Diarrhea is no fun for anyone, including our canine companions. As a dog owner, you want to help get your pup’s tummy troubles under control as quickly as possible. But what should you feed a dog with diarrhea? Is ground turkey a good choice?
Ground turkey can be an excellent option when your dog has diarrhea, as long as it’s prepared properly. Keep reading to learn why ground turkey works well, how to cook it for dogs, and some important guidelines for feeding dogs with upset stomachs.
Why Choose Ground Turkey for Diarrhea:
There are a few key reasons why ground turkey makes sense for dogs with diarrhea:
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Highly digestible protein Ground turkey provides an easily digested protein source, which is important when your dog’s GI tract is inflamed or irritated
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Low fat The reduced fat content compared to alternatives like ground beef puts less strain on your dog’s digestive organs Too much fat can worsen diarrhea
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Zinc for gut healing: Turkey contains the mineral zinc which aids in repairing intestinal lining damage.
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No seasonings: Plain ground turkey has no extra ingredients that could further upset your dog’s stomach.
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Anti-inflammatory: The amino acid tryptophan in turkey helps produce serotonin, a chemical that reduces intestinal inflammation.
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Budget-friendly: Ground turkey is an affordable and convenient option available at any grocery store.
For most dogs with diarrhea, ground turkey makes an excellent choice to provide gentle nutrition during recovery.
How to Prepare Ground Turkey for Dogs:
Follow these tips to make ground turkey palatable and safe for your pup:
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Choose 93% lean or higher to minimize fat.
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Cook thoroughly until no pink remains to kill bacteria.
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Use plain turkey only with no added seasonings or broths.
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Mash or shred the cooked turkey into small pieces for easy eating.
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Serve warm or at room temperature – avoid cold food.
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Mix with canned pumpkin for extra fiber and nutrients.
Feeding Guidelines for Dogs With Diarrhea:
Along with the right ingredients, there are some key rules to follow when feeding a dog with diarrhea:
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Fast your dog for 12-24 hours first, but allow access to water.
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When reintroducing food, give several small meals per day of bland food.
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Add canned plain pumpkin to the ground turkey for extra fiber.
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Avoid fatty, heavily seasoned, or processed human foods.
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Stick with the bland diet for a few days until stools return to normal.
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Contact your vet if diarrhea lasts over 48 hours or other symptoms develop.
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Do not give any medication without your vet’s guidance.
Ground Turkey Provides Gentle Nutrition
When prepared properly, ground turkey and pumpkin can help resolve minor bouts of diarrhea by giving your dog’s digestive system a break while still providing gentle nutrition. Just be sure to get your vet’s input if diarrhea persists or other symptoms arise like lethargy or vomiting.
With the right care, ground turkey can help get your canine companion’s tummy troubles under control quickly. Try this bland diet remedy the next time your dog has diarrhea to help them feel better fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much ground turkey should I give my dog for diarrhea?
The amount depends on your dog’s size and needs. Check with your vet for the ideal portion size. Start with smaller meals until their diarrhea improves.
Should I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Turkey is usually best since it’s lower in fat than beef. Fatty meats can further irritate the GI tract. Always choose very lean ground beef if substituting.
Can I use chicken or a different meat?
While you can try lean ground chicken, turkey is typically the most gentle protein for dogs with diarrhea. Always avoid fatty cuts of meat.
Is it okay to add rice to the ground turkey?
Yes, plain white rice is an excellent source of bland carbs to mix with the ground turkey. Use a 50/50 mix and ensure the rice is fully cooked.
Can I use turkey broth or gravy?
No, avoid any enhanced turkey products. Stick to 100% plain ground turkey with no added seasonings or broths.
How long should I feed the ground turkey diet?
Feed the bland ground turkey diet for at least 5-7 days until your dog’s stools return to normal. Then slowly transition back to their regular food.
What about puppies or senior dogs with diarrhea?
This bland diet can work for dogs of all ages, but the portions may need to be adjusted. Always check with your vet first for special diet advice.
Are there any risks or side effects?
As with any diet change, some dogs may have sensitivities to new ingredients. Stop feeding if you see signs of an allergic reaction or ongoing digestive upset.
How do I transition back to my dog’s regular food?
Once stools are normal, mix their regular food back in over 3-5 days, gradually increasing the ratio of regular food to ground turkey each day.
When should I take my dog to the vet for diarrhea?
Contact your vet if diarrhea lasts over 48 hours, you see blood in the stool, your dog seems lethargic, or other concerning symptoms arise.
Can I freeze extra ground turkey?
You can freeze measured portions of cooked ground turkey in an airtight container for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before feeding.
The Bottom Line
Ground turkey makes an excellent choice over ground beef or rice for dogs with diarrhea since it’s lower in fat, highly digestible, and full of gut-healing nutrients. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and avoid any seasonings. Combined with pumpkin, a bland ground turkey diet can help resolve minor bouts of diarrhea quickly and support your dog’s recovery. Check with your vet if diarrhea persists or your dog seems under the weather. With the right care, your pup’s tummy troubles should clear up in no time!