Can Dogs Eat Vegan Turkey?

It is not recommended for dogs to eat vegan turkey due to ingredients that may cause allergies.

Though your pet can eat cooked and unflavoured turkey, it is not advisable for him to eat vegan turkey. This plant-based meat alternative has ingredients that might trigger food allergy or intolerance in dogs. Common ingredients that make up vegan turkey include wheat protein, organic tofu, white beans, seitan, nutritional yeast, and coconut oil. Additionally, vegan turkey made with soy may affect a dog’s estrogen production and thyroid hormone levels. 

Commercially sold vegan turkey typically contain high levels of salt, onion, and garlic—all of which are poisonous to dogs. Consuming vegan turkey with unsafe ingredients can cause a dog to manifest any of the following symptoms: vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, lethargy, pale gums, weakness, exercise intolerance, increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, collapse, oxidative damage to the red blood cells, and gastroenteritis. As such, it is best not to feed your pooch vegan turkey.

What to do if your dog accidentally eats vegan turkey: Observe your pet for any changes in his mood and behaviour, as well as eating, drinking, breathing, and excreting habits. A small piece of cooked vegan turkey may not affect him as long as it is devoid of toxic ingredients and isn’t slathered with savoury sauces. To be on the safe side, review the nutrition facts label. Call your veterinarian immediately if the vegan turkey contains harmful ingredients. 

In summary: Vegan turkey is completely safe for humans to eat, but that doesn’t mean you should automatically give it to your dog. Some of its ingredients may affect your dog’s health, so get your veterinarian’s approval before including it in your pet’s diet. 

References:

Can Dogs Eat Meat Substitutes?

Pet Poison Helpline: Onion

Dog poisoning: Signs of poisoning in dogs and what you need to do

Can Dogs Eat Soy? Is Soy Good or Bad for Your Dog?