Can Cats Eat Raw Turkey Giblets? A Complete Guide for Cat Owners

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We all deserve to indulge ourselves, and with so many food options available, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to do it. But Thanksgiving isn’t just about food­—it’s also about family and friends, which for many of us include our feline companions.

If you’re spending this Thanksgiving with cats, you may want to spoil them—but what Thanksgiving foods can cats eat?

Around the holidays, it’s common for pet owners to wonder if they can share leftovers like raw turkey giblets with their feline companions Turkey giblets, which include the heart, liver, and gizzard, provide many nutritional benefits for cats However, there are also some safety factors to consider before feeding raw giblets to your cat. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about feeding raw turkey giblets to cats.

An Overview of Turkey Giblets for Cats

Turkey giblets are the edible offal from inside the turkey cavity. A giblet package typically contains:

  • Turkey heart – An extremely lean, protein-rich muscle meat.

  • Turkey liver – A vitamin and mineral-dense organ.

  • Turkey gizzard – Mostly fat and connective tissue with some muscle.

Cats are obligate carnivores meaning they thrive on a meat-heavy diet. Turkey giblets provide tons of protein nutrients, and flavor cats naturally crave. Additionally, the textures appeal to a cat’s instinct to tear meat from bones.

However, giblets are perishable and require proper handling to avoid illness from spoilage or raw meat pathogens. There is also some risk of digestive upset or choking on bones. By taking the right precautions, though, most cats can enjoy giblets safely in moderation.

Benefits of Turkey Giblets for Cats

Here are some of the main benefits of feeding your cat raw turkey giblets:

  • Excellent source of high-quality, animal-based protein

  • Rich in essential vitamins like Vitamin A, B vitamins, folate, niacin

  • Provides vital minerals like iron, zinc, selenium, phosphorus

  • Contains omega fatty acids for skin and coat health

  • Moisture-rich for good hydration

  • Appeals to natural feline instinct to chew meat from bone

  • Provides mental enrichment through smell, texture, and challenge of chewing

  • Can promote dental health through chewing action

Safety Precautions for Raw Turkey Giblets

While giblets can make a great supplemental treat, there are some precautions to follow:

  • Thoroughly wash hands, utensils, and surfaces

  • Rinse giblets and remove excess fat or membranes

  • Refrigerate promptly and use within 1-2 days

  • Discard quickly at any sign of spoilage

  • Cut into pieces to reduce choking risk

  • Introduce slowly to avoid GI upset

  • Supervise to monitor chewing and prevent rapid consumption

  • Avoid giving raw bones to kittens or cats with dental issues

With proper handling and an understanding of your cat’s health, small amounts of fresh giblets are usually fine as an occasional snack. But check with your vet if you have any concerns.

When introducing any new food, especially raw items, it’s best to transition slowly over several weeks. Here are some tips for getting your cat used to giblets:

  • Start with just a bite or two in their regular meals

  • Gradually increase portion sizes over a period of weeks

  • Mix together old and new foods at first to ease the transition

  • If any GI upset occurs, stop and try again more slowly later

Taking it slow gives your cat’s digestive system time to adjust to the new proteins, fats, and textures. Rushing the process risks tummy troubles.

Individual Factors and Preference

As with any food, cats have individualized tastes and tolerances. Points to consider include:

  • Current diet – Cats used to dry food may need a very gradual transition

  • Age – Kittens under 12 months likely do better with ground meats

  • Health issues – Cats with kidney disease or pancreatitis may not tolerate rich giblets

  • Temperament – Shy or stressed cats are more prone to digestive upset

  • Personal preference – Some cats relish giblets while others snub them entirely!

Get to know your cat’s unique needs and quirks to find the best diet solutions. Trial and observation help determine if giblets will be a beloved treat or no-go for your feline.

Alternatives to Raw Giblets for Cats

If raw giblets don’t align with your cat’s preferences or health needs, some alternatives to consider include:

  • Cooked fresh giblets – Some cats do better with gently cooked organ meats

  • Canned cat foods with turkey, chicken or beef organ meats

  • Freeze-dried raw turkey treats with organs included

  • Meat-flavored broths or pet milk to entice picky eaters

  • Meat baby food (check for onion/garlic)

  • Dried meat treats like turkey or chicken jerky

  • Boneless cooked turkey breast meat

Finding a compromise using different textures and flavors may interest your cat in turkey’s great taste and nutrition if giblets don’t work out.

