There is much debate about the safety of giving dogs ‘real’ bones like those from a turkey. Although your best friend may be accustomed to bone-shaped biscuits, we looked into the advantages and disadvantages of giving your dog a turkey bone. Here’s what you need to know before you throw a dog a bone.
Yes, dogs can eat turkey bones! But not just any turkey bone. It’s important to follow these guidelines to ensure your dog’s safety:
Only feed raw turkey bones: Cooked bones are brittle and can splinter, posing a choking hazard and potentially causing internal damage. Stick to raw turkey bones like necks, wing tips, and wingettes. These are easier for your dog to chew and digest.
Avoid large bones: Large bones, like drumsticks are too big for most dogs and can be difficult to manage. Stick to smaller bones that are appropriate for your dog’s size.
Supervise your dog while they eat bones: This will help you ensure they are chewing safely and not swallowing large pieces.
Consider alternative chews: If you’re concerned about your dog choking on bones, there are plenty of safe alternatives available, like Yak Chews.
Benefits of feeding turkey bones to your dog:
- Increased calcium intake
- Natural teeth cleaning
- Mental stimulation and enrichment
Feeding other turkey parts to your dog:
Turkey guts: These are a great source of nutrients, including vitamin A, B vitamins, and taurine. Introduce them slowly to your dog’s diet.
Turkey muscle meat: This is a lean protein source rich in iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, and B vitamins. Feed it raw or lightly cooked.
White turkey meat: This is a low-fat option, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those needing to lose weight.
Here are some additional tips for feeding turkey to your dog:
- Introduce new foods slowly to avoid digestive upset.
- Add a high-quality probiotic supplement to support digestion.
- Offer a natural fiber source like pumpkin powder to keep things moving smoothly.
- Avoid heavily seasoned meats and cooked bones.
- If you have any concerns, consult your veterinarian.
Remember, a balanced diet is key to keeping your dog happy and healthy. By following these guidelines, you can safely incorporate turkey into your dog’s diet and reap the benefits of this nutritious protein source.
Additional Resources:
- Cooked bones from any animal should never be given to your dog, but especially turkey bones or chicken bones. Any kind of cooked bone will splinter when your dog chews on it. Turkey bones and chicken bones are especially brittle, and will break into small, sharp pieces when they are chewed.
- Video: Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones?
Can dogs eat raw turkey bones?
Having read through all of these possible outcomes, you’re probably wondering if turkey bones are even appropriate for your dog. The answer is yes, as long as the bones are raw. Although raw bones are generally a good choice for puppies, the bones of turkeys, chickens, and other poultry still have a tendency to be thinner and more prone to splintering. Therefore, it’s crucial that you keep a close eye on your dog when they’re eating if you do share some raw bone with them.
Raw bones and meat can come with additional risks for foodborne illness. Most healthy dogs should be able to handle raw bones. But, if you have an elderly or immunocompromised dog, check with your vet before feeding anything raw. To prevent the spread of bacteria and foodborne illnesses, don’t forget to clean your dog’s dish as well as any chopping boards, knives, and areas used for food prep that came into contact with raw meat or bone.
Can dogs eat cooked turkey bones?
First things first, it’s important that you don’t ever feed cooked turkey bones to a dog. Cooked bones are harmful to dogs, despite how tempting it may be to give them a small taste of that delectable holiday feast. They have the potential to break and result in various issues, such as wounds to the puppy’s mouth and teeth, intestinal obstructions, and stomach distress.
Surgery may be necessary to fix wounds like chipped teeth, mouth cuts, jaw damage, or bones stuck in the stomach. This is why it is important that you avoid giving your pup cooked bones. These injuries can be painful, expensive, and even in some cases, fatal. Therefore, just say no to cooked turkey bones and your dog (don’t worry, we’ll remind you throughout this blog post)!
Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey Legs
FAQ
Can a dog eat a turkey leg?
How to cook turkey legs for dogs?
Can a dog eat turkey?
Are turkey feet safe for dogs?