NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be okay for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.
You may be wondering if you can share some turkey from your sandwich or delicious turkey dinner with your canine. Or what about a slice of turkey lunch meat?
Turkey in and of itself is fine for dogs and quite healthy, but there are some stipulations.
Here’s some info on whether you should feed your dog turkey—whether it’s a turkey leg, breast meat, jerky, or ground turkey—plus potential benefits and hazards to look out for.
As a pet owner ensuring your dog’s health and wellbeing is likely your top priority. So when the holidays roll around and turkey is in abundance you may wonder can turkey actually make my dog sick?
This is an important question, and the answer is nuanced. Turkey can be a healthy source of lean protein and nutrients for dogs. However, there are also risks to be aware of, from bones to seasoning. As a veterinarian with over 10 years of experience, I’m here to provide a comprehensive, expert perspective on the pros and cons of feeding turkey to dogs.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- The benefits of turkey for dogs
- Potential risks and dangers of turkey for dogs
- Safely preparing and serving turkey to avoid illness
- Signs your dog may be sick from turkey
- When to see the vet
- Turkey feeding tips for different dog breeds and ages
- Frequently asked questions about turkey and dog health
As a dog owner, educating yourself is the first step to making the best decisions for your pet’s diet and wellbeing. So let’s dive in to a vets-eye-view on canine turkey consumption.
The Benefits of Turkey for Dogs
Turkey meat itself packs a punch of key nutrients for dogs, when served properly. Here are some of the top benefits:
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High-quality protein: Turkey is packed with essential amino acids dogs need for building and maintaining muscle. It also contains more protein per ounce than chicken or beef.
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Lean and low-fat: Turkey is lower in fat than many other meat sources, making it less likely to cause obesity or pancreatitis. Always remove skin to further reduce the fat content.
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Rich in vitamins and minerals: Turkey provides B vitamins, zinc, selenium and phosphorus – all important for your dog’s health and metabolism.
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Supports active lifestyles: The amino acids in turkey help fuel and rebuild muscles, which is great for active or working dogs.
For healthy dogs, incorporating small amounts of plain, cooked turkey into their diet can provide excellent nutritional value. However, there are some important risks to consider too.
Potential Risks of Turkey for Dogs
While turkey meat is highly nutritious, there are some hazards when it comes to preparation and serving. As a vet, I often see illness result from:
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Bones: Turkey bones become brittle when cooked and can easily splinter, causing choking, internal punctures, and obstructions. Never feed your dog cooked bones.
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Fatty skin The skin becomes fatty after cooking Too much can lead to pancreatitis and other issues Always remove skin before feeding turkey.
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Seasoning: Onions, garlic, salt and other seasoning create gastrointestinal upset and can even be toxic. Avoid seasoned turkey.
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Undercooking Bacteria like salmonella can be present in raw or undercooked turkey. Always cook thoroughly to 165°F.
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Portion size: Too much turkey can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Stick to small portions based on your dog’s size.
While turkey meat is healthy, the way we prepare it for our holiday dinners can create hazards. Being mindful of these risks is key to keeping your dog safe.
Safely Preparing and Serving Turkey
When preparing turkey for your dog, follow these veterinarian-recommended tips to avoid illness:
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Remove ALL bones: Cooked bones splinter easily and can get lodged in the throat, stomach or intestines.
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Remove the skin: The fatty skin can trigger pancreatitis. Lean meat is healthiest.
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Avoid seasoning: Garlic, onions, salt and other seasoning can harm your dog. Stick to plain turkey.
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Cook thoroughly: Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any potential bacteria.
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Cool before serving: Hot turkey can burn your dog’s mouth. Wait until cooled to serve.
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Give small portions: Start with just a spoonful or two to avoid GI upset from too much fat or protein.
Following these preparation guidelines will allow your dog to safely enjoy turkey’s nutritional benefits without the common pitfalls.
Signs Your Dog May Be Sick from Turkey
If your dog seems ill after eating turkey, watch for these common symptoms:
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Weakness or lethargy
- Drooling
- Pale gums
These can indicate gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, or more serious conditions. If you notice any of these symptoms within a couple hours of your dog eating turkey, call your vet right away. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications.
When to See the Vet
Contact your veterinarian promptly if your dog shows any of the following after eating turkey:
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Abdominal swelling or tenderness
- Signs of pain like whining or restlessness
- Weakness that prevents standing or lethargy
- Pale gums or trouble breathing
These can indicate a potentially serious health issue requiring immediate veterinary care, like pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction or toxicity. Do not wait – seek vet care right away if these symptoms occur. Early treatment greatly improves the prognosis.
