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Question for our Pet Doc from Nancy…
Could turkey be harming my Chihuahua, Taco?
It took a while, unfortunately, but every time I gave my Chihuahua a piece of deli turkey or a piece of turkey hot dogs he became sick the following day (blotted stomach, lethargic, won’t eat/drink). But he usually feels better the next day. I am not sure if it was a coincidence but he is OFF all turkey.
Anyone know why Taco my dog would get sick from “turkey”?
Is Turkey Bad for Dogs?
Your dog may be allergic to turkey. Turkey itself is generally a pretty tasty and nutritious snack for most dogs. There isn’t anything particularly toxic about it, but when processed like with deli meats and turkey hot dogs, the chemicals used to keep them “edible” is often not digested well by dogs. I do not recommend feeding your dog any kind of processed meats. Also, moderation is key and always remember that each dog is an individual. Some of my patients are allergic to beef and some to chicken. If you see a pattern with Taco eating turkey and subsequently getting sick, then you’ve done the right thing by removing turkey from his diet.
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13 Comments on "Is Turkey Bad for Dogs?"
I am having trouble understanding if dogs can have turkey whether it is deli, processed or unprocessed due to the fact that my dog’s regular dog food has turkey in it. I know they can’t have bones from it that is I am confused about whether or not she can have it due to eats it everyday in her dog food can you please tell me?
Our Pet Doc says deli meats and turkey hot dogs have extra chemicals in them which make them more difficult to digest for dogs. Pet Doc recommends not feeding your dog any type of processed meat.
Interesting info – 2x now, my dog has eaten a commercial turkey topper and both times the morning after has had 3 seizures each. She is currently on Keppra ER and was dx’ed with idiopathic epilepsy. I have not given her any turkey, since. Is it possible that the turkey was the cause? Seems coincidental to me. All regular vets tests ‘normal’. Thoughts, please.
Turkey can be the trigger for the seizures. Each dog is different but if both times your dog has had seizures you fed her turkey the day before, we definitely suggest avoiding turkey from now on. Hope all is well with your pup now!
Thank you, Kimberly Kurimski! When asking my reg vet aforementioned, vet ‘blew it off’ ie: turkey/seizures. I have to listen to my ‘gut’ and have read numerous articles suggesting turkey causing seizures. Your reputation and credibility is ALL I needed to confirm. I was looking for a supplement from Balance IT but top ingredient is Tryptophan – knowing Tryptophan is high in turkey…not sure I want to risk it, thoughts, please. Thank you so very, very much, Kimberly. Thankfully, though weighing 90 lbs, only on Keppra 750 ER twice a day, (low dose).
You’re welcome! At this point, if you have doubts about a food to feed your dog, I suggest not giving it to her. What are you wanting/needing a supplement for? Did your vet suggest a certain supplement to give her to help with the epilepsy?
Thank you, again, Kimberly Kurimski. I home cook for my dog – lean ground beef boiled/rinsed and brown rice. Didn’t know if she needed more nutrients, thus a supplement. I can certainly cook up, puree, carrots, green beans and squash and add to beef and rice. So many peeps on the web are all for supplements for their dogs and I wondered if truly necessary or if the veggies I’m going to add will be fine. Thank you, so much, again, Kimberly.
The food you are providing your dog sounds like it should be enough for her. Unless your vet suggests a supplement that she is lacking she should be getting the nutrients she needs. So happy we could help you!
Thank you so much, again, Kimberly Kurimski! Hugs, licks, kisses and paws, to you. Melinda and Snowy <3
This is crazy. Maybe its the dang chemicals in the foods and not the turkey. No one – dog, human, cat – should be eating those “foods”.
I just gave my little Yorkie the deli turkey off my sandwich. I think at most two pieces and a little roast beef and ham. Now I’m afraid she may get sick…
Feeding your dog or yourself processed meats is just darn silly. You have a choice, your dog does not. There are plenty of healthy alternatives. Our Dobie loves turkey but never processed cr@p.