What pet parent hasn’t slipped their furry best friend a nibble or two under the table? While table scraps aren’t always the best nutritional option for doggos, JustFoodForDogs was founded upon the knowledge that many whole, delicious “people foods” can benefit humans and canines alike. One such food is turkey.
While it is safe for dogs to eat turkey, that doesn’t mean that pet parents should share slices of the Thanksgiving bird or a bite of a turkey sandwich. Before letting your dog chow down, take proper preparation and nutritional balance into consideration.
If you want to start adding turkey to your dog’s diet, here’s what you need to know.
Ground turkey can be a healthy addition to many dogs’ diets. It provides lean protein, vitamins, and minerals. But is cooked ground turkey safe for dogs to eat? Let’s explore the benefits, risks, portion sizes, and best ways to feed dogs ground turkey.
Is Cooked Ground Turkey Safe for Dogs?
In general, fully cooked ground turkey is safe and even beneficial for dogs to eat in moderation.
The key is making sure ground turkey is thoroughly cooked all the way through. Raw or undercooked turkey can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella that can make dogs sick.
Cooking ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F kills any dangerous bacteria, making it safe for dogs as long as proper handling guidelines are followed
Nutritional Benefits of Ground Turkey for Dogs
Cooked ground turkey offers several important nutrients for dogs
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High-Quality Protein Ground turkey provides essential amino acids for maintaining and building muscle,
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Vitamin B6 and B12: Turkey contains B vitamins that support a healthy metabolism and nervous system.
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Niacin: Ground turkey provides niacin, which helps regulate digestion.
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Zinc and Iron: These minerals support thyroid function, oxygen transportation, and immune health.
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Low Fat: Ground turkey is a leaner protein source compared to beef or chicken with skin.
When choosing ground turkey, opt for lean turkey with no more than 10% fat content. Excess fat can lead to pancreatitis in dogs.
Potential Concerns of Feeding Dogs Ground Turkey
While ground turkey is generally safe for dogs when properly cooked, there are a few precautions to be aware of:
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Allergies: Some dogs may be allergic to turkey and experience itchiness, upset stomach, or skin irritation.
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High Sodium: Like many meats, turkey contains sodium that could cause issues if overfed.
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Gastrointestinal Upset: Too much fat or undercooked turkey can cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs. Introduce slowly.
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Pancreatitis: High-fat turkey parts like skin and dark meat may inflame the pancreas. Stick to lean meat.
If your dog experiences any negative symptoms after eating turkey, discontinue feeding and see your vet.
How Much Ground Turkey Can Dogs Eat?
For most average, healthy dogs, aim to keep turkey under 10% of their total daily calories. A general feeding guideline is:
- Small dogs: 1 to 2 tbsp cooked ground turkey max per day
- Medium dogs: 3 to 5 tbsp max per day
- Large dogs: 6 to 10 tbsp max per day
Adjust amounts based on your dog’s size, age, and individual needs. Too much can upset digestion.
Mixing turkey with rice and veggies dilutes the protein and sodium content for a balanced homemade meal. Always provide access to fresh water too.
Best Ways to Cook Ground Turkey for Dogs
Here are safe cooking methods to prepare ground turkey for dogs:
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Pan Frying: Cook over medium heat, breaking up chunks until no pink remains.
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Baking: Bake at 350°F in a dish until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Simmering: Add water and simmer shredded turkey to soften.
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Raw Food Diet: If following a vet-supervised raw diet, be extra careful with handling.
Don’t add seasonings, herbs, onions, or garlic, as these can harm dogs. Plain lean turkey has all the flavor they need!
Allow cooked turkey to cool before feeding. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Vet-Recommended Ground Turkey Recipes for Dogs
Here are some vet-approved recipes combining ground turkey with dog-friendly ingredients:
Ground Turkey with Brown Rice
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1⁄2 cup mixed veggies like carrots, peas, green beans
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Sauté turkey in oil. Add veggies and rice. Cool before serving.
Ground Turkey with Quinoa
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1⁄2 cup chopped carrots
- 1⁄2 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
Sauté turkey in oil. Mix in chopped veggies, quinoa, and turmeric.
Ground Turkey Stew
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 5 cups water
- 2 cups mixed veggies
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 Tbsp omega-3 oil
Simmer turkey and veggies in water. Add rice and oil once turkey is cooked.
The Verdict on Ground Turkey for Dogs
Cooked plain ground turkey can be a healthy and safe addition to most dogs’ diets in moderation. Look for lean turkey with 10% fat or less. Slowly introduce small portions mixed with veggies, grains, or in homemade recipes based on your dog’s needs.
Ground turkey provides high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. Just be sure to handle raw turkey carefully, cook thoroughly, watch for allergies, and feed appropriate portion sizes. Check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns over introducing ground turkey.
ARE TURKEY NECKS SAFE FOR DOGS?
