Have you ever walked away from your turkey sandwich for a second, and then come back to find the turkey missing and your cat licking their lips?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they are designed to eat and process meat. So it’s no wonder why so many cats love turkey or any other meat, and why animal protein is the main ingredient in almost every cat food recipe.
But can cats eat all kinds of turkey, like turkey lunch meat or turkey scraps from your meal? Is it healthy for them? Here’s what you need to know about turkey for cats.
As cat owners, we often want to share tasty treats with our furry friends, especially around the holidays. Can cats eat turkey organs like giblets? Is it safe to feed cats turkey hearts or livers? While cats certainly go crazy for meaty morsels, not all people food is suitable for feline consumption.
In this article, we’ll explore whether cats can safely eat turkey organs, including the potential benefits and risks. We’ll also provide serving tips and guidelines to make sure you’re feeding turkey giblets to cats in a healthy way.
An Overview of Turkey Giblets
The term “giblets” refers to the edible internal organs of a turkey, including
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Heart – Rich in protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins and low in fat.
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Liver – Extremely high in vitamin A, protein, B vitamins and iron. Has a soft, appealing texture.
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Gizzard – Composed of lean protein and minerals like iron, zinc, selenium. Provides a chewy, meaty texture.
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Neck – Contains bone, muscle meat, skin and connective tissue. Not recommended as it poses a choking hazard.
So while necks should be avoided, the heart, liver and gizzard can provide great nutritional value. But can cats eat these turkey giblets safely?
Are Turkey Giblets Safe for Cats to Eat?
Turkey giblets can be fed to cats as the occasional treat as long as they are:
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Fully cooked – Raw giblets may contain salmonella, E. coli and other bacteria harmful to cats. Ensure giblets are thoroughly cooked.
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Bones removed – Turkey bones splinter easily and can puncture the throat, stomach or intestines.
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Finely chopped – Cut giblets into tiny, pea-sized pieces to prevent choking.
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Plain – Avoid giblets with onions, garlic or other seasonings, as these are toxic for cats.
When prepared properly without any bones or seasoning, turkey giblets provide a nutritious, protein-packed treat. But what benefits do they offer?
Health Benefits of Feeding Turkey Giblets to Cats
Here are some of the main nutritional benefits cats can gain from eating turkey giblets in moderation:
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Excellent source of lean protein to maintain and build muscle mass.
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Rich in vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, zinc and other minerals cats need.
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Low in fat and calories compared to regular muscle meat, supporting weight control.
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Contains vital amino acids like taurine, arginine, lysine that cats cannot synthesize alone.
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Provides natural enzymes and probiotics to promote healthy digestion.
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Adds variety and appeal to homemade food with different textures.
Overall, the occasional serving of giblets can provide great nutritional value as part of a balanced cat diet.
Feeding Guidelines for Turkey Giblets
When introducing any new food, it’s important to go slowly with cats. Follow these tips for feeding turkey giblets safely:
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Limit to 1-2 small pieces per meal, 1-2 times weekly at most. Too much can cause an upset stomach.
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Mix a little turkey giblet in with their regular cat food to get them used to the new taste and texture.
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Finely dice giblets into tiny, pea-sized bites to reduce choking risk. Remove all bones.
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Cook thoroughly until the giblets are very soft and easily shredded with a fork.
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Watch for signs of an upset stomach like vomiting or diarrhea. Discontinue feeding if these occur.
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Cats with kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or other health conditions should likely avoid giblets due to the high phosphorus content.
Follow these precautions and giblets can make a nutritious supplemental treat. But what about other turkey parts?
Safely Feeding Other Turkey Meat to Cats
If you want to share turkey with your cat, but feel uneasy about the giblets, try offering:
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Cooked, unseasoned turkey breast meat – An excellent lean protein source. Remove skin and bones.
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Ground turkey – Has a softer texture than breast meat if your cat lacks teeth. Choose plain.
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High-quality commercial cat foods with turkey as the first ingredient – Allows your cat to enjoy the taste of turkey in a complete diet.
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Frozen raw Turkey necks – A chewy texture cats love. Defrost slowly in fridge before serving. Make sure your cat can handle raw food before feeding frozen raw necks, and always supervise.
With some precautions, both turkey giblets and meat can be fed to cats safely and provide nutritional benefits. Just be sure to start slow and watch for any signs of digestive upset. Talk to your vet if you have questions about incorporating turkey into your cat’s homemade diet.
Signs of an Upset Stomach in Cats
It’s normal for cats to experience some mild digestive trouble when transitioning to a new food. Stop feeding the new food and call your vet if you notice:
- Repeated vomiting
- Loose stools for over 24 hours
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
These symptoms could indicate a food intolerance, sensitivity or imbalance in nutrients. Your vet can help you determine the cause and treat your cat’s upset stomach appropriately.
Are Turkey Giblets Right for Your Cat?
Can cats eat turkey organs? While giblets can make a tasty, protein-packed supplemental treat, they may not be ideal for all cats. Cats with certain health conditions may be better off avoiding giblets altogether.
Talk to your veterinarian before incorporating giblets or other new foods into your cat’s diet. They can help you determine if giblets are recommended based on your cat’s needs and current health status.
When fed properly in moderation, turkey giblets can provide nutritional variety and appeal for many cats. Just be cautious with portion sizes, avoid bones or seasoning, and monitor your cat’s reaction closely. Working with your vet and following safe feeding tips can help make giblets a healthy treat your cat will go gobbledygook for!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats eat turkey giblets?
Yes, cats can eat turkey giblets in moderation as an occasional treat. Be sure to cook them thoroughly and remove any bones before feeding to cats.
What turkey organs can cats eat?
Cats can safely eat the heart, liver and gizzard from turkey giblets. It’s best to avoid feeding the turkey neck to cats due to the choking hazard.
Is turkey liver safe for cats?
Cooked turkey liver is safe for cats in small amounts. It provides many nutrients, but too much can pose a risk of vitamin A toxicity. Limit portions to 1-2 bites per meal.
Can cats eat raw turkey giblets?
It’s not recommended to feed raw giblets to cats. Raw meat increases their risk of salmonella, E. coli and other foodborne illnesses. Always cook giblets thoroughly before feeding to kill any harmful bacteria.
How much turkey giblets should cats eat?
Limit turkey giblets to about 1-2 tablespoons per 3-5 lb of body weight, 1-2 times per week at most. Feeding too much can cause digestive upset. Always start with small portions to see how your cat tolerates giblets.
Are turkey necks safe for cats?
No, whole turkey necks are unsafe for cats as they present a major choking hazard. If you want to feed turkey necks, slice the meat off the bone first into small pieces. The bones can also puncture the digestive tract.
Should Cats Eat Raw or Cooked Turkey?
Cats should always be fed cooked turkey. Despite the debates on raw food versus cooked foods for pets, the safe option for pets and people is to only eat cooked turkey.
Raw meat may contain bacteria, which can make you and your pets extremely sick. This is why you should use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables when you cook. Pets that are fed bacteria-containing raw meats can become ill and transmit the illness to people, which is not worth the risk.
Can Cats Eat Turkey Bacon?
Turkey itself is a healthy treat for cats, but turkey bacon is not so healthy for them. Although it isn’t toxic to cats, it is loaded with salt, preservatives, and fat. Over time, eating a lot of turkey bacon can lead to hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and other health issues. While you can indulge kitty with some plain, cooked turkey, skip the turkey bacon.