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Can Dogs Eat Turkey?

Can Dogs Eat Turkey?

Updated on July 18, 2024
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team
sliced-turkey

Yes, your dog can eat turkey—with a few stipulations. Dogs can eat turkey meat, but it’s important to avoid feeding them the skin, bones or certain seasonings and aromatics that are sometimes added to turkey. Always consult your veterinarian before adding something new to your dog’s diet. 

 When it comes to human food that is approved for dogs, it’s always a good idea to still give it in moderation. Boneless, skinless turkey can be very beneficial, but your dog’s high-quality dog food is formulated to give your pup all of the vitamins and minerals they need.  

 It’s important to keep it as their core source of nutrients and only give them human food sparingly. It’s also important to add the nutrients they need if you’re feeding your dog homemade meals. Here are some tips when it comes to dogs and turkey. 

Health Benefits of Turkey for Dogs 

Is turkey good for dogs? Absolutely, as long as you only feed them the meat. Turkey is:  

  • Digested easily 
  • Packed with protein  
  • Contains important nutrients like phosphorous and riboflavin 
  • Lower in fat than beef  
  • Satisfies their craving for meat  

Lean protein sources like turkey or chicken can be a great choice for your pup—dogs who consume a high-fat diet are more at risk of stomach issues or pancreatitis. The phosphorus in turkey helps to support bone and teeth health, and riboflavin is great for your dog’s metabolism and digestive system.  

Is turkey okay for dogs? Yes—as long as it’s cooked properly, and certain parts of the turkey are omitted. Here’s how you should prepare a turkey for canine consumption.  

How to Feed Turkey to Your Dog 

Can dogs have turkey? Turkey can be a satisfying treat for your canine, and a great protein source if you make your pet homemade dog food. Here are some tips to avoid digestive upset.   

Discard the skin and fat Your dog’s taste buds may delight in scarfing up the crispy skin and rich fat, but their belly won’t be so happy. Too much fat in one sitting can cause a belly ache at best or serious health problems at worst. Make sure to discard the skin and fat in a place your pup can’t sneak into, like an outside trash bin.   

Remove all bones Can dogs eat turkey bones? Feeding your dog poultry bones is never a good idea. Their small size makes them a choking hazard, and they can lodge themselves in the digestive tract and cause blockages. They’re also more fragile than beef bones—especially if they’re cooked. If they splinter, they can pierce vital organs. Feeding your dog bones from home just isn’t worth the risk. Invest in bones and chews that are designed for your dog’s consumption instead.   

Skip the aromatics and seasoning Is turkey bad for dogs? The answer is no—but things that are commonly added to turkey can be. Dogs and certain seasonings just don’t mix—many seasoning blends contain high sodium content, which can be harmful to canines. And other toxic herbs are garlic and onion, as well as paprika and pepper.   

Boneless, skinless turkey breast can be a great option for your pet. You can boil or bake it—just remember to not add extra fat   

There are some herbs your dogs can consume, as long as they’re not allergic. You can add:  

  • Rosemary 
  • Tumeric  
  • Parsley 
  • Basil  
  • Ginger  

Many of these herbs contain nutrients that can be very beneficial. You can add rice, canine-approved veggies and your dog’s favorite food topper for a wholesome and nutritious meal.  

  

Featured Dog Food and Treats with Turkey

FAQs about feeding your dog turkey

Real, cooked, unseasoned turkey breast with the skin, bones and fat removed is a satisfying snack for your pup. Avoid giving your dog slices of processed deli turkey meat, however, as they contain a lot of sodium and preservatives and can have negative effects on your canine.

No, cooked poultry bones should never be offered to your pet. The turkey neck contains lots of small bones that can wreak havoc if they become lodged in the throat or intestines. If you decide to feed your dog raw or dehydrated turkey necks, consult your vet first to better understand all the risks associated with bacterial infections and possible gastrointestinal obstruction.

If prepared properly, turkey is usually very gentle on your dog’s stomach and easily digested. If your dog is sick, your vet might recommend boiling turkey or chicken and combining it with plain cooked rice as a bland diet until they are feeling better and can go back on their high-quality/AAFCO-approved dog food.

Just like humans, your dog may have sensitivities or allergies to certain foods. If this is your first time feeding your dog turkey, make sure you monitor them closely. Give them just a little at first so you can contact your veterinarian and change course quickly if there is an adverse reaction.

Absolutely. Ground turkey is a great alternative to hamburger because it has less fat but is still highly palatable

Turkey can also be more nutrient-dense compared to chicken—it has more B vitamins, zinc, potassium and magnesium.

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