Can Dogs Eat Turkey?

The short answer: Yes.

The long answer: A key ingredient in many commercially sold dog foods, turkey is a healthy poultry dish that is high in protein, B vitamins, zinc, phosphorus, tryptophan, and selenium. Its lean white meat is known to be low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Dogs can gain a lot from eating turkey. It can help them build muscle, strengthen their joints, and increase their mobility. It can also be a good protein alternative if your dog is allergic to beef or chicken.

How to feed turkey to your dog: Make sure that you only serve your dog freshly cooked turkey that was not seasoned in salt or spices such as garlic, onions, and leeks. These seasonings may be harmless to you but are highly toxic to your pet.

Select the white meat of the turkey, particularly the breast and wing parts. Remove the bones (which is a choking hazard) and the skin (which is high in fat). Too much of rich, fatty food may cause pancreatitis to your dog, resulting in loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Ground turkey can be consumed by your dog as long as it is cooked right. Read the nutrition facts label to see if it contains any turkey skin. Whether smoked or cured, never serve him processed turkey because of the high amounts of sodium and preservatives found in them. Also, prevent salmonella by not feeding your dog raw or undercooked turkey.

Here are three ideas for turkey treats your dog will love:

Got leftover turkey from Thanksgiving? Surprise your pup with turkey meatloaf.
This frozen treat made of turkey broth, sweet potato, and peas can be fed to your pooch at dinnertime.
These naturally sweet turkey meatballs will be your dog’s new favorite dish.

In summary: Turkey is a great source of protein and minerals such as potassium and niacin. It can be incorporated into your dog’s regular diet with your veterinarian’s approval. For turkey to be a safe and healthy option for your dog, the properly cooked and selected lean meat should be given without the skin and bones.

Aside from turkey, discover which other meat dogs can safely eat in our “can dogs eat” category.