When your dog is ill, you do everything you can to alleviate their symptoms by making them comfortable, offering relief from discomfort, and keeping them calm. For this very reason, many pet parents reach for natural and herbal products that promise good safety profiles and minimal side effects.
Since medicinal mushrooms have come on the scene in veterinary supplements, many pet parents wonder how these products will affect their fur-child. Concern amplifies when pet owners realize that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not approve natural supplements like Turkey Tail mushrooms (more on that later).
Stress not! We are here to talk about Turkey Tail, the medicinal mushroom that has been medically reviewed and said to be cancer-fighting and immune-boosting. It boasts many health benefits, but are there side effects? And how do you choose a good product?
Turkey tails are a popular seasonal treat for humans, but can our canine companions enjoy them as well? This is a common question many pet owners have, especially around the holidays. While dogs can technically eat turkey tails, they may not be the healthiest option. This article will take an in-depth look at whether or not dogs should eat turkey tails, the potential risks, and some safer alternative treats.
What Exactly Are Turkey Tails?
Turkey tails are the tail feathers of turkeys along with the skin and fatty tissue attached to them. They contain minimal actual meat but are loaded with fat skin, cartilage and small bones. Some pet food companies and pet stores market turkey tails specifically as dog treats or chews. However, many veterinarians and experts caution against feeding dogs turkey tails.
Are Turkey Tails Safe For Dogs?
According to most vets, turkey tails are not recommended for dogs. Here’s why:
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They are extremely high in fat. The main component of turkey tails is fat and skin rather than meat. Excessive fat can lead to pancreatitis, gastrointestinal upset and obesity in dogs.
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The bones may pose a choking hazard, Turkey tails contain small bones that could potentially splinter and cause harm to a dog’s throat or digestive tract Cooking makes bones more brittle and dangerous,
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Risk of salmonella. Like other raw poultry raw turkey tails could be contaminated with salmonella bacteria. Dogs can get diarrhea and vomiting from salmonella infection.
So while turkey tails are not toxic, they do not offer much nutritional value for dogs. Most veterinary experts advise against feeding dogs turkey tails on a regular basis or in large quantities.
What Are the Dangers?
There are some specific health risks associated with feeding dogs turkey tails:
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Pancreatitis – The high fat content can inflame the pancreas and cause this extremely painful and potentially life-threatening condition. Dogs with pancreatitis require intensive veterinary care and lifelong dietary fat restriction.
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Gastrointestinal upset – Too much fat can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Medication may be needed to settle the stomach and control vomiting.
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Obesity – With mostly fat and little protein, turkey tails can quickly cause weight gain in dogs. Obese dogs are prone to joint problems, diabetes and other health issues.
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Choking or blockages – Bones could potentially splinter and get lodged in or puncture the esophagus, stomach or intestinal tract, requiring emergency surgery.
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Salmonella – Raw turkey may contain this harmful bacteria that leads to vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration in dogs. Hospitalization may be required for severe cases.
While one occasional turkey tail as a treat is unlikely to harm an otherwise healthy dog, regular feeding or consuming multiple turkey tails could have severe consequences. It’s best not to make turkey tails a regular part of a dog’s diet.
Healthier Alternatives to Give Dogs
Rather than high fat turkey tails, consider healthier snack options for dogs:
- Lean cooked turkey or chicken with skin and bones removed
- Low calorie vegetables like carrots and green beans
- Apple slices for a sweet treat
- Peanut butter in moderation
- Frozen plain yogurt for a lower fat alternative to ice cream
- Freeze dried turkey or chicken treats
- Dental chews to promote oral health
When preparing your own holiday meal, set aside some lean turkey meat or vegetable scraps specifically for your pooch. Avoid giving any food with added garlic, onions, salt or other seasonings, bones, or high fat content.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Turkey Tail
If your sneaky dog manages to grab an unattended turkey tail, try not to panic. Monitor them closely for any signs of choking, vomiting, lethargy or loss of appetite. Make sure they are passing normal stools. Withhold food for 24 hours to give their digestive system a rest.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice any vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite or other concerning symptoms after eating a turkey tail. The vet may induce vomiting and start IV fluids to flush the GI tract. Hospitalization and close monitoring may be necessary in severe cases.
