Deli turkey is a staple ingredient in many human foods, from sandwiches to salads. Its savory flavor and easy preparation makes it a lunchtime favorite. But is deli turkey safe and healthy for our canine companions? As dog owners, it’s our responsibility to understand the impact human foods can have on our furry friends. In this article, I’ll explore the pros and cons of feeding dogs deli turkey and share a veterinarian’s advice on processed meats.
What is Deli Turkey?
Deli turkey refers to packaged, sliced turkey meat typically found at the deli counter of grocery stores. It comes pre-cooked and often contains additives like salt, sugar, and preservatives to enhance flavor and extend shelf life.
Deli turkey differs from fresh turkey meat in a few key ways:
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Highly processed – Deli turkey is processed for taste, texture, and convenience. This processing changes the nutritional makeup of the raw turkey.
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Higher sodium – To boost flavor, deli turkey contains much more added sodium than plain turkey. Too much salt can cause issues in dogs.
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Additives – Preservatives, flavor enhancers, and other additives are common in deli turkey Dogs may react negatively to some of these extra ingredients
So while fresh, unseasoned turkey meat can be a healthy source of protein for dogs, the same may not be true for highly processed deli turkey.
Can Dogs Eat Deli Turkey?
The answer isn’t black and white Veterinarians typically agree that dogs can eat deli turkey safely, but only in strict moderation The high sodium, fat, and preservatives can become problematic if dogs consume too much deli meat or too frequently.
For healthy dogs without diet restrictions, vets recommend limiting deli turkey to no more than 1-2 times per week. Even then, portion sizes should be small and never make up more than 10% of their daily calories. Ideally, try to find low-sodium options without extra flavorings or preservatives.
Dogs with certain health conditions may need to avoid deli turkey altogether. The extra salt can aggravate heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or hypertension. Overweight dogs should also not eat deli meats because of the high fat content.
Potential Benefits of Deli Turkey for Dogs
When fed properly and in moderation, deli turkey does have some positives:
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Protein source – Deli turkey provides lean protein, which dogs need in their diet. Make sure to balance with other protein sources.
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Flavorsome treat – The seasoned taste of deli turkey can make a appealing reward during training. In small doses, the flavors are not harmful.
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Easy to digest – Compared to red meats, turkey is usually gentler on dogs’ stomachs and less likely to cause GI upset.
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Familiar flavor – Since deli meats are a staple human food, dogs may find the familiar taste and smell appealing.
Potential Risks of Deli Turkey for Dogs
However, there are also several potential downsides to consider:
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High sodium – The added salt, nitrates, and preservatives in deli turkey can cause excessive thirst, nausea, and even sodium ion poisoning in dogs if they consume too much.
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GI issues – While rare, some dogs may be sensitive or allergic to certain seasoning ingredients and develop diarrhea or vomiting after eating deli turkey.
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Pancreatitis – High fat meats like deli turkey have been associated with pancreatitis, a serious inflammatory condition, especially in obese or old dogs.
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Weight gain – Feeding dogs fatty, salty deli meats too often can lead to unhealthy weight gain over time.
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Nutritional imbalance – Relying on processed meats could lead to deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals dogs need in a balanced diet.
A Veterinarian’s Advice on Deli Turkey for Dogs
To learn more about the implications of processed meats, I spoke with Dr. Sarah Johnson, a veterinarian with over 15 years experience in small animal medicine. Here’s her expert perspective:
“In general, I recommend against making deli turkey a regular part of your dog’s diet. These highly processed meats are too high in fat, sodium, and preservatives to be healthy overall. However, the occasional slice of plain deli turkey as a treat is unlikely to do harm. Just stick to low-sodium options and serve in very small portions. Ideally, try healthier alternatives like fresh fruits, veggie morsels, or baked chicken for training treats instead.”
Dr. Johnson warns owners to monitor their dog closely anytime new human foods are introduced. Look for signs of stomach upset, changes in thirst, or unusual food reactions. She stresses the importance of variety and moderation when giving people food to dogs. Rotating different protein sources, limiting fatty foods, and focusing on whole ingredients will help keep dogs healthy. Work closely with your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog’s dietary needs.
Healthier Alternatives to Deli Turkey
Rather than processed deli meats, consider these healthier options to give your dog variety while staying balanced:
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Lean proteins: boiled chicken, fish, eggs
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Fruits: blueberries, banana slices, apple chunks
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Veggies: baby carrots, green beans, sweet potato
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Whole grains: brown rice, barley, oatmeal
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Low-fat dairy: plain yogurt, cottage cheese
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Unsalted nut butters: peanut, almond, sunflower
While the occasional slice of deli turkey won’t seriously harm most healthy dogs, it should not become a regular part of their diet. Veterinarians recommend limiting intake to just 1-2 times per month at most. Always watch your dog’s health closely when introducing new foods. With so many better alternatives, deli turkey should be considered a rare, flavorful treat – not a dietary staple. Focus on quality whole foods, and when in doubt, check with your vet for personalized feeding advice.
