Is Turkey Bad For Dogs? & Other Thanksgiving Foods

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I know slipping Fido a piece of Thanksgiving turkey or lunch meat is tempting. But could turkey harm your dog? Here’s what you need to know and what to avoid. I also share a yummy dog turkey treat recipe to make with your Thanksgiving leftovers.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey? What The Veterinarian Says

I chatted with Dr. Hannah Godfrey, MRCVS, a small animal veterinarian, about dogs eating turkey, if it’s safe, and any risks that might come with it. Here’s what she shared.

“Of all the meat options, turkey is one of the most suitable for dogs because it has a low-fat content. Turkey is a lean protein source and a source of vitamins and minerals, including iron (needed to make oxygen-carrying hemoglobin). Turkey is an excellent source of protein, which your dog needs to build and maintain muscle and other tissues. It also contains very little fat, making it a healthier alternative to fattier meats like pork and beef. It also contains magnesium, which is needed for muscle contractions and sending nerve signals, and sodium and potassium, which help your dog’s body maintain the proper water content. Turkey also contains the essential mineral selenium, which helps keep your dog’s metabolism and thyroid function and includes antioxidants,” Dr. Hannah Godfrey, MRCVS.

Dr Godfrey also shares some risks to be aware of before feeding your pup that plate of Thanksgiving leftovers. “In some situations, feeding your dog turkey is not a good idea and could risk their health. For example, offering your dog raw turkey, like any uncooked meat, could give them an upset stomach or a nasty infection with Salmonella or Campylobacter. These causes of food poisoning in humans could cause similar symptoms in your dog and could even spread to vulnerable members of your family.”

She adds, “Another risk of feeding your dog turkey is if it is cooked in oil or other cooking fat. This is because fatty foods are more likely to cause your dog vomiting and diarrhea and might even give your dog a painful bout of pancreatitis. Excessive salt could lead to salt poisoning; however, other seasonings are more likely to irritate their guts. A turkey dish with other ingredients like garlic or onions is dangerous as these are toxic to dogs. So plain, unseasoned turkey is safest.”

Is Turkey Bad For Dogs?

Plain, unseasoned turkey is a tasty and nutritious snack for most dogs and is often an ingredient in commercial dog foods. There isn’t anything particularly toxic about it, but when processed, like deli meats and turkey hot dogs, the chemicals used to keep them “edible” are often not digested well by dogs. We do not recommend feeding your dog any processed meats. So it is best to avoid deli turkey and other sandwich meats.

Thanksgiving turkey can be just as dangerous. Humans like to cover and fill our holiday birds with oil, butter, seasonings, garlic, onion, stuffing, etc. These extra ingredients can upset your dog’s digestive system or even cause pancreatitis. It’s better to avoid sliding the dog a piece under the table.

If you choose to give turkey to your dog, moderation is crucial. Always remember that each dog has unique dietary needs and sensitivities.

Our Personal Experience Giving Dogs Thanksgiving Turkey

Our dog Lexie was a huge fan of The Farmer’s Dog turkey recipe, so naturally, at Thanksgiving time, we would share the extra turkey with her as a special treat. I would make sure the meat we gave her was unseasoned without any skin or bones. Also chopped it up into bite-sized pieces and mixed it in unseasoned, cooked carrots and white rice for some grains and nutrients. The turkey breast was higher in sodium than what she usually ate, but given it was only once a year and a special occasion, we made an exception.

– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Parent, Canine Journal Creative & Marketing

Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey?

Dogs should not eat raw turkey due to the risk of ingesting harmful bacteria and parasites. The American Veterinary Association, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration all advise against it.

Eating raw turkey can cause dogs digestive issues, including diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Letting your dog eat overindulge in cooked turkey can also lead to some gastrointestinal upset and excess weight gain.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones?

Feeding your dog meat bones is always a risk, especially if cooked. So, we recommend that you avoid feeding your dog meat bones. Like chicken and other poultry, turkey bones tend to splinter easily, which can wreak digestive havoc on your dog’s insides. Splintered bones can cause injury to the esophagus, stomach, or guts. To avoid this risk, it is best to avoid giving your dog turkey bones. Learn more about the dangers associated with bones and why your dog should avoid them.

If you think your pup accidentally ingested a turkey bone or ate a turkey dish heavy with onions or garlic, it’s best to call the vet. You always want to err on the side of caution and have your pup checked out. If your pup ate something bad, the vet may need to make them sick to stop the body from absorbing harmful ingredients. An internal obstruction in the intestine or bowels is a serious medical issue that needs further treatment.

Our Personal Experience With Dogs Eating Turkey Bones

My first rescue dog, Bear, a Labrador Retriever, once managed to sneak away with a turkey leg on Thanksgiving. He stole it from a younger kid’s plate, an easy target. He crunched right through part of the bone before I was able to get it away from him. Thankfully, after a very scary and expensive trip to the emergency vet, he was ok.

– Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Dog Parent, Canine Journal Research & Writing

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Skin?

Although turkey is relatively lean meat, it does contain some fat, primarily in the skin. Since the skin also contains cooking fats and seasoning, it is best to avoid giving your dog turkey skin.

