This Thanksgiving, as you carve into your turkey and your dog gives you those puppy-dog eyes, you may ask yourself, “Can dogs eat turkey?”
Here’s everything to know about dogs and turkey, including whether you should feed your dog turkey—from turkey legs and breast meat to jerky and ground turkey—plus potential benefits and hazards to look out for.
Is Dark Meat Turkey Bad For Dogs? The Truth Revealed
As a dog owner, you want to give your furry friend treats that are both tasty and healthy. Around the holidays, turkey often shows up on the table and you may be wondering – can I share some of this tasty bird with my pooch? Specifically, is dark meat turkey bad for dogs?
The answer is not so black and white. Dark meat turkey can be safe for dogs and provides great nutritional value. However there are some risks to be aware of. By understanding the benefits and potential downsides, you can make an informed decision about whether to feed dark meat to your dog.
In this article, we’ll explore the following topics:
- The nutritional benefits of dark meat turkey
- Potential risks and dangers
- Proper preparation and serving tips
- Safer alternatives to dark meat
- Vet-approved advice for feeding turkey to dogs
Let’s dig in!
The Nutritional Benefits of Dark Meat Turkey
Compared to white meat, dark turkey meat is higher in fat. But don’t let that scare you away! Dark meat provides great nutritional value for dogs. Here are some of the benefits:
Protein for Muscle Growth
Dark meat is loaded with protein. This nutrient supports strong muscles and is essential for puppies and active dogs. The high protein content helps maintain lean muscle mass.
Amino Acids for Health
In addition to protein, dark meat contains amino acids. These building blocks play many roles in keeping dogs healthy. Amino acids contribute to a shiny coat, good eyesight, and overall vitality.
Zinc for Immunity
Dark meat turkey contains more zinc than white meat. Zinc supports the immune system and wound healing. It also helps maintain a healthy skin and coat.
Iron for Oxygen Transport
The iron in dark meat turkey helps dogs make red blood cells. This aids in transporting oxygen throughout the body. Iron also supports proper brain function.
The Power of Protein
As you can see, dark turkey meat provides high-quality protein and several nutrients. Adding a few ounces of cooked, plain dark meat to your dog’s diet once or twice a week can give their nutrition a boost.
Potential Risks of Feeding Dark Turkey Meat
While dark meat can provide benefits, there are some potential downsides to be aware of. Here are a few risks:
Pancreatitis
The high fat content of dark meat could cause pancreatitis in some dogs. This is inflammation of the pancreas that results in vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Dogs prone to this condition should avoid fatty foods.
Allergies
Some dogs may be allergic to turkey. Signs of an allergy include itchy skin, hives, swelling, and digestive issues. Stop feeding turkey if you notice any of these symptoms.
Bones
Bones can splinter and cause choking hazards or serious internal injuries. Be sure to remove ALL bones before feeding turkey to dogs.
Seasonings
Many seasonings added to turkey are toxic to dogs. This includes onions, garlic, salt, pepper, sage, and more. Only feed plain, unseasoned meat.
Giblets
While organs like liver provide nutrition, too many giblets can lead to vitamin A toxicity. Liver and other giblets should be limited to small, occasional treats.
Preparing and Serving Dark Meat Turkey Safely
If you want to share dark turkey meat with your dog, follow these tips for safe preparation and serving:
- Remove the skin, fat, and ALL bones
- Cook thoroughly to at least 165°F
- Chop or shred into bite-size pieces
- Mix a few tablespoons into their regular food
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
- Never feed turkey stuffing or gravy
It’s also smart to introduce new foods slowly. Start with a teaspoon or two and monitor your dog for any digestive upset. Increase portion sizes gradually over a period of days or weeks.
Healthier Alternatives to Dark Turkey Meat
If your dog has sensitivities or you want to err on the side of caution, opt for these healthier turkey options:
- Lean white breast meat. Lower in fat than dark meat.
- Ground turkey or turkey meal. Use plain only, not seasoned mixes.
- Turkey necks or other raw bones. Provides dental benefits. Monitor closely.
- Low-sodium turkey broth. Add to kibble for extra moisture.
- Dehydrated turkey treats. Single ingredient only, with no preservatives.
Your veterinarian can also suggest commercial dog foods that use turkey as a lean protein source.
Ask Your Vet About Feeding Turkey
While dark meat turkey can be safe for dogs, there are some risks to consider. The healthiest options are lean meats with no bones, skin, fat, or spices.
To make the best decision for your dog, have a conversation with your veterinarian. Let them know if your dog has any food allergies, pancreatitis, or other conditions.
Your vet can offer personalized advice about whether or not to feed dark turkey meat based on your dog’s health history and nutritional needs.
The Bottom Line
Dark meat turkey provides great nutrition from all that protein and those healthy minerals and vitamins. In small amounts, it can be a tasty treat for dogs to enjoy.
However, the higher fat content compared to white meat means there are some risks to dogs prone to pancreatitis. Be sure to remove all bones ahead of time and cook it thoroughly with no seasonings.
Check with your vet to see if dark turkey meat is a good occasional addition to your dog’s diet. With proper precautions, you can safely share this holiday bird with your furry friend!
How Much Turkey Can Dogs Eat?
Always check with your veterinarian before adding new foods and snacks to your dog’s diet, especially if they struggle with obesity, diabetes, or any other diseases.
Any treat for a dog—even healthy ones—should only make up 10% of their daily diet, while the other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet.
Below is a general guideline for feeding fully cooked, white turkey meat (without any skin or bones) to your dog. Each “piece” listed below refers to a 1-inch cube of turkey meat.
| Dog Size | Serving Size |
|---|---|
| Extra-small dog (2–20 pounds) | 1/2 piece of turkey |
| Small dog (21–30 pounds) | 1–2 pieces of turkey |
| Medium dog (31–50 pounds) | 3–4 pieces of turkey |
| Large dog (51–90 pounds) | 5–6 of pieces of turkey |
| Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) | Handful of turkey pieces |
If you’re concerned that your dog has eaten too much turkey, contact your veterinarian.
Too much turkey can cause problems such as pancreatitis, which is a serious condition. Watch out for the signs of pancreatitis below:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Painful abdomen
- Fever
Is Turkey Good for Dogs?
Yes, turkey can be a healthy, occasional treat for dogs. It’s a lean, healthy animal protein that’s often a main ingredient in dog food recipes, and it can also be given to your dog as a treat.
Here are some nutrients found in turkey:
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Niacin
- Protein
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Sodium
- Phosphorus
- Choline
- Magnesium
- Potassium
The white meat in turkey breast is a little higher in protein, too.
Is dark turkey meat bad for dogs?
FAQ
Can my dog have dark meat turkey?
… from poultry and other rich, fatty meats, such as sausage, pepperoni, and bacon, can lead to stomach upset, gastritis, gastroenteritis, and pancreatitis …Nov 18, 2020
Is dark meat okay for dogs?
Both white and dark meat chicken can be good for your dog, but there are a few differences. White meat, like chicken breast, is leaner and lower in fat, making it a healthier option for dogs prone to weight gain. Dark meat, such as thighs, contains more fat, which can provide additional energy for highly active dogs.
What part of turkey can dogs not eat?
Avoid feeding your dog the neck, though, as the bones inside could be dangerous.Nov 14, 2022
What three meats should dogs avoid?
- Raw meat: Can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, and can cause choking hazards.
- Fatty meats: Can cause pancreatitis and sore stomachs, and can contribute to obesity and cardiovascular problems.
- Meat or fish bones: Can be choking hazards, and can damage a dog’s stomach and throat.