It’s also critical to tell your vet about any human foods, like turkey, that your dog ingested. This helps them determine if diet may be the cause of your dog’s illness.
Turkey Feeding Tips for Different Dog Breeds and Ages
While all dogs are at risk for illness from turkey bones, seasoning and overeating, some dogs require extra precautions.
For puppies: Go slow when introducing new foods like turkey to avoid GI upset. Make sure turkey is cut in small pieces easy to chew and digest.
For small breeds: Watch portion size and cut turkey into tiny pieces to prevent choking. Monitor closely for overeating.
For senior dogs: Low-fat plain turkey can be gentle on sensitive digestion. But take care not to overwhelm aging kidneys with excess protein. Ask your vet for the optimal amount to feed.
For dogs with allergies: Allergic reactions can include vomiting and diarrhea. Introduce new foods like turkey slowly while watching for symptoms.
No matter the breed or age, always supervise mealtimes and never feed turkey bones or seasoned meat. Paying close attention to your dog’s reaction can help catch problems early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my dog turkey bones?
No. Poultry bones become brittle when cooked and easily splinter into sharp, dangerous pieces. This can cause choking hazards or internal injuries. Never feed your dog bones of any kind.
What if my dog eats turkey bones by accident?
If your dog accidentally consumes a turkey bone, watch closely for signs of distress like gagging, vomiting, weakness or abdominal pain. Contact your vet promptly as obstruction may occur, requiring emergency treatment.
Can I feed turkey skin or turkey gravy?
Avoid feeding fatty skin or gravy to prevent gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis. Even small amounts of fat can trigger a dangerous inflammatory response. Stick with lean, boneless turkey meat only.
Can I give my dog turkey scraps after Thanksgiving dinner?
Leftover holiday turkey is often laden with fat, seasoning and bones. This combination is hazardous for dogs. Never feed kitchen scraps unless you are certain they contain no bones, skin or seasoning. Plain meat only.
What are the best ways to incorporate turkey in my dog’s diet?
The healthiest options are to boil, roast or poach plain turkey breast, then chop, cool and mix small portions into your dog’s regular food. Homemade treats like plain turkey jerky provide a safer alternative to rawhides.
The Takeaway on Turkey and Dog Health
Turkey can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, providing lean protein, essential vitamins and amino acids. However, bones, skin, fat, seasoning and improper cooking techniques can make turkey dangerous and are common causes of food-related illness in dogs.
By being mindful of preparation, portion size and your dog’s reaction, while following your vet’s advice, you can safely incorporate turkey into your dog’s meals. Just be sure to keep it boneless, skinless, low-fat and completely plain.
If your dog becomes ill after eating turkey, promptly contact your vet. With early treatment, most dogs recover well and avoid long-term complications. Together with your veterinarian, you can ensure your precious pup gets to chow down on turkey the safe way.
Skip the Seasonings and Added Ingredients
Only completely plain, cooked turkey is okay to give to your dog as a treat. Added ingredients and seasonings can not only be unhealthy for dogs, but they can be toxic, like garlic and onion. Even butter and salt can cause problems.
Any bones left in could accidentally be swallowed. This would create a choking hazard and potential intestinal blockage. Cooked bones are even more dangerous than raw bones because they will easily splinter into shards.
If your dog has swallowed a piece of a bone, contact your veterinarian right away and take them to the vet clinic.
How Much Turkey Can Dogs Eat?
Always check with your veterinarian before adding new foods and snacks to your dog’s diet, especially if they struggle with obesity, diabetes, or any other diseases. Below is a general guideline for feeding fully cooked, white turkey meat to your dog in small portions, without any skin or bones.
Any treat for a dog—even healthy ones—should only make up 10% of their daily diet, while the other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet.
Each “piece” listed below refers to a 1-inch cube of turkey meat:
- Extra-small dog (2-20 lbs.) = half a piece of turkey (Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs, Shih Tzus)
- Small dog (21-30 lbs.) = 1-2 pieces of turkey (Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds)
- Extra-large dog (91+ lbs.) = handful of turkey pieces (Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees)
If you’re concerned that your dog has eaten too much turkey, contact your veterinarian. Too much turkey can cause problems such as pancreatitis, which is a serious condition. Watch out for the signs of pancreatitis below:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Painful abdomen
- Fever