Your pup is part of the family, so when the festive holiday season rolls around or a Thanksgiving turkey is carved, it’s tempting for pet parents to want to share some turkey with their fur babies, which is why many pet parents ask, “Can dogs eat turkey?” around November and December especially.
Luckily, the answer is yes! “Turkey can be given as an occasional snack or treat, as a topper, or mixed into their regular diet,” Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Veterinary Medical Advisor for Rover, tells ParadePets. “It can also be pureed and spread onto lick mats or put into the cavities of rubber chew toys.”
But before you let your dog chow down on Thanksgiving food by giving them a turkey leg or slipping them a slice of breast meat under the table, there are a few key things you should know that will let your dog enjoy turkey safely.
Yes, turkey is safe for dogs to eat!
Yes, “Cooked, plain, boneless, skinless turkey is a safe and delicious snack for many dogs,” says Dr. Greenstein, but there are a few important guidelines you should follow before feeding your pup turkey:
- Skip the Seasoning: When feeding your dog turkey, keep it plain. Avoid any spices, gravies, or marinades because ingredients like garlic or spices like crushed red pepper can be harmful to dogs. Stick to unseasoned, cooked turkey for a safe treat. “Plain, unseasoned, cooked, boneless, skinless turkey, without any fat, is optimal for dogs,” explains Dr. Greenstein.
- Use Cooked Meat Only: Never serve your pup raw or undercooked turkey, since undercooked meats can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella, which can be dangerous for dogs.
- Remove the Skin: Turkey skin is high in fat, which can be problematic for dogs. Excessive fat in their diet can lead to pancreatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. In some cases, pieces of turkey skin could even pose a choking hazard if they’re tough to chew.
- Take Out the Bones: Turkey bones can be dangerous for dogs. “Bones are associated with risks like choking, internal blockages, and even perforations, so I would strongly discourage bones of any kind,” she says—yes, even turkey legs are a bad idea!
- Avoid Deli Meat: While cooked, plain, boneless, skinless turkey is safe for dogs, deli meat turkey should be avoided because “deli meat often contains additives, salt, and preservatives,” Dr. Greenstein explains.
- Minimize Portion Sizes: While turkey is a nutritious lean protein, moderation is still key. “As a treat, turkey should make up less than 10% of your dog’s calories for the day,” Dr. Greenstein says. “Although it is a lean protein, overfeeding any meat (or treat) can lead to unnecessary weight gain. Too much can upset your dog’s stomach, especially if they’re not used to new foods.”
- Be Aware of Allergies: If it’s your dog’s first time trying turkey, start with a small amount to see how they react. “Some dogs are allergic to meat proteins, like turkey, so for dogs with a history of dietary sensitivities, I would discourage owners from introducing novel foods without discussing it first with your family vet,” says Dr. Greenstein. If your dog is allergic or sensitive to turkey, they “may show signs of tummy upset or have flare-ups of itch or skin lesions or ear infections, and sometimes require veterinary intervention,” she notes.
How much turkey can dogs eat safely?
While plain, cooked, skinless, boneless turkey is safe for dogs to eat, don’t go overboard. The following guidelines can help you figure out how much turkey dogs can eat safely:
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 ounces of plain, cooked, skinless, boneless turkey
- Medium dogs (between 20-50 lbs): 2-4 ounces of plain, cooked, skinless, boneless turkey
- Large dog (over 50 lbs): 4-6 ounces of plain, cooked, skinless, boneless turkey
Turkey health benefits for dogs
Plain, skinless, boneless, cooked turkey can be a great addition to your dog’s diet when fed consciously and in moderation, says Dr. Greenstein, because turkey has the following health benefits for dogs:
- Good source of protein: Turkey is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for building and maintaining strong muscles and boosting your pet’s energy levels.
- Low in fat: “Skinless white meat turkey is lower in fat and calories compared to red meat,” says Dr. Greenstein. “This may be particularly beneficial for pets whose owners are watching their weight.”
- Boosts energy levels: Turkey is rich in B vitamins like niacin and B6, which can boost your pup’s energy levels and support their brain health.
- Promotes healthy skin and fur: Turkey contains zinc, which helps keep your dog’s skin healthy and coat extra-shiny.
So, if you’re wondering if you can share some Thanksgiving turkey with your dog, the answer is yes! Dogs can safely eat turkey that’s plain, cooked, skinless, and free of bones—so feel free to share a few bites of turkey with your pup, as long as it follows the above guidelines that prioritize the health and safety of your pup.
What to do if your dog eats unsafe Turkey
While turkey is generally safe for dogs to eat, keep your eye out for these possible risks and symptoms:
- Digestive problems: If your dog isn’t used to turkey, introducing it too quickly can lead to tummy troubles, like diarrhea or vomiting. Tummy troubles can also be caused by eating turkey skin, due to its high fat content, or an allergy to meat proteins. If your pup shows signs of distress—like vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing—contact your vet right away. They can help guide you based on your dog’s specific situation.
- Bone hazards: Turkey bones can splinter and cause your dog serious harm. If you think your dog has eaten a turkey bone, watch for signs like coughing or abdominal pain and contact your vet immediately if you notice any breathing issues, blood or severe discomfort.
