Is Turkey Gravy Good for Dogs? Answering the Big Gravy Debate

Come Thanksgiving or other big holiday feasts there’s always one question on many dog owners’ minds – can I give my dog some of that delicious turkey gravy? The truth is not all gravy is created equal when it comes to canine consumption. While small amounts of plain turkey gravy are usually fine for dogs, there are some important factors to consider before pouring leftovers into Fido’s bowl.

The Potential Benefits of Turkey Gravy for Dogs

There are a few reasons why turkey gravy may be enticing to share with your pup:

• It’sFlavorful. Dogs have around 1,700 taste buds compared to 9,000-10,000 in humans, but they can still appreciate strong, meaty flavors. The rich flavor of turkey gravy can make their regular food more exciting.

• It Adds Moisture. Turkey gravy can add moisture to dry kibble. This helps hydrate dogs, especially important for senior dogs or those prone to urinary tract infections.

• Nutritional Benefits. Turkey gravy made from the pan drippings will contain vitamins and minerals from the turkey. This includes B vitamins, zinc, iron and magnesium.

So a little plain turkey gravy can provide a tasty dose of nutrition and hydration for dogs But it’s not quite as simple as just pouring it on top of their kibble There are some important considerations.

Potential Dangers of Turkey Gravy for Dogs

While small amounts of plain turkey gravy are usually fine for dogs there are some ingredients that may be problematic

• Onions/Garlic. Onions and garlic contain toxic compounds that can damage dog’s red blood cells. Even small amounts over time can be dangerous.

• Excess Fat/Grease. Too much fat from the drippings can cause pancreatitis. This is an inflammatory condition that can range from mild to life threatening.

• Spices. Many gravy recipes contain spices like black pepper, sage and thyme. These may upset some dogs’ stomachs.

• Thickeners. Gravy is often thickened with wheat flour, cornstarch or other starches. Some dogs have grain sensitivities or allergies.

• Salt. Turkey gravy made from packaged mixes or canned broth likely contains very high sodium levels. Excess salt is unhealthy for dogs.

So to safely share turkey gravy with dogs, it needs to be homemade and plain without any onion/garlic/spices/thickeners. Let’s look at some turkey gravy dos and don’ts.

Turkey Gravy Don’ts for Dogs

When it comes to turkey gravy, there are certain types you should never feed your dog:

• Store-bought gravy mixes. These contain onions, garlic and an array of spices dogs shouldn’t consume. They also have additives like xanthan gum.

• Gravy made with onions/garlic. Onions and garlic, even in small amounts, can wreck havoc on a dog’s red blood cells and cause anemia.

• Gravy thickened with wheat flour. Some dogs have wheat allergies or sensitivities. Wheat flour can also add excess carbohydrates.

• Canned gravies. These are loaded with salt, preservatives and other additives that have no place in a dog’s diet.

• Gravy made from meat drippings. While this may sound healthy, the high fat content can lead to pancreatitis.

• Excess gravy. More than a spoonful or two may upset your dog’s stomach and digestive system.

So when it comes to dogs, not all gravy is created equal or safe to eat. But some homemade turkey gravy may be fine.

Turkey Gravy Dos for Dogs

If you want to share a little taste of Thanksgiving with your pup, follow these tips:

• Use plain, low-sodium turkey broth. Turkey broth gives flavor without onions, garlic or excess fat. Choose organic, low-sodium options.

• Skip the drippings. Cook the turkey separately from the gravy to avoid excess fat and grease. This also prevents contamination from raw meat.

• Avoid thickeners. Skip wheat flour, cornstarch and other thickeners. The gravy can be broth-like instead of thick.

• Leave out seasonings. Even small amounts of onions, garlic, pepper and other spices can be problematic for dogs.

• Only use lean turkey meat. Shredded white meat turkey, without skin or bones, provides protein without excess fat.

• Mix with their regular food. Combine just a spoonful or two of gravy into your dog’s normal food to avoid stomach upset.

• Don’t give too much. A few spoonfuls is plenty – too much can cause diarrhea or other digestive issues.

How to Make Dog-Friendly Turkey Gravy

Here is a simple recipe for turkey gravy you can feel good about sharing with your dog:

Ingredients

• 2 cups low-sodium turkey broth
• 1 cup shredded turkey white meat
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
• Pinch of turmeric (optional)

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, bring the turkey broth to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

2. Add the shredded turkey meat and stir frequently until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Turn off heat and stir in herbs/spices if desired. Let cool slightly before serving.

4. Mix a few spoonfuls of gravy into your dog’s regular food.

5. Refrigerate leftover gravy for up to 4 days.

This recipe avoids onions, garlic, excess fat, salt and spices, making it dog-friendly. The lean turkey meat gives extra protein while the broth provides hydration.

How Much Turkey Gravy Can Dogs Eat?

When introducing any new food, it’s best to start slowly with dogs. Too much too fast can lead to upset stomach, diarrhea or allergic reactions. Follow these portion guidelines:

• Small dogs under 20 lbs: 1-2 teaspoons
• Medium dogs 20-50 lbs: 1-2 tablespoons
• Large dogs over 50 lbs: 2-3 tablespoons

Mix the gravy into their regular food to make up no more than 10% of their total meal. Monitor your dog for signs of stomach upset like vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite. If any occur, stop giving the gravy.

Only share turkey gravy occasionally as a treat, not daily. Too much can lead to obesity or an unbalanced diet. Speak to your vet if you have any concerns.

Other Tasty, Dog-Safe Gravy Alternatives

While turkey gravy can be fine for dogs in moderation, there are many other flavorful, nutritious options to mix into your dog’s meals. Consider these tasty gravy alternatives:

• Bone broth (beef, turkey, chicken)
• Unsalted meat broth (chicken, beef, vegetable)
• Plain yogurt or cottage cheese
• Applesauce or pumpkin puree
• Mashed banana or sweet potato
• Peanut or almond butter
• Crumbled hard boiled egg
• Low-sodium canned fish like salmon or sardines

Aim for varieties without onions, garlic, spices or salt. Spoon a tablespoon or two over your dog’s regular food for a nutritious and hydrating meal topper. Rotate different options to keep their meals interesting.

The Bottom Line on Turkey Gravy for Dogs

Can dogs eat turkey gravy? In most cases, small amounts of plain, homemade turkey gravy are fine for healthy dogs. But there are many varieties of gravy that are unsafe. To avoid ingredients that are toxic or harmful to dogs, make your own dog-friendly recipe without fat drippings, spices, onions and thickening agents. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about gravy or your dog’s diet. With the right recipe and portion size, a spoonful of turkey gravy can be a tasty and nutritious holiday treat.