It can be tempting to share a juicy slice of turkey with your meat-loving pup, especially around Thanksgiving. But can dogs eat turkey safely? Read on to learn why it's usually not in your dog's best interest to share your turkey meat and why dogs and turkey bones are a dangerous mix.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Meat?
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.
The problem with feeding turkey to dogs isn't the meat itself. According to the American Kennel Club, here's why you shouldn't share turkey with your pooch:
- The fat in turkey skin may cause pancreatitis, a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed and swollen. In addition to causing your dog discomfort and pain, it can also cause serious health complications.
- The seasoning added to cooked turkey can irritate your dog's bowels and cause digestive issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
- Turkey is often seasoned with garlic and onions, both of which are toxic to dogs.
- Deli meat, turkey hot dogs and other kinds of processed turkey meat contain high amounts of salt and preservatives that could be harmful to your dog's health and can upset their stomach. Only give your dog processed meat occasionally and in very small amounts — for example, you can use a small piece of turkey hot dog to hide a pill. It's unhealthy, and even dangerous, to feed your dog any type of deli meat on a regular basis, says Top Dog Tips.
Tasty Tips
Turkey Bones: Are They Bad for Dogs?
While there's no question that dogs love to chew and eat bones, doing so can actually be harmful to your pup, according to the AKC. Small poultry bones, including turkey and chicken bones, are especially dangerous. Gnawing on bones can cause:
- Injury to the mouth and throat
- Choking or throat obstruction
- Intestinal blockage
- Piercing of the stomach or intestinal lining
- Constipation or painful bowel movements
- Rectal bleeding
Some of these injuries, like intestinal blockage, may require emergency surgery to correct.
My Dog Already Ate a Turkey Bone: What Should I Do?
Even with your best efforts to prevent it, there's a chance that at some point your dog will get hold of some forbidden turkey meat or a bone and gulp it down before you can stop them. If this happens, it's important not to panic. Don't try to snatch the food away from your pup, especially if they're prone to aggressive food behavior. If you suspect your dog may have eaten a bone, call your veterinarian for advice, suggests the AKC. They can talk you through how to reduce your dog's risk of injury.
Keep a close eye on your pet. Contact your vet right away if your dog is having difficulty or pain when attempting to defecate a few days after ingesting a bone as fragments may be causing (rectal) irritation. Other signs to seek veterinary care would include the following:
- Lethargy
- Appetite loss
- Vomiting
- Constipation or straining
- Bloody stool
- Bloated or distended abdomen
- Restlessness or difficulty getting comfortable
If you want your dog to enjoy the taste of turkey safely, without the risk of bones or unhealthy additives, give your pup a dog treat made with turkey. You'll make them just as happy, and you'll have peace of mind knowing their health isn't in danger.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Large Breed Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Small & Mini Chicken, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini Dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Rice Stew
Chicken & Rice Stew with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Beef & Zucchini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day one
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Large Breed Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a large bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée Dog Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+. Delicious food in a small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws dry dog food
Related articles
How to Keep Your Dog Safe While Hunting
If you're considering training your dog to help you hunt, follow these safety tips to make sure he stays out of danger.
My Dog is Acting Lethargic: Causes & How to Help
Discover reasons why your dog might be acting lethargic or not enjoying play & exercise like he used to, as well as when you should consult his vet.
Transportation and traveling
If you're planning on transporting or traveling with your puppy any time soon, you should consider following these helpful suggestions to keep them safe.
5 Ideas for Indoor Exercise for Dogs
Learn how to keep your dog moving with some indoor exercise tips. If you're stuck inside, help them beat cabin fever and keep their body and mind active.
First Aid Tips for Your Dog
Get advice on how to provide your dog with proper first aid for a variety of injuries including burns, cuts, bites, heatstroke, and more.
Tips for Socializing an Older Dog
Socializing an older dog is usually more challenging than socializing a puppy. Learn how to overcome the challenges to safely socialize an adult dog.
Helping Your Dog Deal With Allergic Dermatitis & Skin Irritants
Discover seven common dog skin diseases — including causes, symptoms, and treatment — to stay educated about your dog's health.
25 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails & Tips for Hiking With Your Dog
Discover twenty-five dog-friendly hiking trails across the United States, and helpful tips for safe & fun hiking with dogs no matter where you two end up.
Tips for Helping Senior & Older Dogs in Winter & Snow
Learn how to help senior dogs navigate cold winters and snowy weather, including how long to leave them outside & walking tips.
Indoor Activities for Herding Dogs
Apartment living with a herding dog can be a challenge. Discover these indoor activities for herding dog breeds that can make sharing a small space easier.
Treating a Torn ACL/CCL in Dogs: TPLO Surgery & More
Learn about torn CCL injuries in dogs (equivalent to a torn ACL in humans), including risk factors, how they are diagnosed and how TPLO surgery can help.
Dental Disease in Dogs: Symptoms & Treatment
Discover what dental disease means for dogs, and how you can be treating oral health issues by simply feeding your dog food with proper nutrition.
Hill's Puppy Food: Quality Ingredients for Health & Nutrition
Learn about Hill's puppy food and the nutritional benefit & high quality ingredients that it contains for your pup.
Time for a Gut Check: Prebiotics and Probiotics for Dogs
What exactly do prebiotics and probiotics for dogs do, and what's the difference? Educate yourself about your dog's gut health with this overview.
A Quick and Easy Guide to Cleaning Dog Toys
Discover tips for cleaning your dog's favorite toys (both plush & chew toys) and why keeping them clean can be important for their health.
Newborn Puppy Care: 5 Things You Need to Know
Learn five essential tips to help you care for your newborn puppies, including how to keep them warm, nursing advice and more.
Helping Your Puppy Behave While Eating
Learn how to help your puppy learn good behaviors by starting with proper table manners. Follow these helpful feeding tips.
Options for Boarding Your Dog When You Go Out of Town
Explore your options for boarding or kenneling your puppy when you travel. Learn what you should and should not do here.
Raising a Puppy: What You Need to Know
Learn how to raise a puppy - prepare your home, get necessary supplies, and understand nutrition, training, socialization, health care, play, and grooming.
What is My Dog Thinking About?
Wonder what your dog is thinking about? Learn about the way your dog's brain processes information compared to a human & what your intonation means to him.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.