Many dogs love human foods. There’s no doubt about that. But food scraps don’t always agree with them. Some can cause digestive upset, while others can be downright toxic.
But can dogs eat turkey? It’s often included in dog food, but is giving them a piece of turkey from your table the same thing? While turkey is safe for dogs–good for them, too, actually–it doesn’t mean you should go overboard with the table scraps (yes, that includes during Thanksgiving!).
We talked to two veterinary experts about the benefits and risks of turkey for dogs, how to safely feed turkey to dogs, and more.Expert input provided by Bethany Hsia, DVM, mobile veterinarian and co-founder of
Ground turkey is growing in popularity as an ingredient in commercial dog foods. But is it actually safe and healthy for canine consumption? The answer is yes – when used appropriately as part of a balanced diet. Let’s explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of feeding ground turkey to dogs.
An Overview of Ground Turkey for Dogs
Ground turkey is simply turkey meat that has been mechanically chopped or minced into smaller pieces. It can come from various turkey parts often a mix of dark and white meat.
Ground turkey has a few advantages over whole cuts of turkey:
- Easier for dogs to chew and digest
- More consistent nutritional value in each serving
- Lower cost than breast or other premium turkey cuts
Whenshopping for ground turkey, try to choose packages labeled 90-93% lean. This helps avoid excessive fat content.
Plain, unseasoned ground turkey contains no ingredients toxic to dogs. It can be a nutritious occasional addition to a canine diet.
Health Benefits of Ground Turkey for Dogs
Feeding ground turkey to dogs in moderation can provide the following health benefits
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High-Quality Protein – Turkey is an excellent source of complete, amino acid-rich protein to support muscle growth and maintenance.
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B Vitamins – Turkey contains a range of B vitamins including niacin, B6, and B12 to support metabolism and cellular health.
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Selenium – Turkey is high in the antioxidant mineral selenium, which supports thyroid and immune system function.
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Phosphorus – Turkey provides phosphorus to play a role in bone strength and effective energy use.
So in moderate portions, ground turkey can be a nutritional bonus for dogs. Just be sure to balance with other food groups.
Nutritional Composition of Ground Turkey
Here is the typical nutritional breakdown for a 100g serving of lean ground turkey:
- Calories: 149
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 3g
- Water: 68g
- Carbs: 0g
- Vitamin B3: 9mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.6mg
- Selenium: 31mcg
As you can see, ground turkey is high in protein with moderate fat and zero carbs. It’s an excellent source of B vitamins and selenium.
Amount of Ground Turkey to Feed Dogs
Ground turkey should always be fed to dogs in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here are general feeding guidelines:
- Small dogs: 1-2 tablespoons max per day
- Medium dogs: 3-4 tablespoons max per day
- Large dogs: Up to 1/2 cup max per day
Avoid feeding ground turkey as your dog’s sole protein source. Variety is important!
Also be sure to account for turkey when calculating your dog’s total daily caloric needs. Too much can lead to weight gain.
How to Cook Ground Turkey for Dogs
When preparing ground turkey for your dog, follow these tips:
- Use lean turkey and cook thoroughly to 165°F
- Skip onion, garlic, salt, or other seasonings
- Mix with dog-friendly veggies like carrots or spinach
- Combine with rice, quinoa, or pasta for balanced meal
- Add oils like olive or fish oil for omega-3s
- Make sure any bones are ground up safely
Cooked ground turkey can be served warm or chilled as part of a complete diet. Refrigerate leftover portions.
Benefits of Feeding Dogs Turkey
Ground turkey provides all the benefits of turkey meat in an easy to consume form. Here are some of the top benefits of turkey for dogs:
- Excellent lean protein for muscles
- Contains glucosamine for joint health
- Rich in B vitamins for metabolism and energy
- Low calorie compared to other meats
- Provides immunity-boosting selenium
- Hypoallergenic option for dogs with allergies
When included properly in a dog’s diet, ground turkey can be a healthy addition.
Potential Concerns With Ground Turkey
While ground turkey can be nutritious for dogs, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
- Can cause digestive upset if given too much
- Increased calories can lead to weight gain
- Risk of foodborne illness if undercooked
- Contains purines that can exacerbate some health conditions
- Potential for allergies or intolerances in some dogs
Talk to your vet if you have any concerns about feeding ground turkey to your dog.
Making Ground Turkey Dog Food Recipes
When making homemade dog food with ground turkey, aim for recipes that provide balanced nutrition. Here are two healthy examples:
Turkey & Rice
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1⁄2 cup carrots, spinach, green beans
- 1 tsp olive oil
Turkey & Quinoa
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1⁄2 cup green beans
- 1⁄2 cup carrots
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Focus on unseasoned turkey with nutrient-dense veggies, healthy fats, and digestible carbs.
FAQs About Ground Turkey for Dogs
Here are answers to some common questions about feeding ground turkey to dogs:
Is ground turkey unhealthy for dogs?
No, lean ground turkey is perfectly healthy in moderation. Avoid fatty versions high in dark meat.
Can I season ground turkey for my dog?
No, avoid any seasonings like garlic or onion powder which are toxic for dogs. Stick to plain turkey.
Is cooked ground turkey okay for dogs?
Yes, cooked thoroughly to 165°F ground turkey is safe and nutritious for dogs. Raw ground turkey carries risk of salmonella.
Can dogs have ground turkey everyday?
No, ground turkey should be limited to a few times per week at most. Feed as part of a varied diet.
Is ground turkey high in fat?
It can be if you don’t choose a lean option marketed as 90-93% fat free. Dark turkey meat is much fattier than white breast meat.
Consult Your Vet If Unsure
As with any diet change, check with your veterinarian before feeding your dog ground turkey. They can verify that it will fit well with your pup’s unique nutritional needs and health conditions.
While ground turkey can be a healthy component of most dogs’ diets, make sure to introduce it gradually and discontinue use if any digestive upset occurs.
As long as you follow sound nutritional guidelines, ground turkey can provide outstanding protein, nutrients, and flavor to delight your dog! Just feed in moderation.
Key Takeaways on Ground Turkey for Dogs
To sum up key points on ground turkey for canines:
- Excellent lean protein source
- Provides B vitamins, selenium
- Cook thoroughly and avoid seasonings
- Limit to a few tablespoons per day
- Mix with rice/grains and veggies
- Don’t feed exclusively long-term
- Introduce slowly and monitor reactions
Including tasty and nutritious ground turkey in your dog’s dinner rotation can add variety and health benefits – as long as done safely and in balance with other foods. Check with your vet if you have any concerns.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey?
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It’s low in fat
Skinless turkey is also lower in fat than other forms of meat (like ham, for example) so your dog’s gastrointestinal system can tolerate it better and it’s less likely to cause digestive issues. This also makes it more suitable for dogs on a low-fat diet or those prone to weight gain, says Dr. Hsia.