Is Turkey Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Protein is an essential part of any dog’s diet, which is why so many pet owners try to incorporate meat and other protein sources in their dog’s meals. And one of the most common sources of protein that dog owners feed their dogs is chicken.
While chicken is great for dogs, some pups may be allergic to the meat or simply don’t like eating it. And when that happens, dog owners search far and wide for alternatives, which is why many people ask if the turkey is safe for dogs.
So, can dogs eat turkey? The short answer is yes, dogs can eat turkey.
And in this article, we’ll be diving deep into the benefits of turkey for dogs, how you should feed it to them, and a couple of other great meats that you can feed your dog.
Read on to learn more.
Why Should I Feed My Dog Turkey?
Turkey is lean meat, which means that it doesn’t have too much fat. This alone is one of the main reasons turkeys is so good for dogs. When feeding your dogs meat, it’s best to choose options that are low in fat to keep them in the best shape possible.
Here are some other benefits that turkey offers to dogs that make it a great food to add to their regular diet;
Turkey is Rich in Protein
Turkey is packed with protein, which is essential for a dog’s health and development. Protein provides essential amino acids for dogs’ bodies to function properly. Protein contributes to healthy hair and skin in dogs, which is very important. Additionally, protein plays a big role in muscle development and repair, and this is just scratching the surface of why protein is important for dogs.
Turkey is Packed with Phosphorous and Other Nutrients
Aside from protein, turkey also has a lot of phosphorous and other nutrients that are essential for a dog’s health. Phosphorous in particular is a very important nutrient as it supports healthy and functioning kidneys. This helps your dog flush out toxins and other things their body doesn’t need, which is essential in keeping them in the best shape possible.
Another essential nutrient in turkey is riboflavin. When your dog has a large daily intake of riboflavin, they are generally healthier. This is because riboflavin helps metabolize fats and carbohydrates into energy. Because of this, turkey is great for hyperactive dogs with a lot of energy.
Turkey is Accessible
Another reason turkey is such great food for dogs is that it’s readily available. You can easily buy turkey at any grocery store without much of a hassle. On top of that, there are lots of times where we are left with tons of leftover turkey that we don’t know what to do with. And while you can feed your dog turkey leftovers, you need to make sure that the skin is removed and there are no additional herbs, spices, and salt added to the meat as certain dogs might not respond well to these additives.
Aside from being available in the store, there are many commercial dog foods that employ turkey as their main protein. When shopping for commercial dog food that uses turkey, make sure to check that the ingredients contain 100% meat and no other harmful additives that could harm your dog.
How to Feed Your Dog Turkey
When feeding your dog turkey, one of the most important things to remember is to remove the skin. Turkey skin contains a lot of fat that isn’t good for dogs, so it’s best to stick to just the meat. If your dog isn’t used to raw meat, it’s best to cook it first without any salt and spices and keep the turkey as bare and natural as possible.
When feeding your dog Thanksgiving leftovers, aside from removing the skin, you need to make sure they’re only eating the meat. Onions and garlic, which people usually add to their turkeys are toxic to dogs. So, make sure to remove any extra ingredients from the Thanksgiving turkey before giving it to your dog.
Additionally, it’s best to start with small quantities of turkey before moving on to larger pieces. That way, you can see how your dog reacts to the food first before deciding if it’s a good idea to feed it to them regularly.
On top of that, make sure to remove all the bones from the turkey. Animal bones are a choking hazard and even if they do swallow it, the bones could get stuck in their intestinal track and cause a wide range of problems.
What Other Meat Can I Feed My Dog?
Aside from turkey, beef, lamb, chicken, and bison are all great choices for dogs. Remember, dogs are natural carnivores so their body is designed to handle most meats.
With that said, it’s always best to proceed with caution when feeding your dog something new.
So, make sure to always consult your vet before adding something to your dog’s regular diet. That way, your vet can give you recommendations and tell you whether or not it’s a good idea.
