This high-protein bone broth is a collagen-rich addition to mealtime, thanks to humanely raised turkey bones, slow-simmered with functional ingredients like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, and turmeric.
Turkey broth has become an increasingly popular addition to many dog owners’ homemade recipes and meal plans. But is this savory soup base really good for your four-legged friend? As with any human food introduced into a dog’s diet, there are both potential benefits and possible risks to consider. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at whether turkey broth is truly healthy for dogs or not.
An Overview of Turkey Broth
Turkey broth is made by simmering turkey bones, meat, and vegetables in water for an extended period of time This long cooking process extracts gelatin, minerals, and other nutrients from the turkey parts into the cooking liquid. The resulting broth is rich, flavorful, and nutritious.
Turkey broth can be purchased pre-made in cans or cartons, but many dog owners opt to make it from scratch at home. This allows them to control exactly what goes into the broth and avoid potentially harmful additives like excess sodium. Homemade turkey broth often contains:
- Turkey carcass or bones
- Water
- Vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions
- Herbs like parsley or thyme
Potential Benefits of Turkey Broth for Dogs
When made properly without unhealthy additions, turkey broth can provide some valuable health benefits for dogs:
Hydration
The high water content in broth makes it an excellent source of hydration. This can be particularly helpful for dogs who don’t drink enough plain water or need extra fluids.
Nutrition
Turkey broth contains many important vitamins and minerals including calcium phosphorus magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins. The nutrients are absorbed easily into the body since they are extracted from the turkey during simmering.
Digestion
The gelatin in turkey broth aids digestion by enhancing gut health and integrity. It also reduces inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Immunity
Compounds like collagen and antioxidants in turkey broth can boost immune function and activity.
Joint Health
Ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin in turkey bones and cartilage support joint health and mobility, especially for dogs with arthritis.
Potential Risks of Turkey Broth for Dogs
While turkey broth has many potential upsides, there are a few possible downsides to keep in mind:
Fat Content
Turkey skin and excess fat left in the broth can lead to pancreatitis in dogs. Be sure to skim off and discard as much fat as possible before feeding
Sodium Content
Many pre-made turkey broths are high in sodium, which can cause dehydration, elevated blood pressure, and other issues if over-consumed by dogs. Check labels and restrict sodium intake.
Allergies
Dogs with poultry allergies may react negatively to turkey broth. Discontinue use if any signs of an allergic reaction develop.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Too much turkey broth too quickly can lead to vomiting or diarrhea in some dogs. Introduce it slowly and discontinue if any GI issues emerge.
Bones
While softened from simmering, bones may still present a choking hazard or perforate the digestive tract. Pick bones out before feeding.
Best Practices for Feeding Turkey Broth to Dogs
If you do wish to add turkey broth to your dog’s diet, follow these tips to do so safely:
-
Consult your vet first, especially if your dog has any health conditions or sensitivities.
-
Make it yourself so you control exactly what goes in. Don’t use canned versions.
-
Use low-sodium turkey and avoid adding any salt.
-
Simmer for at least 12-24 hours to extract the most nutrients. Skim fat before use.
-
Start slowly with just 1-2 tbsp per meal to avoid GI upset.
-
Avoid bones by straining thoroughly before feeding.
-
Keep broth refrigerated for no more than 5 days or freeze for later use.
The Verdict: Can Dogs Have Turkey Broth?
In conclusion, turkey broth can potentially be a healthy addition to many dogs’ diets, providing hydration, nutrients, and joint support when properly prepared. However, dog owners should be mindful of possible downsides like high sodium and fat content. As long as you introduce it slowly and stick to low-sodium homemade varieties without bones, turkey broth can be a tasty way to supplement your dog’s nutritional needs. But as always, check with your vet first before making any significant dietary changes. With proper precautions and feeding guidelines, turkey broth can be safely enjoyed by most dogs.
Turkey broth: 27
Dogs: 22
Benefits: 7
Risks: 6
Nutrition: 3
Digestion: 2
Hydration: 3
Immunity: 2
Joint health: 3
Fat content: 2
Sodium content: 2
Allergies: 2
Bones: 3
Vet: 2
Open Farm Satisfaction Guarantee for Online Orders
At Open Farm, we understand that trying new pet food can feel like a big leap — especially when it comes to your furry family member’s health and happiness. That’s why we’re excited to offer our 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee for first-time customers and existing customers looking to explore new recipes!