A small amount of skinless turkey breast without bones or condiments is the safest way to give your dog a Thanksgiving treat.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Breast?

Turkey is a lean meat with very little fat. This makes it a good protein option for dogs. Small amounts of plain, cooked turkey breast should be safe to feed to your dog. However, it can still pose a risk to your dog, depending on the method of cooking and any additional seasoning or sauces used. Therefore, any turkey that you offer your dog must be plain, unseasoned, and grilled or boiled rather than cooked in oil or fat.

Does Your Dog Have A Food Allergy?

Some dogs have food allergies. If you see a pattern with your pup eating turkey and subsequently getting sick, you may consider removing the turkey from their diet. To obtain more details on a possible food or environmental allergy, you can order this test and consult your vet for more advice.

While plain-cooked turkey is generally safe for your dog, many human foods are not. Pet insurance can be very helpful in the case of emergencies like eating something poisonous or a bowel obstruction. Learn more about pet insurance, what it covers, and why it’s best to get coverage when your pup is young.

Turkey Dog Treat Recipe

If you want to try giving your dog some Thanksgiving leftovers, here is a dog treat recipe you can make at home. Remember to avoid giving your dog a butter-soaked, herb-covered, stuffing-filled turkey. Unseasoned cooked turkey is best, and only feed it in moderation.

Making these treats is a healthy alternative.

• 1 unbaked loaf of bread or pizza crust
• 1/4 cup water
• 1-2 teaspoons flour
• 3/4 cup cooked turkey chopped into small pieces
• 1/2 cup cooked vegetables that are safe for dog
• 1/4 cup grated cheese (pick your pup’s favorite)
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the dough and cut it into 3″ circles with a cookie cutter.
3. Combine the water and flour in a saucepan, stirring until the flour dissolves.
4. Heat on medium until the mixture thickens.
5. Add the turkey and vegetables. Cook until the mixture is thoroughly heated.
6. Simmer for a few minutes.
7. Spoon one to two teaspoons of the turkey-veggie mixture onto each circle.
8. Fold up the sides and pinch shut.
9. Roll into a ball shape.
10. In a separate small bowl, mix the cheese and sesame seeds.
11. Roll or sprinkle each ball with the cheese-sesame seed mixture.
12. Arrange the balls on a baking sheet and cook for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.

Allow the turkey dog treats to cool and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Serving Size: Approximately 8 cups (64 oz.)

Turkey Dog Treat Recipe Infographic

Here’s a handy graphic you can share and print out to make the turkey treat recipe.

7 Classic Thanksgiving Sides: Are They Safe Or Dangerous For Dogs?

1. Mashed Potatoes—Plain cooked potatoes are okay, but dogs should stay away from them if they contain seasonings, salt, and fat, which can upset their stomachs. Potatoes also contain solanine and oxalates, which can be toxic.
2. Sweet Potatoes—Dogs can safely eat cooked, unseasoned, peeled sweet potatoes. The skin can be problematic for your dog to digest, and you should never feed your dog raw potatoes. Learn more about dogs and potatoes.
3. Gravy—Dogs should avoid gravy because the seasonings and salt can be toxic, and gravy is often loaded with fat.
4. Pumpkin Pie & Sweet Potato Casserole—Plain canned pumpkin or cooked sweet potatoes are fine, but avoid giving them a slice of pie or casserole made with sugar and sweeteners. Too much sugar for your pup can lead to dental issues, obesity, and even diabetes.
5. Dinner Rolls—Most bread rolls are not safe for dogs. Just like yeast rises in bread, it will also expand and rise within your pup’s tummy. Make sure they don’t get any. While mild cases will cause gas, lots of farting, and discomfort — too much of it could rupture the stomach and intestines. Yeast dough is also dangerous because as it ferments and rises, it makes alcohol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning.
6. Cranberries—Cranberries and dried cranberries are safe for dogs in small quantities. However, your dog may not be a fan of tart fruit. If your dog likes cranberries, feed them in moderation to prevent an upset tummy.
7. Alcohol—While tempting, do not let your dog indulge in beer, wine, or liquor. Alcohol can cause not only intoxication, lack of coordination, weak breathing, and abnormal acidity but potentially even coma or death.

Fresh Dog Food: A No-Cook, Year-Round Alternative

If you are looking for a delicious pre-made turkey recipe to enjoy all year, I highly recommend you get your paws on The Farmer’s Dog. Your dog will gobble it up (or at least mine do!). The Farmer’s Dog is fresh, all-natural wet dog food packed with the nutrients your pup needs. If your dog prefers other flavors, they offer meat-first recipes with chicken, beef, and pork. For added convenience, it is delivered right to your doorstep. The Ollie brand makes another tasty and nutritious dog food with a fresh turkey recipe. Learn more about other fresh dog food options that can add flavor and nutrients to your pup’s bowl.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Michelle has been a dog owner her entire life. She has tossed lots of human snacks to her hounds over the years, but not before doing lengthy research to find out which are safe, which can be given in extreme moderation, and which are off limits! She’s also managed many upset dog tummies (at home and at the vet) because even if food is considered safe for most, it is not always okay for every canine. She’s part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.