Deli turkey is a convenient and tasty sandwich filler enjoyed by many. But is it safe for our canine companions to savor? As a pet owner, you may wonder “can dogs have deli turkey?” The answer isn’t black and white. Let’s explore some key considerations around feeding deli meats to dogs.
The Potential Risks of Deli Turkey for Dogs
While the occasional slice of plain turkey from the deli counter likely won’t harm your dog, there are some potential risks to be aware of:
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High Sodium Content – Deli meats contain much more sodium than fresh meats. Excessive salt can cause increased thirst, elevated blood pressure, and even sodium ion poisoning in dogs.
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Preservatives – Deli turkey contains preservatives like nitrites and nitrates to maintain color and prolong shelf life These can be toxic to dogs if large amounts are ingested.
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Seasonings – Many seasoned deli turkey varieties are flavored with onion, garlic, or other aromatics. These seasonings can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
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Fat Content – Some deli turkey is high in fat. Too much can lead to pancreatitis or other issues in dogs. Leaner varieties are safer.
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Allergens – Deli meats may contain fillers or binders that can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs.
So while perfectly natural, unseasoned turkey is fine, processed deli meats introduce some risks. Talk to your vet about your dog’s unique tolerances.
Safer Ways to Feed Deli Turkey to Dogs
If you do choose to share deli turkey with your dog, there are some ways to reduce the risks:
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Select low-sodium turkey without preservatives or seasonings. Read labels closely.
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Feed only lean, low-fat varieties to avoid pancreatitis risks from too much fat.
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Cut off any visible fat or skin, which is high in calories.
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Serve small portions infrequently, like a teaspoon for small dogs or tablespoon for large dogs.
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Mix with their regular dog food instead of feeding turkey alone.
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Opt for fresh deli turkey you slice yourself rather than pre-packaged.
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Choose organic or natural brands with fewer synthetic additives.
Being selective about deli turkey quality and quantity can allow you to share this tasty meat safely.
Healthier Alternatives to Deli Turkey for Dogs
If you decide deli meats are not worth the risks for your dog, there are many other healthy treats and foods to offer instead:
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Lean cooked meats like chicken, fish, or plain hamburger
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Pitched eggs for added protein
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Pureed veggies like peas, carrots, or sweet potatoes
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Unsalted peanut butter or other nut butters
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Greek yogurt for probiotics
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Oatmeal for fiber
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Fresh fruits like blueberries, apples, or bananas
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Bones, bully sticks, or dental chews for chewing
With a little creativity, you can find alternatives your dog will love as much as deli turkey!
Signs of a Negative Reaction in Dogs
After feeding any new food, even in small amounts, watch for these signs of possible intolerance:
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Refusal to eat or loss of appetite
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Vomiting or diarrhea
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Excessive thirst or urination
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Allergic symptoms like itching, skin rashes, ear infections
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Tummy gurgling, gas, or abdominal pain
If you notice any of these symptoms after feeding deli turkey, discontinue serving and see your vet, especially if symptoms are severe.
Ask Your Vet About Feeding Deli Meats
Ultimately, check with your veterinarian about whether deli turkey and other processed meats are appropriate for your individual dog. Factors like breed, size, age and medical conditions impact a dog’s tolerance.
For example, small dog breeds may be more sensitive, while large dogs with robust constitutions can better handle occasional deli meat treats. Older dogs also tend to have more difficulty tolerating sodium and fat.
Every dog is unique, so your vet can tailor advice based on your pet’s needs and sensitivities. Their guidance is key for safely incorporating any human foods.
The Bottom Line
So can dogs have deli turkey? In very small amounts, infrequently, with vet approval, and only the highest quality, most natural deli turkey, this processed meat can be an acceptable occasional snack.
However, there are always risks with feeding human foods like deli meats that contain additives and preservatives. Veterinary experts recommend sticking to dog food and approved dog treats as much as possible for a balanced diet.
If you do choose to share deli turkey, select the healthiest options, serve miniature portions, and monitor your dog closely afterward for any adverse reactions. And when in doubt, check with your trusted veterinarian first to decide if deli turkey should be part of your dog’s diet.
Can Dogs Eat Lunch Meat?
I am often asked can dogs have lunch meat or can dogs eat salami, cold cuts, deli turkey, etc. If your dog is healthy, then in moderation as an occasional treat, yes. However, lunch meats shouldn’t be a staple and part of a dog’s daily diet. Lunch meats typically have lots of fat, spices and seasoning that are not healthy or useful for a dog’s digestion. However, not all lunch meats are the same. Some are more seasoned and processed than others.
If you want to feed your dog lunch meat, instead I would stick to healthier meats that are not processed such as boiled chicken and other more bland, non-processed, non-spiced meats.
Dangerous Foods for Dogs
(Updated 2022)
Check out our dog training boot camp in Los Angeles if your dog is in the Greater Los Angeles or Southern California area or our phone and video consultations to get pet nutrition advice from anywhere in the world!
Food is vital to living a long and healthy life but it is also essential when learning how to train a dog and puppy. Even many companies that sell food are confused about what and how to feed a dog and puppy.
