Can Dogs Have Turkey Burgers? A Pet Owner’s Guide

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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.

Turkey burgers have become an increasingly popular meal for humans looking for a healthier alternative to beef. With their dogs eagerly watching every bite we take, it’s only natural for pet owners to wonder, can dogs have turkey burgers too? Are these patties packed with protein and flavor safe for canine consumption? Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional value, preparation methods, and health benefits and risks of feeding dogs turkey burgers.

An Overview of Turkey Burgers for Dogs

Turkey is often touted as a healthier red meat alternative with less fat and more protein than beef. Many of the same benefits apply when feeding turkey to your dog in moderation. In its simplest form, turkey meat contains essential amino acids for building muscle along with iron, zinc phosphorus, and B vitamins.

However, not all turkey burgers are created equal. When preparing or purchasing turkey burgers for your pup, avoid added oils, seasonings, onions, garlic, and other toxic ingredients. Check the label carefully if buying pre-made patties. Your safest bet is to make plain turkey burgers at home using lean ground turkey and fresh vegetables.

Potential Benefits of Turkey Burgers for Dogs

Here are some of the biggest benefits of adding turkey burgers into your dog’s diet:

Lean Protein Source Turkey is an excellent source of lean, low-fat protein that helps maintain and build your dog’s muscles The amino acids in turkey support healthy skin, bones, and a shiny coat
Weight Management: With fewer calories and less fat than beef, turkey burgers can help overweight dogs lose pounds or maintain a healthy weight.
Joint Health: The natural glucosamine in turkey meat supports healthy joints and mobility, especially for senior dogs.
Muscle Growth: Turkey contains iron, zinc, and amino acids for proper muscle function, growth, and repair from activity or injury.
Heart Health: Replacing some red meat with lower-fat turkey burgers can improve cardio health and reduce obesity.

Potential Risks of Feeding Dogs Turkey Burgers

While turkey burgers provide valuable nutrition for dogs, there are some potential risks to keep in mind:

Weight Gain: Turkey burgers can quickly lead to weight gain if given too often or in large portions. Stick to small servings a few times a week.
Allergies: Some dogs may be allergic to turkey protein. Discontinue feeding if signs of allergy appear.
Choking Hazard: Thoroughly cook and cut or process turkey burgers into small pieces to reduce choking risk. Avoid bones.
Nutritional Imbalances: Too much protein or fat from turkey can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time. Feed as part of a complete diet.
Food-borne Illness: Raw or undercooked turkey risks salmonella, E. coli and other bacteria. Cook turkey burgers to 165°F internally.

Feeding Guidelines and Preparation Tips

Follow these tips for safely incorporating turkey burgers into your dog’s diet:

Choose 93-99% lean ground turkey and avoid pre-made burgers with additives.
Mix in healthy ingredients like shredded carrots, peas, sweet potato, or brown rice.
Cook burgers thoroughly until 165°F internally to kill bacteria. Cut into bite-sized pieces when cool.
Limit turkey burgers to 10% or less of your dog’s total daily calories.
Introduce slowly and discontinue if signs of digestive upset or allergy occur.
Avoid bones, skin, salt, onions, garlic, oil, butter and other dog-unsafe ingredients.
Refrigerate leftovers promptly and serve again within 3 days. Discard older turkey burgers.

The Verdict on Turkey Burgers for Dogs

From a lean protein source to glucosamine for joints, turkey burgers can provide valuable nutrition for dogs when prepared properly. For the healthiest results, make your own turkey and veggie burgers at home and limit portion sizes. Avoid unhealthy additives and cook the patties thoroughly before serving. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about diet changes or your dog’s weight. Then relax and let your pup enjoy an occasional turkey burger for a protein-packed treat!

can dogs have turkey burgers

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones?

Cooked poultry bones are brittle. This, combined with their smaller size, makes them very dangerous for dogs. Veterinarians caution against feeding dogs cooked bones of any kind, including poultry bones, as they can cause the following problems:

Mouth and tongue injuries
Obstruction of the throat or intestinal tract
Choking
Possibly piercing stomach and intestine lining
Constipation
Rectal bleeding from sharp bone fragments
Blockages that require emergency surgery

Some dog owners will choose to feed their dogs raw meaty bones as part of their diet, and in consultation with their vet. Raw turkey necks are a common choice for this purpose, but any raw meaty bone carries with it a risk of exposure to bacteria like salmonella. Talk with your vet about using raw meaty turkey bones for your dog to learn more about possible risks and benefits.

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.

DIY HOMEMADE DOG (& people) FOOD TURKEY BURGERS/PATTY’s SWEET POTATO FRIES 2 ChowTime Episode 13

FAQ

Can dogs eat a turkey burger?

Skinless, unseasoned white turkey meat that’s been properly cooked is actually fine for dogs to consume in small amounts. Ground turkey, as long as it’s plain and has no additives, is also perfectly healthy for dogs.

Can I cook ground turkey for my dog?

Cooked ground turkey is a safe food to give your canine friend as long as you don’t feed him cooked bones. Ground turkey, when cooked, becomes a good source of protein for your dog. Raw or cooked, this meat is not toxic or harmful to dogs at all; in fact, it can be quite beneficial for their health.

Can I feed my dog cooked burgers?

Feeding Dogs Hamburgers For our dogs, feeding seasoned meat is a recipe for unpleasant digestive upset at best, and pancreatitis at worst. However, if you want to throw a plain patty on the grill, unseasoned and cooked hamburger meat can be a healthy source of protein in addition to your dog’s regular, balanced diet.

Is turkey lunch meat ok for dogs?

Deli turkey meat is not a good option. Deli meat is usually laden with added sodium, fat and seasonings and may not be an ideal option for many dogs. If your dog is not easily stressed and handles changes to its diet easily, roasted or baked turkey breast can be a generous treat.

Can dogs eat turkey burgers?

The answer is YES! Turkey burgers are a great way to add some variety to your dog’s diet. They are high in protein, low in calories and fat, and loaded with vitamins and minerals. Turkey burgers for dogs can be a healthy alternative to other types of protein-rich foods, including beef and chicken.

Can pregnant dogs eat turkey burgers?

Yes, pregnant dogs can eat turkey burgers. However, it’s important to make sure that the turkey burgers are made with quality meat, not just any old turkey. Pregnant dogs need protein and iron.

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 burgers?

Whether you can occasionally give them a bite of burger depends on the meat in question. If you’re looking to give your dog a bite of the burger you’re munching on, you might want to reconsider. Chances are, your burger might have added salt, spices, and toppings that can be dangerous to dogs, such as onion or garlic.