Can Dogs Eat Turkey? What You Need to Know

Turkey is a popular Thanksgiving dish, but can dogs eat turkey? The answer is a bit complicated. While turkey is not inherently toxic to dogs there are some things to keep in mind before sharing your Thanksgiving feast with your furry friend.

What Kind of Turkey Can Dogs Eat?

Cooked, plain turkey breast is the safest option for dogs. It should be free of skin, bones, and any seasonings or sauces. Deli turkey is not a good option, as it is usually laden with added sodium, fat, and seasonings, which can be harmful to dogs.

Raw turkey is a no-no for dogs. It can contain harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli which can cause food poisoning. Additionally raw turkey bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.

Turkey skin is also a bad idea for dogs. It is high in fat, which can cause pancreatitis.

How Much Turkey Can Dogs Eat?

The amount of turkey you give your dog will depend on their size and overall health. As a general rule of thumb, a small dog can have a few small pieces of turkey, while a large dog can have a larger portion. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and start with a small amount to see how your dog tolerates it.

What About Turkey Bones?

Turkey bones are dangerous for dogs. They can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. If your dog accidentally eats a turkey bone, it is important to monitor them closely and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any signs of distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.

What About Seasonings and Sauces?

Many Thanksgiving dishes contain seasonings and sauces that are not safe for dogs. These can include onions, garlic salt pepper, and gravy. If you are unsure whether a particular seasoning or sauce is safe for your dog, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving it to them.

While turkey can be a safe and healthy treat for dogs, it is important to be mindful of the type of turkey you give them, how much you give them, and whether it contains any harmful ingredients. If you have any questions or concerns, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian.

Here are some additional tips for feeding turkey to your dog:

Remove the skin and bones before giving the turkey to your dog.
Cook the turkey thoroughly.
Do not add any seasonings or sauces to the turkey.
Start with a small amount of turkey to see how your dog tolerates it.
If your dog has any underlying health conditions, consult with your veterinarian before giving them turkey.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your dog enjoys a safe and healthy Thanksgiving feast.

Are Spices Dangerous For Dogs To Eat?

Dog and spices don’t mix. Here are some spices that are not healthy for your dog to eat. Certain spices are just dried and refined versions of foods that are toxic to dogs, while others might be special. Most spices and herbs are toxic for a pet to eat. This is not a comprehensive list, so you shouldn’t feed anything to your dog just because they don’t become sick from it. It is best to not feed your dog any spices.

List of Foods Dogs Can’t Eat:

Grapes
Raisins
Onions
Garlic
Chocolate, white, dark, powdered, all kinds
Raw baked potatoes (cooked are fine)
Alcohol
Coffee, tea or other caffeine sources
Milk, ice cream, and dairy products
Nuts (contain fats and oils that can induce vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal problems, including GI) may also aggravate pancreatitis.
Almonds
Pecans
Macadamia nuts
Walnuts
Nutmeg
Coconut oil (causes GI issues and may cause diarrhea)
Apricots
Green parts of Tomatoes (leaves, stems)
Tomatoes
Rhubarb plant
Candy or gum
Nothing sweetened with xylitol
Fat trimmings from bones
Bones splinter and cause lacerations in your dog’s digestive system
Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums
Salmonella and E. Coli in raw eggs, as well as the enzyme that prevents the B vitamin from working,
Lunch meats and cold cuts are extremely high in salt and nitrates, which can cause kidney and digestive issues. Store-bought cold cuts are bad foods for dogs.
Beer-making hops, along with other foods, are highly toxic to dogs and can result in convulsions, fever, rapid heartbeat, panting, and even death.
Raw fish and meat (eating raw food can result in potentially fatal bacterial poisoning, just like in humans)
Salt
Sugary foods and drinks (obesity and dental problems)
Mushrooms
Citrus Fruits including oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruit, etc.
Moldy or spoiled foods
The seeds, cores, and stems of the apples are not edible.
Yeast/dough
Human medicine
Baking soda and baking powder
Stay away from fatty and seasoned foods

Can Dogs Eat Lunch Meat? Risks To Be Aware Of

FAQ

Can dogs eat deli sliced turkey?

Turkey is healthy meat high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Plain unseasoned slices of turkey meat are a healthy food or treat for your dog. Avoid giving your dog turkey bones, skin and processed turkey products (sausages, lunch slices) as these may contain harmful additives and seasonings.

Is turkey meat good for dogs?

You may have noticed that turkey is a common ingredient in dog treats and dog food. Skinless, unseasoned white turkey meat that’s been properly cooked is actually fine for dogs to consume in small amounts. Ground turkey, as long as it’s plain and has no additives, is also perfectly healthy for dogs.

What sandwich meat is good for dogs?

Most deli meat isn’t good for people to eat so giving it to your dog puts their systems into overdrive. … So, it’s probably best to refrain from giving dogs any deli meat unless it’s chicken or turkey and only in small doses because of all of the sodium.

Can dogs eat turkey and cheese sandwiches?

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.