Key Takeaways

  • 🦃 Dogs can eat turkey, and it has many health benefits. Turkey is a good source of protein and can help dogs build muscle mass.
  • 🦃 Remove all bones from the turkey before giving it to your dog, as they could splinter and cause injuries in the stomach or intestines. 
  • 🦃 Do not give your dog skinned or processed turkey as it could contain high levels of sodium, fat, and preservatives which can be unhealthy for your pup.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey?

If you’re already planning your menu for Thanksgiving, think about your furry friend too. Have you thought about the dangers of offering your dog too much turkey? Can dogs eat turkey? Yes, turkeys are good for dogs, so you can safely include them in your dog’s holiday specials. They are relatively low in fat, so turning to turkey for canines is a healthy alternative to other meats. It can also be an alternative protein source for dogs who can’t eat chicken or beef.

Benefits of Feeding Turkey to Dogs

Feeding turkey to dogs can have many health benefits. Here are some of them:

  • It’s a form of protein they can digest easily.
  • It’s also said to be good for their skin and coat thanks to phosphorus and riboflavin.
  • It will help your pup grow strong bones and support his kidneys.
  • Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is important in metabolizing fats and carbohydrates into energy. It also plays a big part when it comes to producing red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body.

Turkey is lean meat that helps them build muscles and stay healthy. Feeding your dog turkey should be obligatory!

What Is Better for Dogs, Turkey or Chicken?

Can dogs eat turkey and chicken? Of course! But which of these poultry options is healthier for your canine treasure? Well, opinions are divided:

  • Some people believe that chicken is better for dogs than turkey, but one can dispute this case. Chicken can be a little dry, so it might not be the best choice if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
  • Chicken meat also doesn’t have as much protein as turkey does.
  • In general, either one would be a good choice for your dog friend, but many experts lean towards giving them turkey instead of chicken.
  • On top of that, if you’re trying to put on canine muscle mass, you’d better go with turkey. That is real dog food!
  • Turkey is great because it has selenium, zinc, and vitamin B-12. All of these are essential nutrients for hounds.
  • Finally, turkey gives less cholesterol and sodium issues. Additionally, its iron levels are higher than in your standard chicken.
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what is better for dogs - turkey or chicken

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Neck, Turkey Bones and Turkey Giblets?

Which parts of the turkey are fine for your pup’s Thanksgiving feast? Can dogs eat turkey bits and pieces? Read on:

  • It’s best to hand your dog turkey neck, because it has the most meat. It’s also very tender, so you don’t have to worry about your pooch choking on a bone. Believe it or not, your dog will love you for giving him this treat! Just remember to supervise him while he is biting on that Thanksgiving turkey.
  • Turkey bones can be dangerous for dogs. They can splinter and cause injuries in the stomach or intestines. If you’re going to give your dog a turkey bone, make sure it’s a small one that can’t be swallowed whole.
  • Most of the time, turkey giblets (poultry necks, livers, hearts, gizzards) are safe for dogs to eat. However, there is a small risk of choking. So, if your pup isn’t used to eating these parts, start off by giving him very small amounts. As with anything new, watch him carefully to see how he reacts.

How Should Turkey be Prepared and Served to Dogs?

Many people are concerned about feeding their dogs turkey because of the bones that can be found in the meat. However, as long as you’re careful to remove all the bones, there’s no reason why your dog can’t enjoy this Thanksgiving staple. Have a quick look at some turkey dogs treats:

  • Do not give the skin – it’s high in fat and can cause pancreatitis.
  • Ground turkey is good for your pooch too. Just add half a cup with his dinner. Leave it unseasoned as a plain turkey topping.
  • You can also boil some turkey breast with a few veggies to alleviate Rocky’s digestive tract. One thing to watch out for is giving your dog too much processed and deli turkey. We don’t want any gastrointestinal problems.
  • There’s a lot of debate going on right now about raw turkey. Can dogs eat turkey that is uncooked? Some people say it could be good for your dog, but other people disagree. A bit of fresh boneless meat without turkey skin will do no harm. Just keep it to the minimum, as raw meat might contain nasty, toxic bacteria.
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Editor’s Note

If you want to give your dog a homemade meal, you can stir-fry ground turkey, rice, and a bit of rosemary – all of these ingredients are safe for dogs and my dogs love this one. If you’re not sure about something, ask your vet for advice – not every dog’s dietary needs are the same.

Dogs Can Eat Turkey

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and of course, lots of delicious food. But what about our four-legged friends? Can dogs eat turkey and join in the feast? Well, we’re happy to report that dogs can eat turkey just like their human counterparts! In fact, there are many benefits to feeding turkey to dogs. So this Thanksgiving, don’t forget to include your pup in the festivities by serving it some tasty turkey treats, as long as it doesn’t contain spices and herbs.

When Is Turkey Not Good for Dogs?

Turkey meat is generally safe for dogs to eat, but there are a few exceptions. If the meat contains bones or skin, it could be dangerous and should not be given to your dog. Additionally, processed turkey products such as deli meats and sausages can contain high levels of sodium, fat, and preservatives which can be unhealthy for your pup. Also, seasoning like garlic, onion, and even sage can be toxic for dogs, so you should always check the ingredients in any turkey product before giving it to your pet.

when is turkey not good for dogs

Pros and Cons of Turkey in a Dog’s Diet

ProsCons
✔️ lean, nutritional meat❌ can contain bones or skin which can be dangerous if ingested
✔️ contains amino acids, phosphorus, and selenium❌ processed turkey products may contain ingredients that are unhealthy for your pup
✔️ high in protein❌ certain seasonings like garlic, onion, and sage can be toxic to dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if a Dog Eats Turkey?

If your dog eats turkey, it should be fine as long as there are no bones or skin in the meat. If the turkey is processed and contains ingredients like garlic, onion, or sage, it can cause an upset stomach or even toxicity in some cases.

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Is Thanksgiving Turkey Bad for Dogs?

No, Thanksgiving turkey is not necessarily bad for dogs. As long as you remove all the bones and skin, it can be a healthy part of your pup’s diet. Just make sure to check the ingredients in any processed meat products that you give to your dog. Some seasonings like garlic or onion could be toxic for them.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Breast?

Yes, dogs can eat turkey breast. It is lean and packed with protein and other essential nutrients such as selenium, zinc, and vitamin B-12. Just make sure to remove all bones from the meat before giving it to your pup.

Is Turkey or Chicken Better for Dogs?

Both turkey and chicken are good sources of protein for dogs. Some people believe that chicken is better because it is a little dryer and easier to digest, while others think turkey is the way to go because it contains more essential nutrients. Ultimately, either one would be a healthy choice for your pup.

Does Turkey Make Dogs Sleepy?

Turkey is lean meat with high levels of protein. Most likely, eating turkey will not make your dog sleepy as it does not contain enough tryptophan to have this effect. So if your pup seems tired after eating a turkey feast, it’s probably just the feeling of contentment that comes after enjoying a delicious meal!


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