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 nutritious and tasty treat for dogs But there are some important things to consider before feeding it to your furry friend In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about feeding ground turkey to dogs.
What are the Benefits of Feeding Ground Turkey to Dogs?
Ground turkey is a lean, low-fat source of protein Turkey contains amino acids that support muscle growth and development It also provides important nutrients like vitamin B6, niacin, selenium and phosphorus.
Compared to beef or chicken, ground turkey tends to be lower in fat when you remove the skin The low fat content makes it less likely to cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs prone to pancreatitis
Ground turkey can be an affordable alternative to commercial raw or fresh dog foods. It provides nutritional variety if you rotate it into your dog’s meal plan.
How to Choose the Right Ground Turkey
Not all ground turkey is created equal. Here are some tips for selecting the best kind for your dog:
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Go for pure ground turkey without seasonings or additives, which may contain onion, garlic or other ingredients that are toxic for dogs.
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Pick plain, unseasoned turkey. Avoid turkey with broths, rubs or marinades, which can contain too much salt, spices and flavorings.
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Select lean or extra lean ground turkey. These options are lower in fat. Some brands have as little as 1-3 grams of fat per serving.
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Check the ingredients. Make sure no onions, garlic, salt or other seasonings are added.
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Look for organic and hormone-free turkeys if possible. These have fewer antibiotics or added hormones.
How to Cook Ground Turkey for Dogs
It’s important to properly cook ground turkey to kill any potential bacteria like salmonella before feeding it. Here are some tips:
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Cook ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a food thermometer to verify it’s cooked through.
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Brown the turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into smaller chunks as it cooks.
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You can boil, simmer or stew turkey with water in a pot until fully cooked. Shred it with two forks.
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Avoid adding seasonings, salt, oil or spices meant for humans. Dogs don’t need these flavor enhancers.
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Let the cooked turkey cool to room temperature before serving.
Feeding Guidelines
When introducing any new food, start slowly with small amounts. Observe your dog for any signs of an upset stomach or allergic reaction.
The general feeding guidelines for ground turkey are:
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Give your dog no more than 1-2 tablespoons of cooked ground turkey per day to start.
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For small dogs under 20 lbs, feed 1-2 teaspoons per day. Large dogs may tolerate up to 1/4 cup.
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Mix the ground turkey with your dog’s regular food or add it as a topper. Too much can cause diarrhea.
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Limit high-fat meats like turkey to no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calories.
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Talk to your vet if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis or other conditions before feeding turkey.
What About Turkey Bones, Skin or Fat?
While turkey meat can be healthy, you should avoid feeding dogs:
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Turkey bones or carcasses: Cooked bones splinter easily and can cause choking hazards or serious internal injury. Never give your dog cooked bones of any kind.
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Turkey skin: The fatty skin can trigger pancreatitis. Stick to lean meat only.
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Excess turkey fat or drippings: High-fat foods may cause vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis.
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Giblets or innards: Some traditional turkey stuffing ingredients like onions, celery and garlic are toxic to dogs.
Health Risks of Feeding Dogs Turkey
While rare, there are a few health risks to be aware of:
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Allergies: Some dogs may be allergic to turkey and experience itchiness, ear infections or skin irritation after eating it. Discontinue feeding if you see any signs.
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Pancreatitis: High-fat meats like turkey skin have been associated with pancreatitis, which is a serious inflammatory condition.
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Gastrointestinal upset: Too much turkey could lead to vomiting, diarrhea or tummy troubles if a dog isn’t acclimated.
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Nutritional imbalance: Don’t feed turkey as the sole protein source or it can create deficiencies over time. Rotate proteins.
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Raw turkey risks: Raw poultry may contain salmonella. Cook thoroughly to avoid bacterial contamination.
As long as you introduce it slowly and stick to lean cooked meat, ground turkey can be a nutritious supplemental protein for dogs as part of a balanced diet. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about feeding turkey to your dog.
Turkey-Based Recipe Ideas
Once your dog tolerates ground turkey well, you can incorporate it into nutritious homemade meals. Here are a few recipe ideas:
Simple Brown Rice and Turkey: Brown rice, cooked ground turkey, carrots, green beans.
Turkey Quinoa: Cooked quinoa, ground turkey, green beans, carrots, fish oil.