Love It or Your Money Back
Our 30-day satisfaction guarantee covers the full recommended transition period from your pet’s old food to their Open Farm new recipe, plus plenty of extra time to reach out to us to initiate a return if needed. If you or your pet aren’t completely satisfied for any reason, we’ll gladly provide a full refund or exchange for recipes purchased on OpenFarm.com within 30 days of delivery.
Please note that refunds will be processed back to the same account and payment method used for the original purchase. To qualify for a refund, you can only return a single SKU (item) once per customer.
Before you buy, talk to our Feeding & Nutrition experts!
Our Customer Experience team is here to assist you with any questions about selecting the right products for your pet’s unique dietary needs. Reach out to us anytime!
Review the feeding guideline to find the appropriate feeding amount based on your dog’s weight and activity level.
Feed two tablespoons of broth daily for every 10lbs body weight or as desired. Shake well before use and pour broth onto your pets meal. Serve cool or warm, but not hot, and refrigerate for up to 7 days after opening.
Calorie Content: 160 kcal ME/kg, 2.25 kcal ME/tbsp
| Nutrient | Percentage of Recipe |
|---|---|
| Protein | (min) 2.3% |
| Fat | (min) 0.1% |
| Fibre | (max) 1% |
| Moisture | (max) 97% |
| Collagen | (min) 1% |
Better for the planet too
We make it our responsibility to minimize the impact we have without ever compromising on your pet’s nutrition.
Turkey Bone Broth for Dogs
FAQ
Can my dog have turkey broth?
Turkey carcass is the perfect base for a great bone broth recipe for dogs. It’s packed full of minerals and nutrients that not only tastes great but also: Promotes a healthy gut. Helps detox the liver.
What kind of broth is healthiest for dogs?
The best type of bone broth for dogs is made from organic, grass-fed joint bones, like chicken feet or beef marrow bones. These bones ensure a high content of joint-protecting gelatin, essential for your dog’s health.
What to avoid in broth for dogs?
Make sure it’s no or low sodium broth if getting store bought broth. Or just don’t put salt (or onions/garlic) if making homemade broth. NEVER give dogs any kind of cooked bone (they can splinter easily and cause choking or blockage issues).
Is turkey better for dogs than chicken?
- Benefits: Turkey is a lean protein that can help build muscle mass. It’s also a good alternative for dogs with chicken allergies.
- Preparation: Turkey should be fully cooked, skinless, and unseasoned. Overcooked turkey can be difficult to digest.
- Serving: Turkey can be served in small portions.
Can dogs eat turkey carcass bone broth?
Let’s roll! Most well-informed dog owners prefer Turkey carcass bone broth as one of their favorite treats to prepare for their pets–dogs. The recipe tastes great and it is loaded with minerals and nutrients that help the joints, gastrointestinal tract (gut) and enhances the overall canine liver health.
What are the benefits of chicken broth?
In order for it to have benefits, it is important that the broth is natural, without food additives, and for this the best option is to make it at home. It’s nutritious, rich in essential fatty acids, protein and minerals like iron, and if you add vegetables, it’s even richer.
Is Turkey good for dogs?
Turkey is high in protein, making it an excellent choice for working and active breeds. With added organic fruits and vegetables that are packed with natural antioxidants and essential nutrients, this meal will soon be your dog’s daily request! We love hearing from our customers.
Can cats eat turkey broth?
It features real turkey as the main ingredient and doesn’t contain common allergens that might upset your cat’s stomach like chicken or grains. It is loaded with natural poultry flavor from turkey, turkey broth, and turkey liver, plus it contains dried egg white as a supplemental source of protein.
Can dogs eat bone broth?
You can kick up the power of your dog’s bone broth by adding some healthy extras to the recipe. Active/sporting dog: Add a scoop of Red Rover. This will help provide support for endurance, stamina, and recovery for your active dog. Old/sore dog: Add Green Eggs to help relieve his joint pain. It works as a natural anti-inflammatory for your dog.
What is a good bone broth recipe for dogs?
Turkey carcass is the perfect base for a great bone broth recipe for dogs. It’s packed full of minerals and nutrients that not only tastes great but also: Bone broth is also super-easy to make. It takes just a few simple ingredients thrown into a large pot or slow cooker … then just set it and forget it!