Can dogs eat turkey?

From thanksgiving feasts to Christmas day dinners, turkey is a staple food of several celebratory occasions. And most of us will be munching the leftovers for days after the main event in the form of sandwiches, casseroles, and pot pies.

During this time, your dog is bound to do his best puppy dog eyes to persuade you to let him try this delightfully scented food, but is it okay to treat your dog to the trimmings?

The good news is that turkey is generally safe for dogs to eat. Still, there are several factors to consider before feeding your dog this festive treat. Continue reading to explore these caveats and the best ways to prepare turkey for your furry friend.

Is Turkey Good For Dogs?

In general, turkey is okay for your dog as long as it’s served in moderation. Turkey is common across multiple brands of treats and dog foods and can provide an excellent protein source for dogs allergic to other meats, such as chicken or beef.

Still, the turkey found in dog food is specially prepared for their consumption, whereas the meat on your plate is not. For this reason, feeding your pup scraps of a turkey dinner comes with a few caveats.

Turkey meat is okay for your dog to consume, but all the trimmings can cause a problem. For example, many turkeys are seasoned with onion or garlic, which are toxic for your furry friends.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey?

Dogs can eat raw turkey the same way they can eat other raw meats, such as beef. Still, it is more likely to make them sick than cooked meat, and there’s a slight chance it will contain bacteria such as salmonella or e.coli.

Raw turkey should be fine if your dog is used to a raw food diet. Still, if they usually eat cooked foods, it’s probably best to stick with cooked turkey rather than risk doing something different. In addition, avoid giving raw meat to dogs with health conditions such as liver or kidney problems unless you consult your vet beforehand.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones?

Dogs love chewing bones, but several owners don’t realise that only certain bones are suitable for their furry friends. While a medium-sized lamb bone can allow slow and proper chewing, turkey bones do not.

Poultry bones – such as those found in turkeys – are particularly hazardous to dogs thanks to their small size and brittle nature. Not only can bones injure the tongue and mouth – they can also choke your dog, causes an obstruction in the intestines, cause constipation, pierce the stomach, or cause rectal bleeding. 

These blockages can sometimes be severe enough to require medical surgery. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid giving your dog any bone, particularly those from poultry sources.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Legs?

If treating your dog to a portion of turkey, it’s best to feed them the lean, white meat. While turkey legs aren’t toxic to dogs, they come with a few risks. The legs tend to be a particularly fatty area of a turkey, and excess fat is unsuitable for your dog’s diet.

Fat is an essential part of your dog’s diet but contains many calories. Allowing your pup to consume fatty foods can quickly lead to them consuming excess calories and gaining weight. Not only can a fatty diet lead to obesity, but consuming fat can upset your dog’s stomach causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Products?

In general, stick to fresh turkey meat that you have prepared yourself. 

Turkey bacon, sausages, burgers, and jerky contain large amounts of sodium and preservatives that are not good for your dog’s overall health. In addition, they often have several added ingredients, such as onion and garlic, which are toxic to your dog.

On the other hand, turkey mince is a great treat for your dog, so long as you keep it plain and moderate the portion. There are several human foods that your dog can enjoy; it’s about checking the ingredients and ensuring you prepare the food yourself.

If you’re unsure which turkey is right for your pup, stick to a reputable brand such as Mad Paw’s “Chook off the Hook” kibble, which offers a safe turkey based treat that is perfect for your furry friend.

Are Dogs Allergic To Turkey?

Turkey allergies are rare in dogs, but they can occur just like any other allergy. Generally, this will happen after repeated exposure to a particular food. If you notice any of the following symptoms in your dog after they have eaten turkey, it could indicate an allergy:

• Itchy skin or rashes
• Paw biting
• Intolerance or vomiting

If you have any concerns, consult with your vet for the next steps.

How To Safely Feed Your Dog Turkey.

If you want to give your dog a treat and allow them a taste of your turkey feast, here are some tips:

• Only give them cooked white meat and avoid any turkey that is fried. Fried food isn’t good for humans and is terrible for our furry friends.
• Avoid the skin. The skin contains large amounts of fat, which can lead to pancreatitis or seasonings that can irritate the stomach.
• Make sure it’s unseasoned. Even small amounts of toxic ingredients – such as onion and garlic – can cause problems for your pup, and large amounts can be fatal.
• Watch their portions. Any human foods you give to your dog should be kept in moderation. Be especially careful if they have any preexisting health conditions, such as diabetes. If this is the case, you should consult your vet before feeding your dog turkey scraps.
• Remove all bones. Dogs and bones have become synonymous with one another over the years, but the bones found in turkey meat are often small and brittle, which poses several risks to your dog, including a choking hazard.

We all want the best food for our dogs. Following these tips, allows us to safely treat them to something a little bit different.

How Much Turkey Can Dogs Eat?

Every dog is different, so the “right” portion for your dog depends on its individual needs. If you plan on changing your dog’s diet over the festive period (or any time of year), it may be best to consult your vet beforehand. Still, there are some general guidelines, as detailed below.

One piece of turkey = one-inch cube of lean, white turkey meat

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