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While many of us already know we’re going to overeat on Thanksgiving, we still need to apply some restraint when it comes to sharing Thanksgiving foods with our dogs.
It’s not just the obvious cautions—like splintering roasted turkey bones or toxic onion-filled stuffing—that are unsafe choices for your dogs. There are other known foods that are toxic to dogs and should be kept off their plates. That said, plenty of fall favorite foods can be tasty and safe options in small portions during holiday festivities.
Thanksgiving revolves around turkey, but is it safe for your dog to indulge too? With those pleading eyes staring up at you, it’s hard to resist slipping Fido a tasty bite. However, not all turkey preparations are created equal. Certain ingredients can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system and even cause serious illness.
As dog owners, we want to include our pups in the festivities But we also need to make smart, safe choices for their health In this article, I’ll walk through the dos and don’ts of feeding turkey to dogs this Thanksgiving. Let’s thoughtfully determine how to let dogs celebrate while avoiding disaster.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones?
Let’s start with the most obvious risk: bones. Cooked bones of any kind, including turkey bones, pose a major choking hazard and can cause serious internal injuries if swallowed.
Some potential dangers include:
- Bone shards lacerating the mouth or tongue
- Bones getting lodged in the throat, preventing breathing
- Stomach and intestinal punctures or tearing
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Blockages requiring emergency surgery
So while your pooch may beg for that delicious turkey carcass, it’s an absolute no-no. Stick strictly to boneless turkey meat when treating your dog.
Plain Turkey Meat – OK in Moderation
Plain, boneless, unseasoned turkey meat is fine for dogs to eat on occasion. Turkey provides protein, vitamins, and minerals that can supplement your dog’s regular diet.
However turkey intended for human feasts often contains ingredients that can harm your dog. like
- Onions and garlic – Toxic to dogs
- Excess fat – Triggers pancreatitis
- Seasonings – Upset stomach, diarrhea
- Gravy – High in fat
To safely share turkey with your pup, only offer them small bites of plain meat without any added flavors or fats. Avoid skin, stuffing, gravy and spiced dishes.
Health Risks of Onion/Garlic, Fat and Seasonings
Let’s explore why stuffing, gravy and seasoned turkey are off the menu for dogs:
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Onions/garlic: Contain compounds that destroy dogs’ red blood cells leading to anemia. Even small amounts over time can be toxic.
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Excess fat: Triggers life-threatening pancreatitis. Dogs have trouble digesting high-fat foods.
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Seasonings: Spices, herbs and salt cause stomach upset, intestinal issues and dehydration in dogs.
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Gravy: High in fat and sodium content. Can lead to severe vomiting/diarrhea.
Stick to bland, lean meat only. Consult your vet if your dog accidentally consumes any turkey “no-nos”.
Give Turkey Sparingly as a Treat
While turkey meat is healthy for dogs, too much can cause gastrointestinal distress. Follow these tips:
- Only offer tiny portions of plain turkey meat
- Don’t replace regular meals with turkey
- Watch for signs of stomach upset after feeding
- Avoid fatty parts like skin to prevent pancreatitis
Think of turkey as an occasional treat, not a dietary staple.
Answering Common Thanksgiving Turkey Questions
Here’s a quick rundown of common turkey-related questions for dogs:
Is turkey better than chicken for dogs?
Turkey and chicken are comparable options. Go with whichever your dog likes and tolerates best.
Can I give my dog turkey every day?
No, turkey should only be an occasional treat. Overdoing it may cause digestive issues.
What’s the best way to cook turkey for my dog?
Plain baking, boiling or grilling ensures no added oils or seasonings.
Can I feed my dog canned turkey dog food?
Yes, high-quality commercial turkey dog food is balanced and safe.
Can dogs have turkey bones after they’ve been boiled?
No, boiling makes bones more brittle and likely to splinter when chewed.
I hope these tips help you safely incorporate turkey into your dog’s holiday celebrations. While throwing them a spare bone may be tempting, your pup’s health and safety must come first. Stick to boneless meat and avoid toxic add-ins. Here’s wishing you and your furry friend a wonderful Thanksgiving full of tail wags!
