It isnt a big mystery as to whether turkey is safe for dogs to eat or not. Spoiler alert: Turkey is not only safe, but its a commonly used protein source in commercial dog foods. Throwing your dog bits of turkey while you prep dinner can be a perfectly healthy treat, but not all parts of the turkey are safe. So whats a dog-owning foodie to do?
Can You Give Dogs Turkey Gizzards?
Turkey gizzards are becoming an increasingly popular treat for dogs. As a dog owner you may be wondering – can I give my dog turkey gizzards? The short answer is yes, turkey gizzards can be a healthy natural treat for dogs when fed properly. In this article, we’ll discuss what turkey gizzards are, their nutritional benefits, and some tips for safely feeding them to your pup.
What Are Turkey Gizzards?
Turkey gizzards are an organ found in the digestive tract of turkeys. The gizzard is a muscular sac that helps grind up food for digestion. While humans don’t typically eat turkey gizzards they make an excellent chew treat for dogs.
Turkey gizzards are most commonly sold in two forms – raw or dehydrated. Raw gizzards are the whole fresh organ, while dehydrated gizzards are dried or freeze-dried. Dehydrated gizzards may come whole or sliced into smaller pieces. When shopping for turkey gizzards, look for products sourced from local, free-range turkeys whenever possible.
Nutritional Benefits of Turkey Gizzards
Turkey gizzards are packed with nutrition for dogs. Here are some of the main benefits:
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High in Protein – Turkey gizzards are mostly made up of protein-rich muscle meat. This makes them an excellent source of protein for dogs.
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Low in Fat – Compared to many commercial dog treats, turkey gizzards are low in fat. This makes them a healthy option for overweight dogs or dogs with pancreatitis.
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Rich in Vitamins & Minerals – Turkey gizzards contain a variety of vitamins and minerals including zinc, iron, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, and B vitamins. These nutrients support immune health, metabolism, bone health, and more in dogs.
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Single-Protein Source – Since turkey gizzards come straight from the turkey, they contain only one source of protein. This makes them less likely to cause an allergic reaction in dogs with food sensitivities.
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Promote Dental Health – The tough, fibrous texture of turkey gizzards helps clean tartar off dogs’ teeth as they chew. This may help reduce plaque buildup and improve oral health.
Tips for Feeding Turkey Gizzards to Dogs
While turkey gizzards make a nutritious treat, there are some tips to follow when feeding them to your dog:
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Introduce Slowly – Start by only giving your dog a small amount of turkey gizzard to make sure they tolerate it well. Watch for signs of digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea.
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Use Proper Portion Sizes – Turkey gizzards are high in calories, so adjust portion sizes accordingly if your dog is overweight. About 1-2 gizzards per day is a good starting point for a medium or large breed dog. Small dogs should get less.
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Supervise Your Dog – Always supervise your dog when giving any chew treat to prevent choking hazards. Take the gizzard away once it’s been chewed down to a swallowable size.
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Avoid Overfeeding – Too many turkey gizzards can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Stick within your dog’s daily caloric needs.
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Chop Into Pieces if Needed – For smaller dogs or aggressive chewers, chop the gizzards into smaller pieces before feeding. This reduces choking risk.
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Brush Teeth Too – While turkey gizzards help clean teeth, they aren’t a substitute for daily toothbrushing. For optimal dental health, brush your dog’s teeth daily.
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Store Properly – Keep fresh gizzards refrigerated and dehydrated gizzards in an airtight container. Discard any gizzards after 2-3 days.
As you can see, turkey gizzards can make a great addition to most dogs’ diets. When shopping for turkey gizzards, be sure to read the ingredients carefully and look for products made from whole turkey with no additives. By starting with small amounts and supervising your dog, you can safely provide the nutritional benefits of turkey gizzards. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much of a good thing can lead to gastrointestinal upset. With some simple precautions, turkey gizzards can be a delicious and healthy treat both you and your dog will love.