For example, while out dog training in Los Angeles I came across a very nice couple starting out in the pet food business. They were very pleasant and eagerly passing out pamphlets of their new venture espousing the virtues of gourmet food for dogs. Their pamphlet looked professional, shiny, pretty, well put together, and had a few of their different prepared foods on the back with the ingredients listed. They were selling meals fit for humans made with premium ingredients, but they were preparing these meals to be consumed by dogs without preparing a balanced and complete nutritional profile for canines.
Healthy dog food should take into consideration a dog’s life stage, sex, breed, size, and essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for the unique dog. Dog food should not have spices and ingredients that are harmful or deadly for dogs. unfortunately, some dog food companies sell foods dogs can’t eat.
When I inquired whether their food was rated by The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) they weren’t familiar with AAFCO and were doubtful for a reason to be sanctioned by them or anyone. I thought that was rather odd being that their business was in selling dog food.
Nonetheless, I returned home where I had the chance to further examine some of their special gourmet prepared dog food. While these dishes all sounded very nice and tempting to eat for human consumption, I would not feed any of them to my dog! Some of the harmful ingredients I noticed were garlic and onions which are dangerous for dogs to eat. The meals were also heavily spiced which is also dangerous for dogs to eat.
These meals were made according to a human’s pallet and digestive system and not a dog’s. These harmful ingredients were in several of their gourmet dishes made for consumption by dogs. I was completely dismayed by the ignorance displayed and that these nice people didn’t do the most basic research into what is healthy and not healthy (and in some cases deadly) for dogs, before starting their dog food business.
I then wondered to myself whether or not other people were also confused or unclear about which foods are not good for dogs. By “not good” I am referring to varying degrees of health. From the benign and neutral end of the spectrum, foods that may have little to no nutritional value to the downright dangerous dog foods that may cause a dog to get sick, or even die.
To quell some of the proponents of ancestral, raw food diets and all of the other quirky diets that people think are good for their dogs here is some food for fodder (pun intended :)). Just because dogs are believed to be descendants of wolves tens of thousands of years ago, doesn’t mean that dogs are pack animals, or that dogs are carnivores. They’re neither one of those. A dog’s diet is not the same as a wolf nor can it nutritionally digest the same types of enzymes, organisms, and substances.
We share nearly identical DNA to Chimpanzees but do not share the same diet. Dogs are domesticated and although they love to scavenge and forage it doesn’t mean what they find to ingest will be healthy for them.
People also get very emotional about how they feed their dogs. Most of the time based solely on how the dog looks, or how much the dog likes the food. Not based on science and evidence of the health or dangers of eating certain dog foods.
Here are what the professionals and scientific evidence say about feeding your dog a raw food diet. While I am naturally extremely skeptical of organizations’ and for-profit corporations’ claims, I do not believe that science/evidence is a conspiracy. We can all agree that we want what’s healthiest for our dogs and for them to eat the healthiest diets. It is my job to provide you with the facts, to help you make informed and healthy decisions for your pets.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey? [ANSWERED]
FAQ
Can I give my dog a piece of deli turkey?
Skinless, unseasoned white turkey meat that’s been properly cooked is actually fine for dogs to consume in small amounts.
Can I feed my dog cold turkey?
Raw Turkey Can Have Dangerous Bacteria – Make sure any turkey you feed your dog is fully cooked.Sep 23, 2024
What three meats should dogs avoid?
- Processed Meats. Just as we prioritize whole, minimally processed foods for our own diets, the same principle applies to our canine companions. …
- By-Products and Rendered Meats. …
- Fatty Cuts and Excessive Gravies.
Is Applegate turkey healthy?
So Delicious and Healthy
I typically prefer to buy Applegate products since they’re lower in sodium than most cold cuts. They also don’t have artificial preservatives. The Naturals Herb Turkey breast was great for a sandwich or turkey roll ups. It is savory and delicious.
Can dogs eat deli turkey?
When feeding your dog deli turkey, there are a few things you should watch out for. First of all, make sure the meat is free from any seasoning or spices that could upset your dog’s stomach. Additionally, deli meats often contain high levels of sodium and preservatives which can cause dehydration and other health issues if consumed in excess.
Is deli meat safe for dogs?
However, there are numerous health risks associated with deli meat, and it’s important to take steps to ensure your pet’s safety. Low-sodium deli meat options and unprocessed meats like chicken or turkey are safer for dogs, and nitrate-free products are available in supermarkets.
Can dogs eat turkey?
Turkey itself is generally safe for dogs in small quantities, but they should not eat the bones due to the risk of choking or injury. The stuffing, particularly garlic, shallots, or scallions, is not suitable for dogs in large amounts.
What happens if a dog eats too much deli meat?
If your pup has had a few too many slices of deli, keep an eye on them and call the vet if they start exhibiting signs of distress. Deli meat can introduce possible dangers to pets, so it’s important to avoid high sodium content that can lead to serious bouts of sodium poisoning or nitrates risks like blood disorder.
Can dogs eat Unprocessed meat?
Cooked treats like unprocessed meats such as chicken or turkey can also be given in moderation, reducing fat intake, which can cause pancreatitis, and excessive salt levels that lead to sodium poisoning. Try opting for unprocessed meats like chicken or turkey when treating your pup.
Can dogs eat salami & pastrami?
In general, processed meats such as salami or pastrami are not suitable for canine diets due to their high sodium content, fat levels, and added nitrates – all of which could lead to serious health issues down the line.