A Recap on Feeding Turkey Safely
To quickly recap, follow these tips when feeding turkey to dogs:
- No bones – cooked bones splinter and lodge in intestines or throat
- No skin – too fatty which can trigger pancreatitis
- No gravy/oils – high fat content leads to stomach issues
- Plain meat only – no seasonings, onions, garlic, or spices
- Small portions – treats only, not meal replacement
- Monitor for reactions – diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy are bad signs
Consult your vet with any concerns or if your dog has food sensitivities. Wishing you a very happy and safe Thanksgiving with your canine companion!
Safe Thanksgiving Foods to Feed Dogs
Every Thanksgiving Day table is a little bit different, but there are some foods that make an appearance on just about every table, and many of those tables might have a hopeful dog snoozing underneath, waiting for a stray bite of people food.
“Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta-carotene,” says Dr. Gary Richter, MS, DVM, author of “The Ultimate Pet Health Guide: Breakthrough Nutrition and Integrative Care for Dogs and Cats.” “Sweet potato treats can be as simple as a dehydrated sweet potato chew.” Plain mashed sweet potatoes are an option you might find at the table. Just remember not to give your pet sweet potatoes loaded up with added ingredients like brown sugar, marshmallows, or maple syrup.
You may already know your dog loves the occasional french fry. For the holiday meal, opt to share boiled or baked potatoes with your dog. Save the mashed potatoes whipped with butter and cream (and sometimes onions or garlic) for your own plate.
“Apples are full of vitamins A and C and contain lots of great fiber, making them a healthy Thanksgiving treat for your pet,” says Dr. Richter. “However, if you’re sharing an apple with your pooch, be sure to cut around the core, as large amounts of apple seeds can be toxic.” Sliced fresh apples are on your dog’s menu, or an apple-cinnamon dog cookie, but please keep the slab of apple pie on human plates only.
Turkey Meat (Without Bones or Skin)
If you’re wondering if dogs can eat turkey at Thanksgiving, the answer is yes, but with some caveats. Turkey meat is okay to offer up “as long as it has not been prepared with any seasoning,” says Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, a small animal and exotic veterinarian in Texas. That probably rules out your perfectly roasted holiday bird.
AKC Chief Veterinarian Dr. Klein advises owners to skip out on feeding turkey bones or turkey skin. Skin itself can be fatty, and the outer layer of the turkey’s skin was likely slathered in butter or oil before cooking, all of which can add up to triggering a bout of painful and dangerous pancreatitis or other digestive issues for your dog. If you’d like to share turkey with your dog without worrying about preparing a separate, dog-safe portion, you can look for Thanksgiving-themed canned dog food that did the work for you.
“With ample amounts of plant fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K, plain green beans are great for dogs,” says Dr. Richter. The key here is that the green beans should be prepared and served plain, without added ingredients like butter or salt. Set aside a special portion of plain green beans for your dog if you know they love these veggies.
Plain peas are a fine addition to a dog’s diet in moderation, but creamed peas are a no-go, just like creamy mashed potatoes. Any fatty food or casserole risks triggering pancreatitis or other digestive upsets.
“Pumpkin itself is a very healthy snack,” explains Dr. Richter. “Pumpkin helps with digestive health and it’s great for a dog’s skin and coat. Also, if feeding canned pumpkin, make sure it’s just pure pumpkin puree and not the pre-spiced or sugary pie mix.” And, same rule as above: keep the slab of pumpkin pie on your plate.
Can dogs eat Thanksgiving turkey?
FAQ
Is cooked turkey safe for dogs?
Skinless, unseasoned white turkey meat that’s been properly cooked is actually fine for dogs to consume in small amounts. Ground turkey, as long as it’s plain and has no additives, is also perfectly healthy for dogs. The problem with feeding turkey to dogs isn’t the meat itself.
Can dogs have turkey and stuffing?
Do not give your dog the turkey skin, stuffing or gravy. “These foods often have additional spices, butter and other ingredients that are too rich for dogs and can cause pancreatitis or other digestive ailments,” the AKC says. “Onions and garlic, in particular, can be very toxic to dogs.”
Can turkey upset a dog’s stomach?
Yes, turkey can give dogs diarrhea, especially if they are not used to it or if they have sensitivities to certain proteins. Too much turkey or fatty turkey skin can upset their digestive system.
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.