This hearty, slow-cooked recipe is packed with protein and nutrients, thanks to a mix of humanely raised turkey and non-GMO veggies and superfoods—all human-grade ingredients.
– 8lb box = 8 x 16oz pouches – 16lb box = 16 x 16oz pouches
Ground turkey can be a healthy and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet. Packed with protein vitamins and minerals, ground turkey makes for a tasty treat dogs love. However, raw turkey can harbor harmful bacteria like salmonella. Proper cooking is key to making ground turkey safe and digestible for canine consumption.
Follow this simple guide to learn the best practices for cooking ground turkey for your dog.
Benefits of Ground Turkey for Dogs
First, let’s overview the benefits ground turkey can provide for your furry friend:
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Excellent source of lean protein for strong muscles and organ function
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Contains amino acids like taurine that support heart health,
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Provides iron for healthy blood cell production and transport of oxygen.
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Rich in B vitamins for proper metabolism and enzyme production.
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Supplies zinc for skin and coat health.
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Natural glucosamine content helps maintain healthy joints.
So feel good about preparing this nutritious meat for your pup!
Purchasing and Preparing Ground Turkey
When selecting and preparing ground turkey for your dog, follow these tips:
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Choose plain, unseasoned meat with no added spices, broths, etc.
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Look for organic, free-range ground turkey for best quality.
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Inspect the meat and rinse under cool water to remove any residue.
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Pat the meat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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If frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
Proper selection and handling prevents contamination.
How to Cook Ground Turkey for Dogs
Always cook ground turkey thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria before feeding it to your dog. Here are safe cooking methods:
Stovetop Simmering
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Place ground turkey in a skillet or pot and add water to cover. Bring to a boil.
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Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until no pink remains and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Oven Baking
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Put ground turkey in a baking dish in a single layer.
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Bake for 20-30 minutes until completely cooked through and the internal temperature hits 165°F.
Slow Cooker
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Add ground turkey to a crockpot and fill with water or low-sodium broth to cover.
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Cook on low setting for 4-6 hours until extremely tender and 165°F.
Always use a meat thermometer to verify ground turkey reaches the proper internal temperature. Let cool before serving.
Serving Ground Turkey to Your Dog
Follow these tips when serving cooked ground turkey to your dog:
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Mash or shred into bite-size pieces appropriate for your dog’s size.
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Mix with your dog’s regular food or serve as a tasty standalone treat.
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Introduce new foods slowly and watch for signs of digestive upset or allergies.
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Adjust portion sizes based on your dog’s weight, activity level, and overall diet.
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Refrigerate leftovers for 2-3 days or freeze for later use.
Your dog is sure to benefit from the added protein and nutrition of ground turkey when served properly. Monitor their reaction and talk to your vet about any concerns.
Delicious Ground Turkey Recipes for Dogs
Once you master basic ground turkey cooking methods, try incorporating it into nutritious recipes like:
Turkey Meatloaf
- Mix ground turkey, egg, oats, and veggies. Shape into a loaf and bake.
Turkey Rice Bowl
- Cook ground turkey and rice. Top with frozen mixed veggies.
Pumpkin Turkey Dog Treats
- Combine cooked ground turkey, canned pumpkin, flour, egg. Cut into fun shapes and bake.
Turkey & Veggie Scramble
- Scramble ground turkey with diced veggies like sweet potato, carrots, peas. Mash before serving.
Turkey Jerky
- Season ground turkey thinly on a baking sheet. Bake at 200°F until dried.
Let your dog lap up the flavor and nutrition of ground turkey recipes! Just watch portions.
Safety Tips for Feeding Ground Turkey
While ground turkey can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, keep these safety tips in mind:
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Always cook thoroughly to kill bacteria – never feed raw.
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Avoid bones, fat, or skin which can cause choking or pancreatitis.
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Prevent seasoning or toxicity by avoiding onions, garlic, salt, etc.
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Introduce new foods slowly over several days.
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Never overfeed organ meats which can cause gastrointestinal upset.
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Refrigerate or freeze properly and use within recommended time frames.
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Be cautious with small or elderly dogs who have sensitive stomachs.
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Stop feeding if you notice any signs of food intolerance or allergic reaction.
Talk to your vet about any concerns when incorporating ground turkey into your dog’s diet. With proper precautions, it makes a healthy supplemental meat.
Satisfy Your Dog with Nutritious Ground Turkey
From simmering on the stovetop to baking in the oven, cooking ground turkey for your dog is simple and rewarding. Follow the instructions above for safe handling, thorough cooking, and proper serving.
Get creative with preparation by mixing ground turkey into homemade dog food recipes. Just remove any bones or skin, introduce new foods gradually, and avoid overfeeding high-fat meats. Your pup will benefit from this lean, protein-packed meat you’ve cooked with love.
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Open Farm In Action
This ingredient list reflects from our most recent lot. To view sourcing information about your specific bag, check out our transparency tool
United States, Pennsylvania Our humanely raised turkeys are naturally raised on family farms in a cage-free environment with gentle handling, space, and the ability to engage in their natural behaviors. Our chicken & turkey are fed a healthy vegetarian diet without antibiotics or growth hormones.
Canada, Prince Edward Island,Nova Scotia, New Brunswick Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene they also contain high levels of antioxidants that provide protection against free radicals which may damage cells.