Are Spices Dangerous For Dogs To Eat?
Dog and spices don’t mix. Here are some spices that are not healthy for your dog to eat. While some spices are reiterations of the foods that are harmful to a dog just in a dried and refined form others may be unique. Most spices and herbs are toxic for a pet to eat. This is not an exhaustive list and just because your dog doesn’t get sick from any single item doesn’t mean you should feed it to them. It is best to not feed your dog any spices.
List of Foods Dogs Can’t Eat:
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chocolate, white, dark, powdered, all kinds
- Raw baked potatoes (cooked are fine)
- Alcohol
- Coffee, tea or other caffeine sources
- Milk, ice cream, and dairy products
- Nuts (contain fast and oils that may cause gastrointestinal issues {GI}, diarrhea, vomiting and may contribute to pancreatitis)
- Almonds
- Pecans
- Macadamia nuts
- Walnuts
- Nutmeg
- Coconut oil (causes GI issues and may cause diarrhea)
- Apricots
- Green parts of Tomatoes (leaves, stems)
- Tomatoes
- Rhubarb plant
- Candy or gum
- Nothing sweetened with xylitol
- Fat trimmings from bones
- Bones splinter and cause lacerations in your dog’s digestive system
- Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums
- Raw eggs (E-coli and salmonella) and the enzyme in raw eggs that interferes with the B vitamin
- Lunch meats or cold cuts contain way too much salt and nitrates which can lead to digestive and kidney problems. Store-bought cold cuts are bad foods for dogs
- Hops which are used to make beer, as well as other foods, are very toxic to dogs causing heavy panting, increased heart rate, fever, seizures, and death
- Raw meat and fish (just as with humans, eating raw foods causes bacteria poisoning that can be fatal)
- Salt
- Sugary foods and drinks (obesity and dental problems)
- Mushrooms
- Citrus Fruits including oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruit, etc.
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Apples are fine, but the seeds, cores, and stems are not
- Yeast/dough
- Human medicine
- Baking soda and baking powder
- Stay away from fatty and seasoned foods
Can Dogs Eat Turkey? [ANSWERED]
FAQ
Can I give my dog a piece of deli turkey?
It’s unhealthy, and even dangerous, to feed your dog any type of deli meat on a regular basis, says Top Dog Tips.
What deli meat is best for dogs?
However, not all lunch meats are the same. Some are more seasoned and processed than others. If you want to feed your dog lunch meat, instead I would stick to healthier meats that are not processed such as boiled chicken and other more bland, non-processed, non-spiced meats.
Is boar’s head turkey ok for dogs?
Yes, turkey can be a healthy, occasional treat for dogs. It’s a lean, healthy animal protein that’s often a main ingredient in dog food recipes, and it can also be given to your dog as a treat.
What three meats should dogs avoid?
- Raw meat: Can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, and can cause choking hazards.
- Fatty meats: Can cause pancreatitis and sore stomachs, and can contribute to obesity and cardiovascular problems.
- Meat or fish bones: Can be choking hazards, and can damage a dog’s stomach and throat.
Can dogs eat deli turkey?
When feeding your dog deli turkey, there are a few things you should watch out for. First of all, make sure the meat is free from any seasoning or spices that could upset your dog’s stomach. Additionally, deli meats often contain high levels of sodium and preservatives which can cause dehydration and other health issues if consumed in excess.
Should you eat turkey deli meat?
Long story short, it’s not ideal. The reason is because turkey deli meat, turkey bacon, turkey hot dogs, turkey sausage, smoked turkey, and other forms of processed turkey meat are usually packed with extra sodium and spices.
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 turkey skin?
Remove turkey skin. Too much fat (from the skin itself, plus whatever butter or oil was used for roasting or frying) and seasonings are dangerous for dogs. High fat content can cause pancreatitis, while all the extra spices and seasonings can irritate your dog’s stomach. Only feed your dog turkey meat.
Can a dog eat a white turkey?
The white meat in turkey is a little higher in protein than dark meat. Therefore, if you are looking to feed your dog the leaner parts of the turkey, stick to the white meat. As with other parts of the turkey, excess intake may also lead to undesirable weight gain. These parts are also lacking in the essential nutrients your buddy needs.
What is turkey meal in dog food?
Turkey meal in dog food is a dried rendered product made from clean, fresh turkey. It could be a blend of skin, flesh, and bones. Most dog foods contain turkey, and it is a common ingredient used by commercial dog food manufacturers.