Is Turkey Ham Bad For Dogs?

Turkey ham has become a popular alternative to traditional pork ham, touted as a healthier choice due to its lower fat content. But just because something is better for humans that doesn’t mean it’s also better for dogs. When it comes to turkey ham there are good reasons to avoid feeding it to your furry friend. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why turkey ham may be bad for dogs.

What is Turkey Ham?

Turkey ham is ham made from turkey rather than pork. It emerged as a lower-fat alternative to traditional ham made from pig meat. Turkey ham is created by curing turkey thighs and breasts to replicate the flavor of ham. To make it, turkey meat is wet cured in a brine solution, then cooked and smoked. The finished product resembles sliced ham in appearance, texture and taste.

Turkey ham is sometimes seen as a healthier choice compared to pork ham because turkey contains less fat. A 3-ounce serving of turkey ham contains around 1 gram of fat, while the same portion of pork ham provides 13 grams of fat. However, turkey ham is still a very processed meat. Even though it has less fat than pork ham, it’s still not an ideal choice for dogs.

Why Turkey Ham May Be Bad for Dogs

There are a few reasons why turkey ham is not the best snack for canine companions

It’s highly processed

Like regular ham, turkey ham goes through extensive processing. The turkey meat is cured, smoked, cooked, sliced and packaged – more processing than a plain turkey breast. All these steps introduce undesirable ingredients like preservatives, artificial flavors and excess sodium.

The high amount of processing makes turkey ham harder for dogs to digest. It also destroys nutrients and introduces potentially harmful additives. Fresh, unprocessed turkey would be a healthier choice.

Too much salt

Turkey ham contains a lot more salt compared to unprocessed turkey or other unseasoned meats. The brining and curing process adds a substantial amount of sodium. Excess salt can cause excessive thirst and urination. In the long run, too much can even lead to kidney problems in dogs.

Potential preservatives

To extend shelf life and prevent spoilage, processed meats like turkey ham often contain chemical preservatives like nitrates and nitrites. While approved for human consumption, these additives may cause adverse reactions in some dogs. Signs can include vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite.

Upset stomach

The high salt, fat and preservative content of turkey ham makes it more likely to cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. While a small amount may be tolerated, eating too much can result in vomiting, diarrhea or gas.

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, turkey ham is best avoided altogether. Sticking to plain proteins like cooked chicken, turkey or beef is a safer choice.

Minimal nutrients

Fresh turkey contains important nutrients like protein, vitamins and minerals. But these nutrients are depleted during the heavy processing methods used to produce turkey ham.

There just isn’t much nutritional value left by the time the turkey becomes ham. You’ll get more nutrients from real turkey meat than the processed ham version.

Can trigger pancreatitis

The high fat content in turkey ham makes it a risky choice for dogs prone to pancreatitis. This painful condition is caused by inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by high amounts of fat in the diet.

While turkey ham is lower in fat compared to pork ham, it’s still much higher in fat compared to fresh turkey. For dogs with pancreatitis, even “lower-fat” meats may be too fatty.

Weight gain

Turkey ham is not a very lean or low-calorie meat choice for dogs. The fatty texture and smoky flavor make it more appealing and easy to overfeed. This can quickly lead to weight gain in dogs.

Excess weight stresses the joints, heart and other organs. Overweight dogs also tend to have lower energy and shorter life spans. Sticking to low-calorie treats is important for maintaining a healthy weight.

Healthier Treat Alternatives

While turkey ham isn’t the best idea, there are plenty of other safe, healthy treats you can offer your dog instead. Here are some smarter options:

• Lean turkey or chicken breast – Provides protein without lots of fat or salt. Opt for roasted or boiled, rather than fried.

• Carrots and green beans – Low-calorie veggies that provide fiber and important nutrients.

• Plain pumpkin or sweet potato – Provides vitamin A, potassium and fiber.

• Unsweetened yogurt – Provides probiotics for digestive health. Look for yogurt low in sugar.

• Apple slices – A hydrating, refreshing source of vitamin C and fiber. Remove seeds first.

• Peanut butter – A spoonful, provided your dog isn’t allergic. Pick a brand with no added salt or sugar.

• Freeze-dried chicken or liver treats – Provide crunch and protein without preservatives.

• Dental chews – Help clean teeth and freshen breath. Look for natural ingredient options.

The Bottom Line

While turkey ham seems like a better choice compared to regular ham, it still falls short as a healthy dog treat. The high amounts of salt, additives and fat make it a risky option that may cause stomach upset. There are many more nutritious snacks to choose from that will make your dog just as happy. Steer clear of turkey ham, and stick to healthier whole food treats without so much processing. Your dog’s stomach and waistline will thank you!