Good Dog WeekCan dogs eat turkey?
In moderation
Plain, cooked, boneless white meat turkey without skin, seasoning or gravy can be a fine treat in small amounts. The seasoning, skin, fat and bones that often come with holiday turkey are where the real risks are.
Plain, cooked, boneless white meat turkey without skin, seasoning or gravy can be a fine treat in small amounts. The seasoning, skin, fat and bones that often come with holiday turkey are where the real risks are.
Why
- Plain cooked white meat is a lean source of protein for most healthy dogs
- Turkey skin and gravy are high in fat, which can upset a dog's stomach
- Seasonings like garlic, onion and certain spices used in stuffing or gravy are not safe for dogs
- Cooked bones can splinter and are a choking and injury risk, and raw carcasses can also cause problems
- Large amounts of rich, unfamiliar food can trigger digestive upset even without added seasoning
How to share it safely
- Stick to small pieces of plain, cooked, boneless white meat with the skin removed
- Skip any turkey that has been seasoned, buttered, salted or cooked with onion or garlic
- Never give gravy, stuffing or the skin, since these are usually high in fat and seasoning
- Keep portions small and treat it as an extra, not a meal replacement
- Remove all bones before offering any turkey, and keep the carcass well out of reach
- At holiday meals, ask guests not to feed the dog from the table and give the dog their own small, plain portion instead
Treats of any kind should stay a small part of your dog's diet. Ask your vet first if your dog has a health condition or a sensitive stomach.
Sources we check: ASPCA: people foods to avoid feeding your pets. General information, not veterinary advice.