So, we know that turkey meat, organs, and skin are good for dogs to eat, but what about turkey necks?
Su says that, while some pet parents give their dogs raw turkey necks as a treat, they shouldn’t because they contain bones. Bones can splinter or cause a blockage to the digestive tract.
However, that advice does not apply to the other “innards,” commonly known as giblets, you may find inside a turkey carcass, alongside the turkey neck.
According to Su, giblets—which include the turkey gizzard, kidneys, liver, and heart—are perfectly safe to eat once they are cooked. “Organs are high in essential nutrients and vitamins. Just be sure that you’re not overdoing it and giving your dog too much of any one nutrient. A balanced diet is key.”
IS GROUND TURKEY GOOD FOR DOGS?
“Ground turkey is very good for dogs,” Su says. “It’s a versatile meat that’s readily available in different lean-to-fat ratios. You can go to the grocery store and buy ground turkey that’s 99% lean, 93% lean, or 85% lean. All have different nutritional properties and can achieve different health goals.”
“For example,” Su continues, “If your dog is experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) upset, a veterinarian might recommend a homemade diet of boiled chicken and white rice. If you’d like, use 99% lean ground turkey in place of the chicken.”
“Or if your healthy dog needs a daily, maintenance-type diet with diced veggies and healthy carbohydrates, JustFoodForDogs has a Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni Recipe. It contains 85% lean gently cooked ground turkey, which offers plenty of proteins, amino acids, and essential fatty acids.”
Again, explore these options with the help of a veterinarian or nutritionist. A professional can consider what else your fur baby eats and calculate exactly how much turkey and what kind they need to achieve an optimally balanced diet for your dog’s health.
One of the reasons many veterinarians recommend ground turkey for your dog’s diet is that there are no choking hazards like bones to consider.
Su advises cooking human-grade ground meat (whether ground beef or turkey) on the stovetop or in the oven to ensure it’s cooked all the way through.
If you want to feed turkey to your pooch, check out our DIY ground turkey for dogs recipe for making your own dog food in a slow cooker.
Visit our recipes page to learn how to make lamb and brown rice dog food, fish and sweet potato with green beans, and more. Make enough for a full email or just enough to use as a topper on dry food for picky eaters.
Recipe: Healthy Turkey Casserole for Dogs
FAQ
Can I cook ground turkey for my dog?
Ground White Meat Turkey You may have noticed that turkey is a common ingredient in dog treats and dog food. Thoroughly cooked and drained ground white meat turkey, as long as it’s plain and has no additives or salt, is perfectly healthy for dogs.
Is ground beef or ground turkey better for dogs?
Turkey is a great protein source for dogs who are allergic to chicken or beef, as it is a hypoallergenic protein source. In fact, it’s often one of the first foods used in food elimination trials for dogs who have food allergies. Additionally, turkey is less likely to cause gastrointestinal upset than other meats.
What three meats should dogs avoid?
- Processed Meats. Just as we prioritize whole, minimally processed foods for our own diets, the same principle applies to our canine companions. …
- By-Products and Rendered Meats. …
- Fatty Cuts and Excessive Gravies.
Is boiled chicken or ground turkey better for dogs?
However, turkey has slightly fewer calories than chicken and is a lower-risk food for dogs with food allergies. Aside from this, these meats are nutritionally similar and both can be a healthy part of the canine diet.
Is ground turkey good for dogs?
Ground turkey is a good source of protein for dogs. Ground turkey is low in fat and calories. Ground turkey is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and niacin. Ground turkey can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. What is ground turkey? Ground turkey is a type of ground meat made from turkey.
Can dogs eat turkey?
Turkey isn’t inherently toxic to dogs. It’s used as an ingredient in many dog foods, and is rich in protein, riboflavin, and phosphorous. When turkey is cooked plain—in other words, without added salt, fat, or seasonings—turkey can be a wholesome part of a homemade dog food diet under the guidance of your veterinarian.
Can dogs eat ground turkey with vegetables?
Yes, adding vegetables to ground turkey can be a great way to provide your dog with added nutrients and make their meal more filling. Just be sure to cook the vegetables thoroughly to avoid any potential digestive issues. 6. Are there any specific cooking methods that are best for ground turkey for dogs?
Can a dog eat raw ground turkey?
It is generally not recommended to feed your dog raw ground turkey, as it can contain harmful bacteria that could make your dog sick. It is best to cook ground turkey before feeding it to your dog. 3. How much ground turkey should I feed my dog? The amount of ground turkey you should feed your dog will depend on their size, age, and activity level.
What happens if a dog eats ground turkey?
For example, if you’re not careful about removing bones from the meat before cooking, your dog could choke on them or suffer internal injuries. Additionally, large amounts of ground turkey can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea or vomiting.
How do you cook ground turkey for a dog?
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Add the chopped vegetables and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in the cooked brown rice and dried parsley. Allow the mixture to cool before serving to your dog.