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Thanksgiving, for most families, is all about the bird. Hours go into the roasting and basting, and once the feast is over, there are turkey sandwiches, turkey potpies, and turkey casseroles to make. In the midst of all of that leftover turkey, it is tempting to slip our dogs some meat, or even to make them up a plate of it as a special Thanksgiving treat.
But can dogs eat turkey? Is it good for them? Are there risks? Here is what you need to know about feeding turkey to dogs.
It depends on how the turkey is cooked. Turkey is not inherently toxic to dogs. It is an ingredient in many commercial dog foods and is rich in nutrients like protein, riboflavin, and phosphorous. When cooked plain, under the guidance of a veterinarian, turkey can be an essential part of a homemade dog food diet.
Thanksgiving turkeys, however, are rarely cooked plain. We rub our birds with butter and oils and season them with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices. We stuff them full of onions, garlic, and more. To humans, this is delicious. For our dogs, these ingredients can be toxic and a recipe for unpleasant digestive upset or pancreatitis.
Find food that fits your pet’s needs
It can be tempting to share a juicy slice of turkey with your meat-loving pup, especially around Thanksgiving. But can dogs eat turkey safely? Read on to learn why its usually not in your dogs best interest to share your turkey meat and why dogs and turkey bones are a dangerous mix.
You may have noticed that turkey is a common ingredient in dog treats and dog food. Skinless, unseasoned white turkey meat thats been properly cooked is actually fine for dogs to consume in small amounts. Ground turkey, as long as its plain and has no additives, is also perfectly healthy for dogs.
The problem with feeding turkey to dogs isnt the meat itself. According to the American Kennel Club, heres why you shouldnt share turkey with your pooch:
Skip the Seasonings and Added Ingredients
Only completely plain, cooked turkey is okay to give to your dog as a treat. Added ingredients and seasonings can not only be unhealthy for dogs, but they can be toxic, like garlic and onion. Even butter and salt can cause problems.
Any bones left in could accidentally be swallowed. This would create a choking hazard and potential intestinal blockage. Cooked bones are even more dangerous than raw bones because they will easily splinter into shards.
If your dog has swallowed a piece of a bone, contact your veterinarian right away and take them to the vet clinic.
You may have heard the myth about turkey making humans—or dogs—sleepy. But this isn’t the case. Although there is a nutrient in turkey called tryptophan that aids in good sleep and a good mood, turkey contains such a small amount that you would never eat enough in one sitting—or even one day—for it to influence your energy level. And the same goes for your pup.
Yes, when cooked and prepared properly—and given in very small portions—turkey can be a healthy, occasional treat for dogs. Make sure it is fully cooked; has no skin, bones, or fat; and is not cooked with any other ingredients or seasonings. Here are some nutrients found in turkey:
There is a difference in nutrition between dark meat and white meat. The dark meat in turkey legs and thighs and is much higher in fat and calories. The white meat in turkey breast is a little higher in protein.
Turkey skin is high in fat and calories, so any piece with skin on it is much less healthy.