While one turkey tail may cause some stomach upset, regular feeding of turkey tails can have detrimental effects on a dog’s health and lead to obesity. Be very judicious in allowing your dog these high fat treats.
Key Takeaways
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Turkey tails are mostly fat, skin, cartilage and bone with very little meat.
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Veterinarians do not recommend feeding any amount of turkey tails to dogs due to the high fat content.
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The bones pose a potential choking hazard and may damage the digestive tract.
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Make sure plenty of fresh water is available if your dog eats a turkey tail.
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Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea or other symptoms and contact your vet if concerned after consumption.
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Lean turkey meat, vegetables and fruit make far healthier treats for dogs.
While turkey tails may seem like a fun seasonal indulgence, they offer very limited nutritional value for dogs and pose substantial risks. For their health and safety, it’s best to avoid feeding dogs turkey tails and opt for alternative treats instead. Your dog will be happier with some lean turkey meat or fresh veggies!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are smoked turkey tails safe for dogs to eat?
No, smoked turkey tails are still too high in fat to be a healthy choice for dogs. Additionally, the smoking process may make small bones more brittle and likely to splinter. It’s best to avoid feeding dogs any kind of turkey tails, smoked or raw.
Can puppies eat turkey tails?
Turkey tails are not recommended for puppies under 1 year old. The high fat content could cause digestive upset for puppies with still-developing digestive systems. The bones also pose a greater choking hazard for small breed puppies.
How much turkey tail is safe for a dog?
Veterinary experts recommend not feeding any quantity of turkey tail to dogs, because even a small amount could cause stomach upset due to the high fat content. The only exception might be the very occasional turkey tail given as a treat to an otherwise healthy large breed adult dog. But lean turkey meat or other treats are healthier options.
Will turkey tails help my dog gain weight?
Yes, turkey tails would probably help a dog gain weight since they are so high in fat and calories despite having little protein. However, this weight gain would be unhealthy for the dog, likely leading to obesity. It’s better to help underweight dogs gain weight gradually with high protein, lower fat foods. Always consult your veterinarian for advice on diet for an underweight dog.
Can I cook turkey tails to make them safe for my dog?
It’s best not to feed turkey tails to dogs at all, even if they are cooked. The cooking process could make small bones more brittle and likely to splinter. Turkey tails are also still too high in fat for dogs when cooked. Feeding plain cooked turkey meat without skin or bones is safer if you want to add some turkey to your dog’s diet.
Are raw turkey tails good for dogs’ teeth?
While chewing on raw turkey tails may exercise a dog’s jaws, the risks far outweigh any possible dental benefits. Raw turkey bones could fracture teeth or splinter causing mouth injuries. There are many safer foods and treats specifically designed to promote good canine dental health without these risks.
Is Turkey Tail Mushroom Safe for Dogs?
After extensive use in Japan, the safety profile of Turkey Tail mushrooms seems positive. While veterinary studies of the medicinal mushroom are scarce, it’s believed that Turkey Tail may have similar benefits in cancer patients and their furry companions.
Not only does the Turkey Tail extract PSK have few adverse effects, but it’s been used in clinical trials to reduce the adverse reactions experienced in cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Studies have not yet determined the safety issues of the Coriolus Versicolor long-term treatment. Pet owners whose dogs are pregnant or on chronic medication should seek the advice, diagnosis, or treatment plan options from their veterinarian before adding any natural supplements to their wellness routine.
Rich In Antioxidants
Turkey Tail mushrooms are a natural source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help the body by fighting free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative stress.
When the immune system is weak, the body is susceptible to various diseases, bacterial infections, and allergies. Turkey Tail mushroom may provide potent prebiotics that feeds gut bacteria and promote balance in the gut microbiome.
A healthy gut leads to:
- Calm stomach and digestion
- Increased nutrient absorption
- Enriched probiotics population
- Protection against UTIs
- Stronger immune function
- May support normal anti-inflammatory response in the body
- Benefits for skin and breath