Can I feed my dog raw turkey? Here’s What to Do Next

Can Dogs Eat Turkey?

Dogs absolutely love the taste of turkey, and it’s rich in nutrients like protein and riboflavin. It’s also highly digestible and great for dogs’ immune systems making this festive bird the perfect healthy treat for your dog.However, there are a few conditions that may alter the benefits of turkey for dogs.

Whether or not your dog can eat turkey depends on the condition of the bird. If your turkey has already been cooked and seasoned, you want to be very careful when you feed it to your furry friend.Many of the spices we commonly put on our Thanksgiving turkeys (like black pepper, onions, andgarlic) are toxic for dogs.

Feeding your dog a piece of seasoned turkey meat may irritate their stomachs, cause diarrhea and vomiting, or cause sodium poisoning. So, it’s best to avoid feeding your dog seasoned turkey all together.

If you want to include your dog in the turkey festivities, set aside unseasoned boiled turkey, dried turkey treats, or better yet,feed them a raw turkey meal!

We recommend that you avoid feeding your dog turkey skin. The skin on the turkey usually has the highest amount of sodium and fat, and could cause some serious health issues for your pet.

What’s In Raw Turkey?

According to traditional chinese medicine, turkey falls into the category of neutral foods, as opposed to those of cooling and warming.

It’s a lean source of protein (= great for weight management purposes!) that’s rich in a variety of minerals and vitamins such as:

Iron. Mineral that’s needed to carry oxygen throughout the body.

Choline. Nutrient responsible for proper liver & brain function. Also reduces seizure frequency in epileptic dogs.

Selenium. Mineral with antioxidant properties.

Zinc. Trace mineral and a necessary component of a healthy, functioning immune system.

Phosphorus & Calcium. Minerals that are important for skeletal & dental health.

Potassium. Mineral needed for healthy muscles, nerves, and enzymes.

B vitamins (B 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 12, Niacin = B 3). Water-soluble nutrients vital for a healthy nervous & immune system, healthy nails & skin, healthy digestion.

Good to know: Raw turkey is lower in saturated fats than chicken and beef.

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How to Incorporate Turkey into Your Dog’s Diet

Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey Legs

It isnt a big mystery as to whether turkey is safe for dogs to eat or not. Spoiler alert: turkey is not only safe, but its a commonly used protein source in commercial dog foods. Throwing your dog bits of turkey while you prep dinner can be a perfectly healthy treat, but not all parts of the turkey are safe. So whats a dog-owning foodie to do?