Overall, raw turkey giblets represent a healthy supplemental snack for most cats. Their rich protein and nutrition mirror felines’ natural diets. Keep giblets fresh, introduce gradually, and accommodate individual factors for the best experience. Done right alongside a balanced diet, turkey giblets can be a delicious and beneficial treat for your cat to look forward to each holiday season.

can cats eat raw turkey giblets

What To Do if Your Cat Eats Toxic Foods

If your cat eats just a small amount of a food that is not considered toxic, you probably don’t have much to worry about. Simply keep an eye on them and call your veterinarian if you notice any symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, or loss of energy.

On the other hand, even small amounts of toxic foods can cause big problems for cats.

Immediately call one of the following if your cat displays signs of toxicity, especially if they have eaten anything containing garlic, onion, chives, leeks, chocolate, or alcohol:

It’s also wise to get advice from a veterinarian if your cat has eaten a lot of any new or unusual food.

What To Give Cats This Thanksgiving Instead

Feeding cats “people food” is always a little risky, so why not just give them something made specifically for them?

Thanksgiving would be the perfect time to splurge on some high-end, specialty cat treats, like Purina® DentaLife®.

These tasty cat teeth-cleaning treats are crunchy and have natural ingredients, plus added vitamins and minerals with no artificial colors or flavors.

For a delicious, lickable treat, your cat may also like Inaba® Churu® treats.

Available in a variety of savory flavors, these cat treats not only boast high moisture content and low-calorie count, but they’re also free from preservatives and artificial colors.

Or how about serving a Thanksgiving dinner for cats? Tiny Tiger™ Turkey and Giblets Recipe is available as a four-pack—but frankly, your cat won’t really care if their special meal contains traditional Thanksgiving ingredients. Splurge on a can or two of anything extra yummy, and they’ll be thrilled.

For cats with a sensitive tummy, add just a few teaspoons of the new food to their regular diet, like a topper.

Food isn’t the only (or even necessarily the best) way to show our cats that we love them. A new toy is a great way to celebrate, especially if your cat is on a special diet and can’t eat new treats or foods.

Stick with the Thanksgiving theme with a toy like the Fetch for Pets® Turkey Kicker Plush Cat Toy with Catnip.

Is Raw Cat Food Safe For Cats? (A Vet’s Perspective)

FAQ

Can I feed my cat raw turkey giblets?

Yes! I give even my cats turkey necks and giblets on Thanksgiving (when we used to celebrate it) and on Christmas as their own special dinner. Remember not to give too much liver though, save some for later use.

How to prepare turkey giblets for cats?

For cats and smaller dogs, chop them into small pieces. Place the giblets in a small pot and cover with water. Bring the pot to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cook for 5 to 10 minutes.

Are giblets good for cats?

Yes, you can feed offal, (that is, beef liver, chicken liver, pork liver, hearts, giblets, etc.) and other internal organs to your cat. In the correct amounts they are a very desirable food. However, you should be feeding them the amount they would get from their prey; in short, not very much and not very often.

Can I feed my cat raw ground turkey?

While you can give raw turkey to your pets, you increase their risk of bacterial contamination, like contracting salmonella.

Is it safe for cats to eat turkey giblets?

Turkey giblets are an excellent choice for your cat’s diet and can be safely fed to them. These nutrient-rich organs will be appreciated by your cat at dinner time. However, it’s important to note that choosing a raw diet for your cat is not for everyone. For those willing to take the dive, these raw cat food recipes will not disappoint.

Can one have turkey and carrots?

Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.

Can dogs eat turkey giblets raw?

Dogs can eat turkey giblets raw. In fact, combining the heart, liver, and gizzard can make up a perfect meal for your furry friend and provide him/her with plenty of essential nutrients. What Parts Of A Turkey Can I Give My Dog? Your dog can eat all parts of a turkey, as long as you serve them raw.

Can cats eat giblets?

Feeding giblets should be relatively straightforward. Some cats will turn their noses up at giblets, but you shouldn’t force your cat to eat anything that doesn’t smell or taste good to them. The easiest option is to decide whether or not you want to cook the giblets and then serve them in your cat’s regular food bowl.

Can cats eat raw turkey?

Raw turkey can make both you and your cat sick, because it can carry bacteria like listeria and salmonella. Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, is a serious illness in both cats and people. Symptoms of salmonellosis in cats include fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. A cat with salmonellosis needs to see a vet right away.

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