Turkey and Oats: Ground turkey, rolled oats, spinach, olive oil, parsley.
Wet Turkey Food: Ground turkey, brown rice, mixed veggies and broth.
Answering Common Questions on Turkey for Dogs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about feeding ground turkey to dogs:
Can I give my dog ground turkey with bones? No. Poultry bones become brittle when cooked and can splinter, causing injuries or obstruction of the digestive tract. Never feed cooked bones.
Is ground turkey high in fat? Ground turkey is leaner than chicken or beef when skinless. Look for 90-93% lean options and avoid excess fat.
Can I season the turkey? Avoid any seasonings, onions, garlic or salt. Stick to plain cooked turkey with no additives.
How much turkey can I feed? For a supplemental treat, keep portions small – 1-2 tablespoons max per day. Adjust based on your dog’s size and needs.
Is leftover turkey from human meals safe? Be cautious of fatty leftovers or those with onions/garlic. Pick out any skin or seasoning before feeding plain turkey meat.
Can I feed raw ground turkey? It’s not recommended due to bacteria risks. Cook thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature to kill salmonella and E. coli.
Can puppies eat ground turkey? You can introduce cooked plain turkey after 12 weeks old. But get your vet’s approval, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Start slowly.
Conclusion
Ground turkey can be a healthy addition to a balanced canine diet in moderation. Focus on choosing plain, skinless turkey and cook it properly before feeding. Introduce new foods slowly while watching for signs of stomach upset or allergies. Consider your dog’s overall nutritional needs, and avoid making turkey more than an occasional supplemental protein. Check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about feeding ground turkey to your dog.
ARE TURKEY BONES OK FOR DOGS?
It is never safe to give dogs turkey bones. As mentioned above, poultry bones are choking hazards and may lead to intestinal obstruction, which may require surgery to resolve. Su notes that many dogs are big enough to chew up turkey bones. Unfortunately there’s no guarantee that they’ll chew the bones up enough for them to become harmless.
“We all know how dogs eat,” Su says. “They’re not chewing carefully—they just sort of swallow. It’s usually OK and the bone will pass through the digestive system. But when they don’t pass, it can be a life-threatening condition that requires surgery.”
Su adds that if your dog eats any food with bones and experiences vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or any other sign of upset stomach, like a lack of appetite, you should call your veterinarian right away to get your dog checked out.
IS TURKEY GOOD FOR DOGS?
Can dogs eat turkey? Yes, they can. When it comes right down to it, experts agree that turkey can be good for dogs… IF it is prepared correctly and is part of a nutritionally balanced diet.
Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist, Dr. Dan Su, MS, DVM, DACVIM-Nutrition, explains, “Turkey is a good source of lean protein, amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients.”
Nutrients found in turkey include:
- selenium
- niacin
- iron
- zinc
- phosphorus
- potassium
- B vitamins
Su recommends ground turkey as the easiest way to incorporate turkey into your dog’s diet. White meat and dark meat, turkey skin, and turkey organs all have dietary value as well.
He adds, though, that pet parents should familiarize themselves with the nutritional properties of the different parts.
“For example, turkey skin has a very high fat content. That’s OK in small portions. Too much could cause your dog to gain weight and may lead to health issues like pancreatitis,” says Su.
“Then, there are the organs. For example, turkey liver is packed with nutrients, but if your dog is already eating a nutrient-rich diet, you risk the dog ingesting too much of a particular nutrient and that can actually be harmful.”
Bottom line: Adding a piece of turkey to your dog’s diet CAN be beneficial. But it takes more than a piece of deli meat or mixing some turkey into your dog’s kibble to get the full nutritional benefit.
Once you start combining ingredients, it’s easy to lose sight of the overall balance or nutrient profile. That’s why it’s so important to work with your veterinarian or a nutritionist for homemade dog food recipe. They will ensure your dog is getting a well-balanced complete meal.
Equally important is making sure any turkey your dog eats is cooked completely through and doesn’t include additives or seasonings. “Poultry is a breeding ground for bacteria like salmonella and listeria, which can make a dog—or person—seriously ill. You have to make sure cook any turkey you give your dog to a safe temperature.” According to USDA food safety standards, that’s 165° Fahrenheit.
Raw food diets are not advisable due to bacteria risk.