United States, South Carolina A very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.
United States, New York Apples are a source of Potassium and Vitamin C.
Argentina Squash contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A and potassium to help boost pets immune system and vision health.
United States, Arkansa, Missouri Pumpkin is a great source of fibre and beta-carotene, supporting digestive and urinary health.
United States Source of moisture, used when cooking our stews, blends and gently cooked recipes.
Sri Lanka / Philippines / Indonesia Coconut oil is not only an excellent palatant, but it is packed full of health benefits. Coconut oil is high in lauric acid; which is antiviral, anti-fungal, antibacterial and helps to balance the immune system. Coconut oil is an excellent source of energy, easy to digest, and excellent for bone health and metabolic function.
Canada, Saskatchewan This seed is recognized for containing high levels of alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acids), along with good quantities of other fatty acids. It is used in our products to help balance the dietary omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio. Flaxseed also supplies both insoluble and soluble fiber. These fibers are known to aid in proper digestion and help to maintain good stool consistency.
United States, Alaska Salmon oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, and DHA to support healthy cells, skin and coat, joints, heart, brain, eyes and energy levels.
United States, Michigan Sodium and chloride help maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside individual cells of the body. Sodium aids in the transfer of nutrients to cells and the removal of waste products and chloride helps maintain the proper acid/alkali balance in the body as well as the digestion of protein.
United States, Illinois Tricalcium phosphate provides calcium to support healthy bones.
United States, Texas Potassium chloride is a supplement to help pets achieve optimal levels of potassium, an essential nutrient.
United States, Missouri Choline chloride facilitates movement of fats into cells and helps to protect nerve function as it is involved in the synthesis of cell membranes in the nervous system.
Paraguay / Argentina / Australia / India They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, rich in antioxidants, and they provide fiber, iron, and calcium.
Belgium A natural source of Vitamin C and inulin, a soluble fiber which serves as a prebiotic.
Spain A powerful antioxidant that works to protect free radical damage to the cells and promotes healthy skin and circulatory health.
Denmark Vitamin A supplement is important for the maintenance of healthy skin, shiny coat, healthy teeth and strong bones. This supplement also helps support the immune system and is necessary for night vision.
Poland An essential vitamin, niacin is involved in energy production and brain function and promotes good digestive health. As a B vitamin, it benefits skin and coat health and is also needed to maintain optimal pet health.
Poland Calcium pantothenate is involved in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and fats and is essential for healthy brain and nervous system function as well as maintenance of healthy skin and coat.
Poland Riboflavin supplement helps turn protein, fat and carbohydrate into energy while maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Poland An essential vitamin for the development and maintenance of healthy bones due to its role in calcium and phosphorus absorption and utilization.
Poland Thiamine is essential for energy production, growth and metabolism and helps to promote a healthy circulatory system.
Poland An important supplement needed by pets for energy production as it helps blood carry oxygen. B12 is also needed for DNA synthesis and is important for maintaining a healthy nervous system and reducing toxins in the body.
Poland This vitamin is important in the maintenance of healthy skin and is involved in the production of hydrochloric acid needed for healthy digestion.
Poland Folic acid is essential for brain and nervous system function and is needed for protein utilisation and red blood cell formation.
United States An important component of over 200 enzymes, zinc is involved in the healing process, controls hormones and promotes a healthy nervous system.
United States This mineral is important for maintaining a shiny coat and healthy skin, and is involved in red blood cell synthesis. Copper proteinate is also essential for anemia prevention in dogs and cats.
United States A powerful antioxidant, selenium helps protect against free radical damage, stimulates the immune system and promotes a healthy circulation system.
United States An essential mineral for the prevention of anemia, iron stimulates hemoglobin production.
United States An important factor in enzyme activation, manganese also promotes healthy nerve function and has many antioxidant properties.
Iceland A good source of dietary fibre, Vitamin C, pantothenic acid, zinc and copper.
India Contains Curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant.
Sri Lanka Known as a natural anti-inflammatory with the ability to slow or stop bacteria growth.
Homemade Dog Food for Allergies: Turkey, Vegetable and Rice Meal
FAQ
How should ground turkey be cooked for dogs?
Place the turkey, carrots, cauliflower, kale & water into a large pot. Cook in the oven for 20 minutes or until the turkey is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are tender. Remove from the oven and stir in the Dog Child Essential Nutrient Mix and Flaxseeds. Let cool before serving.
How to cook ground turkey for dogs bland diet?
- Place ground turkey, water, rice, and rosemary into a large Dutch oven. Stir until ground turkey is broken up and evenly distributed throughout the mixture; bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add frozen vegetables, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
How do you cook ground meat for dogs?
How Do I Prepare Ground Beef for My Dog? We recommend breaking the ground beef up into small pieces and cooking either by boiling it until brown or in a pan (with no oil or butter). Make sure you keep the ground beef seasoning-free for your dog, as most spices aren’t good for your pet, such as garlic and onion.
Is ground turkey better than chicken for dogs?
- Allergy concerns: If your dog has a chicken allergy, ground turkey is a good substitute due to its lower allergy potential.
- Fat content: Ground turkey is typically slightly lower in fat than chicken, making it a good choice for dogs who need to manage their weight.
- Digestibility: Both turkey and chicken are highly digestible for dogs.