’s mouth. Allow the turkey to cool down before giving it to your dog.
As long as you follow these safety guidelines, cooked turkey breast is unlikely to cause problems for healthy dogs.
Potential Benefits of Turkey for Dogs
Feeding your dog a small amount of cooked, plain turkey breast occasionally provides several health benefits:
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Lean protein for muscle: The high-quality protein in turkey helps maintain and repair your dog’s muscles. This makes it beneficial for active dogs.
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Supports skin, coat and immunity: Turkey’s B vitamins, zinc and selenium aid skin health, provide a shiny coat and support immune function.
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Promotes bone strength: Phosphorus and other minerals in turkey help build strong bones – important for large breed puppies and senior dogs.
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Satisfies taste preferences: Many dogs love meat flavors. Turkey can add variety and appeal to your dog’s diet.
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Easy to digest: Turkey breast is usually well tolerated by dogs with sensitive stomachs.
So when included occasionally in small portions, turkey can be a healthy supplemental food for dogs.
How Much Turkey Can Dogs Eat?
While turkey breast provides benefits, it’s important not to overdo it. Follow these portion guidelines:
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Small dogs (under 25 lbs): No more than 1 oz of turkey 1-2 times per week
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Medium dogs (25-50 lbs): No more than 2 oz of turkey 1-2 times per week
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Large dogs (over 50 lbs): No more than 4 oz of turkey 1-2 times per week
Your individual dog’s nutritional needs may vary based on age, activity level and health status. Consult your vet about the ideal amount of turkey to feed your dog.
Turkey should always be an occasional treat – not a dietary staple. Avoid giving turkey multiple days in a row to reduce gastrointestinal upset risk.
Are There Any Risks of Feeding Dogs Turkey?
While cooked turkey breast is usually safe, there are a few health risks to be aware of:
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Bones: As mentioned, bones can pose a major choking hazard or damage the GI tract. Never feed bones.
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Fatty skin: The skin contains a high amount of fat which can trigger pancreatitis in some dogs. Always remove skin.
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Allergies: Some dogs may be allergic to turkey protein. Monitor for signs like itching, ear infections or diarrhea.
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Nutritional imbalance: Too much turkey could lead to reduced intake of your dog’s balanced commercial diet.
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Gastrointestinal upset: Excessive turkey consumption could result in vomiting or diarrhea.
To avoid issues, feed turkey in moderation and discontinue use if any undesirable symptoms develop.
Healthy Alternatives to Turkey for Dogs
If your dog can’t have turkey or you want to provide other beneficial supplemental foods, here are some alternatives:
- Lean hamburger or ground chicken
- Canned sardines packed in water
- Plain scrambled eggs
- Small amounts of cooked beef or pork
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Unsweetened canned pumpkin
- Low-fat cottage cheese
- Fresh fruits like watermelon, blueberries and bananas
For a lasting balanced diet, these supplemental foods should always be combined with your dog’s regular commercial dog food recommended by your veterinarian.
Answering Common Questions on Dogs and Turkey
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about dogs and turkey:
Can I give my dog turkey bones? No. Poultry bones, including turkey bones, can splinter and cause choking hazards or gastrointestinal damage. Never feed bones to dogs.
Can I feed my dog deli turkey? Avoid processed deli turkey which contains excessive salt content. Plain turkey breast is safer and healthier.
Can I give my dog turkey skin? No. The fat content is too high which could lead to pancreatitis. Always remove the skin before feeding turkey meat.
Can my small dog eat turkey? In small portions, turkey can be safe for small dog breeds as well. But adjust serving sizes down for smaller dogs.
Can puppies eat turkey? Turkey without bones or skin can be fed to puppies over 6 months old in tiny portions. But avoid overfeeding high-protein diets to large breed puppies.
The Takeaway: Follow Precautions When Feeding Turkey
Overall, turkey can provide protein, vitamins and minerals when included occasionally as a supplemental food for dogs. Focus on cooked, boneless, plain turkey breast. Strictly avoid bones, skin, fat and seasoned turkey which pose safety risks. Feed turkey in conservative portions sized appropriately for your dog. Combine with your dog’s regular commercial diet and discontinue turkey if any concerning symptoms develop. When prepared properly and fed judiciously, turkey can be a healthy treat – but caution is advised. Consult your veterinarian about the ideal supplemental foods for your dog’s needs.
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.