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 is growing in popularity as an ingredient in commercial dog foods It provides lean protein and essential nutrients, But is ground turkey something you should feed your dog at home? Here’s what you need to know about the benefits and potential risks of feeding ground turkey to dogs
Nutritional Benefits of Ground Turkey for Dogs
Ground turkey can be a healthy part of a balanced homemade diet for dogs. Some key benefits include:
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High in protein – Turkey provides lean protein needed for muscle maintenance.
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Lower fat than beef – Less risky for obesity and pancreatitis than high-fat meats.
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Rich in vitamins – Contains B vitamins zinc, iron and magnesium.
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Contains glucosamine – Supports joint health.
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Good source of omega-3s – Can aid skin, coat, heart and brain health.
So ground turkey can be an excellent way to provide complete nutrition for dogs, as long as preparation is done properly.
Potential Risks of Too Much Ground Turkey
While ground turkey has benefits, there are some potential downsides of feeding too much:
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Weight gain – Ground turkey is high in calories and can lead to obesity if overfed. Stick to recommended portions.
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Nutritional imbalance – Too much turkey could crowd out other important foods from the diet. Variety is key.
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Bone fragments – Removing all bones before cooking is crucial to prevent injury.
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Bacteria – Safety protocols must be followed to avoid salmonella or other illness.
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Digestive upset – Too much unfamiliar meat could irritate the stomach and intestines. Transition slowly.
So it’s important to feed ground turkey appropriately as part of a balanced diet.
Tips for Feeding Ground Turkey Safely
If feeding ground turkey at home, follow these tips for safety:
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Remove all bones, skin and fat before cooking to reduce choking and pancreatitis risks.
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Cook thoroughly to safe internal temperature (165°F) to kill any bacteria present.
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Prevent cross-contamination by keeping turkey separate from other foods during prep.
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Introduce slowly mixed with familiar foods to avoid digestive upset.
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Keep portions appropriate for your dog’s size and energy needs to prevent obesity.
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Combine with other healthy foods like vegetables, grains, yogurt or eggs for balance.
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Refrigerate promptly and feed within 2-3 days for food safety. Discard old turkey.
Following basic food prep safety and moderation at mealtime is key when feeding ground turkey to dogs.
How Much Ground Turkey Can Dogs Eat?
For most healthy adult dogs, ground turkey can make up to 15-20% of their regular diet. The exact amount to feed depends on your dog’s size, age and activity level. Here are some general turkey portion guidelines:
- Small dogs: 1-2 tbsp per day
- Medium dogs: 3-4 tbsp per day
- Large dogs: 5-6 tbsp per day
- Extra active dogs: Can increase portion slightly to meet calorie needs
When in doubt, check with your veterinarian for personalized advice on incorporating ground turkey into your dog’s diet. Monitor your dog’s weight and adjust amounts as needed.
Ground turkey can be a healthy addition to a balanced canine diet. It provides top-quality protein, vitamins and glucosamine. However, proper handling, preparation and portion control is crucial. When fed responsibly along with other foods, ground turkey can be a nutritious treat for dogs to enjoy in moderation. Check with your vet before significantly altering your dog’s diet.
IS GROUND TURKEY GOOD FOR DOGS?
“Ground turkey is very good for dogs,” Su says. “It’s a versatile meat that’s readily available in different lean-to-fat ratios. You can go to the grocery store and buy ground turkey that’s 99% lean, 93% lean, or 85% lean. All have different nutritional properties and can achieve different health goals.”
“For example,” Su continues, “If your dog is experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) upset, a veterinarian might recommend a homemade diet of boiled chicken and white rice. If you’d like, use 99% lean ground turkey in place of the chicken.”
“Or if your healthy dog needs a daily, maintenance-type diet with diced veggies and healthy carbohydrates, JustFoodForDogs has a Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni Recipe. It contains 85% lean gently cooked ground turkey, which offers plenty of proteins, amino acids, and essential fatty acids.”
Again, explore these options with the help of a veterinarian or nutritionist. A professional can consider what else your fur baby eats and calculate exactly how much turkey and what kind they need to achieve an optimally balanced diet for your dog’s health.
One of the reasons many veterinarians recommend ground turkey for your dog’s diet is that there are no choking hazards like bones to consider.
Su advises cooking human-grade ground meat (whether ground beef or turkey) on the stovetop or in the oven to ensure it’s cooked all the way through.
If you want to feed turkey to your pooch, check out our DIY ground turkey for dogs recipe for making your own dog food in a slow cooker.
Visit our recipes page to learn how to make lamb and brown rice dog food, fish and sweet potato with green beans, and more. Make enough for a full email or just enough to use as a topper on dry food for picky eaters.
ARE TURKEY TENDONS OK FOR DOGS?
Not all parts of the turkey are safe for dogs. Turkey tendons—and tendons in general—can be tricky, Su says. “I’ve seen tendons made into chewing treats. But if the pieces are too big, they can be difficult to eat and swallow. They can present the same choking concern as bones.”
If you’re looking to combine the nutritional benefits of turkey in a chewy or crunchy treat, Su recommends these healthy dog treats. They provide a balanced blend of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in a variety of tasty, snack-sized, dog-approved flavors.
Recipe: Healthy Turkey Casserole for Dogs
FAQ
Can I feed my dog cooked ground turkey?
- Plain is best: Avoid adding any seasonings, garlic, or onion to the ground turkey as these can be toxic to dogs.
- Cooked thoroughly: Ensure the turkey is fully cooked before feeding it to your dog.
- Moderation is key: While turkey is considered a healthy protein for dogs, feed it in small portions as a treat or supplement to their regular diet.
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.
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.
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.
Is ground turkey good for dogs?
Ground turkey is a good source of protein for dogs. Ground turkey is low in fat and calories. Ground turkey is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and niacin. Ground turkey can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. What is ground turkey? Ground turkey is a type of ground meat made from turkey.
Is ground turkey good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
* Easy to digest: Ground turkey is easy to digest, which makes it a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Overall, ground turkey is a healthy and nutritious food that can provide your dog with a number of benefits. It is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and it is lean and easy to digest.
Can a dog eat ground turkey instead of chicken?
If you’d like, use 99% lean ground turkey in place of the chicken. Or if you have a healthy dog who needs a daily, maintenance-type diet, JustFoodForDogs has a Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni Recipe containing 85% lean ground turkey, which offers plenty of proteins and amino acids, as well as essential fatty acids.”
Can a dog eat raw ground turkey?
It is generally not recommended to feed your dog raw ground turkey, as it can contain harmful bacteria that could make your dog sick. It is best to cook ground turkey before feeding it to your dog. 3. How much ground turkey should I feed my dog? The amount of ground turkey you should feed your dog will depend on their size, age, and activity level.
Can a dog eat ground turkey if he needs to lose weight?
The lean protein and low fat content make ground turkey a healthy option if your dog needs to lose weight. It provides protein without excess calories from fat. The vitamins and minerals in ground turkey offer health bonuses too. Turkey contains iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and B vitamins.
Can dogs eat turkey?
Turkey isn’t inherently toxic to dogs. It’s used as an ingredient in many dog foods, and is rich in protein, riboflavin, and phosphorous. When turkey is cooked plain—in other words, without added salt, fat, or seasonings—turkey can be a wholesome part of a homemade dog food diet under the guidance of your veterinarian.