Turkey Giblets
Oftentimes the turkey giblets, which can include the liver, kidneys, heart, gizzard, and neck, are included in store-bought turkeys. Most of these extras are perfectly safe for your dog to eat when fully cooked (so long as they wont be missed by any of your dinner guests). The only part that is not recommended for your dog is the neck as there are bones in that part. Even if you already feed your dog a raw meat diet, its not recommended to give the giblets to your dog raw. Instead, wash them with water and then boil them for five to 10 minutes or sear them on the stovetop for a few minutes on each side. As with any new food item, though, if you add in too much too fast you can cause a gastrointestinal flare-up in your dog. So if you opt to give the turkey giblets to your dog, cut them into small pieces and portion them out as special treats over a few days.
Turkey as a Protein Source
Turkey is a highly digestible protein source for dogs. It contains various macronutrients (that is, any nutritional component that is required in large amounts) like protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It also contains micronutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals. While it is very similar in quality to chicken, turkey can contain slightly more concentrations of certain vitamins and minerals than chicken.
There is some thought among integrative practitioners that turkey is a “cold” protein while chicken is a “hot” protein. In integrative medicine terms, this essentially means turkey isnt as inflammatory as chicken. So if your dog suffers from an acute or chronic inflammatory condition, be it gastrointestinal upset, environmental allergies, or something else, some feel that turkey is a better protein than chicken as turkey wont exacerbate any inflammation already in the body. It should be noted, though, that chicken is the most common food allergen in dogs. Since chicken and turkey are so similar, depending on how sensitive your dogs immune system is, they may generalize their chicken allergy to turkey as well.
Give your dog TURKEY GUTS! #shorts
FAQ
Are turkey gizzards good for dogs?
Yes, turkey giblets are safe for dogs when fed in moderation. They are a great source of protein and offer many other nutritional benefits.
Should I cook gizzards for my dog?
Yes, chicken gizzards are generally safe for dogs to eat in moderation. They are a good source of protein and contain essential nutrients. However, there are a few things to keep in mind: Cooked vs. Raw: If you choose to feed your dog gizzards, it’s usually best to cook them to kill any harmful bacteria.
Are turkey gizzards safe?
Giblets are usually packaged inside the turkey cavity in paper or plastic. If the giblets were wrapped with paper, there’s no concern. They’re safe if you fully cooked your turkey to 165 °F. as measured with a food thermometer.
Is it safe to give dogs turkey necks?
Yes, dogs can eat turkey necks as long as they’re prepared safely and cooked thoroughly. While cooked turkey necks are high in protein and offer nutritional benefits, raw turkey necks contain harmful bacterial like salmonella and can cause food poisoning in dogs when eaten.
Can dogs eat turkey gizzards?
When cooked thoroughly until no pink remains in its center – or even better seared on both sides – turkey gizzards can be offered in moderation as part of a balanced diet for dogs who do not suffer from any food allergies. If this is something new for them, start small at first. Too much could cause an upset stomach due to their high-fat content!
Can dogs eat turkey giblets?
Turkey giblets are edible parts of the bird, including the heart, liver, and gizzard. They offer health benefits as they contain essential vitamins like B6, folate, and zinc. However, it’s important to be aware of potential dangers when feeding raw meat to your dog.
Should you feed turkey gizzards raw?
Feeding your pet turkey gizzards can be a flavorful and nourishing treat, packed with essential vitamins to keep them feeling their best. Integrative practitioners often recommend organ meat as part of a raw diet due to its beneficial nutrients that support overall health.
What does a turkey gizzard eat?
It is a strong muscular pouch which is used to mechanically break down food such as nuts and seeds that the bird eats. Birds often swallow small bits of sand and gravel which conveniently sit in the gizzard and help grind up the food. Turkey gizzards come in raw and dried forms for dogs.
Are turkey gizzards good for teething puppies?
If puppies are not fed the correct amount of protein in their diet this can cause developmental issues which are difficult to correct. Dried turkey gizzard can provide some relief for teething puppies. Chicken Gizzards- these are very similar to turkey gizzards. They are smaller so may suit different sizes of dogs.
Can turkey gizzards cause diarrhoea in dogs?
On rare occasions, turkey gizzards can cause diarrhoea in dogs. This usually occurs if they are fed too many treats in a short space of time or if they are sensitive to turkey products or have an allergy. In a normal healthy dog with no health issues turkey gizzards do not usually cause any gastrointestinal upset. How are turkey gizzards harvested?