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While many of us already know we’re going to overeat on Thanksgiving, we still need to apply some restraint when it comes to sharing Thanksgiving foods with our dogs.
It’s not just the obvious cautions—like splintering roasted turkey bones or toxic onion-filled stuffing—that are unsafe choices for your dogs. There are other known foods that are toxic to dogs and should be kept off their plates. That said, plenty of fall favorite foods can be tasty and safe options in small portions during holiday festivities.
Thanksgiving and turkey go hand-in-hand. As you prepare your holiday bird, your pup may look at you with begging eyes, hoping for a tasty bite. But is it safe for dogs to eat turkey on Thanksgiving?
I used to wonder the same thing. As a dog owner and lover of all things Thanksgiving, I wanted to find a way to safely include my furry friend in the holiday feast.
After consulting with my veterinarian, I learned that dogs can enjoy small amounts of plain turkey meat in moderation. However, we do need to take some precautions.
In this article, I’ll share tips on how to safely feed your dog turkey this Thanksgiving I’ll also include two recipes for dog-friendly turkey meals to celebrate the holiday with your pup!
Can Dogs Have Turkey Bones?
The short answer is no. Dogs should never eat cooked bones of any kind, including turkey.
Cooked bones, including turkey bones, can easily splinter and cause injuries or blockages if swallowed. Some potential risks include:
- Mouth/tongue lacerations
- Choking hazard
- Stomach or intestinal tearing
- Constipation/diarrhea
- Internal puncture wounds
- Emergency surgery to remove blockages
So while your dog would love to gnaw on the turkey carcass it’s best to avoid it. Stick to meat only when sharing turkey with your pup.
Plain Turkey Meat Only
Turkey meat without any seasoning is fine for dogs in small portions. It’s a lean protein source that is a common ingredient in commercial dog foods.
However, turkey cooked for human holidays often has lots of off-limit ingredients mixed in, like:
- Onions/garlic: Toxic to dogs
- Fat: Can trigger pancreatitis
- Seasonings: Upset stomach, intestinal issues
- Gravy: High fat content
So if sharing turkey with your dog, be sure to give them only plain meat with no added fat, oils, spices, gravy, onions, garlic or other flavorings.
Don’t Overdo the Turkey
While turkey can be a healthy treat for dogs, too much can cause gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or diarrhea. Stick to only a few small, bite-sized pieces of turkey meat.
High-fat meats like turkey skin can also lead to pancreatitis which requires emergency veterinary treatment. Avoid turkey skin and any fatty parts of the turkey when sharing with your dog.
Watch Out for Bones
Cooked turkey bones pose a major hazard for dogs since they easily splinter.
Make sure any turkey meat you feed your dog is boneless. Don’t allow them access to carcasses sitting out after your holiday meal.
Can Dogs Eat Stuffing?
No, do not feed your dog turkey stuffing or dressing. Most recipes contain onions, garlic, butter, cream, and an array of seasonings. Stick to turkey meat only without any added ingredients.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Gravy?
Avoid giving your dog turkey gravy. Turkey gravy is high in fat and salt content which can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis. The seasonings and onions used in gravy can also be toxic.
Can Dogs Eat Cranberry Sauce?
Cranberry sauce is generally too high in sugar to share with dogs. If you want to give a small amount of plain, low-sugar cranberry sauce, check with your vet first.
2 Easy Turkey Recipes for Dogs
If you want to make your pup a special turkey meal for Thanksgiving, here are a couple of simple dog-friendly recipes:
Plain Turkey and Veggie Dog Meal
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup chopped cooked turkey (no skin, bones, or fat)
- 1⁄2 cup cooked sweet potato cubes
- 2 tbsp canned puréed pumpkin
- 1 tbsp chopped carrots
- 1⁄4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and heat through until warmed. Let cool slightly before serving. Provides a delicious meal your dog will love without any seasoning!
Turkey and Rice Dog Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1⁄4 cup shredded carrot
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix all ingredients together until well combined. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of the mixture and place on prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned. Let cool before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
These are two easy ways to let your dog participate in Thanksgiving dinner! Just be sure to keep turkey portions small and avoid any fatty, seasoned or dangerous ingredients. Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving with your furry friends!
The Bottom Line on Turkey for Dogs
Plain, boneless, unseasoned turkey meat is generally safe for dogs to consume in small amounts as an occasional treat. However, dogs should never eat turkey bones, skin, fat, or stuffing since these ingredients can be hazardous.
Talk to your vet if you have any questions about sharing turkey with your dog. While dogs love holiday food scraps, be sure to only feed dog-safe ingredients to avoid gastrointestinal or pancreatic issues. Stick to your pup’s regular, balanced diet and use turkey as a minimal treat!
Turkey Meat (Without Bones or Skin)
If you’re wondering if dogs can eat turkey at Thanksgiving, the answer is yes, but with some caveats. Turkey meat is okay to offer up “as long as it has not been prepared with any seasoning,” says Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, a small animal and exotic veterinarian in Texas. That probably rules out your perfectly roasted holiday bird.
AKC Chief Veterinarian Dr. Klein advises owners to skip out on feeding turkey bones or turkey skin. Skin itself can be fatty, and the outer layer of the turkey’s skin was likely slathered in butter or oil before cooking, all of which can add up to triggering a bout of painful and dangerous pancreatitis or other digestive issues for your dog. If you’d like to share turkey with your dog without worrying about preparing a separate, dog-safe portion, you can look for Thanksgiving-themed canned dog food that did the work for you.
“With ample amounts of plant fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K, plain green beans are great for dogs,” says Dr. Richter. The key here is that the green beans should be prepared and served plain, without added ingredients like butter or salt. Set aside a special portion of plain green beans for your dog if you know they love these veggies.
Plain peas are a fine addition to a dog’s diet in moderation, but creamed peas are a no-go, just like creamy mashed potatoes. Any fatty food or casserole risks triggering pancreatitis or other digestive upsets.
“Pumpkin itself is a very healthy snack,” explains Dr. Richter. “Pumpkin helps with digestive health and it’s great for a dog’s skin and coat. Also, if feeding canned pumpkin, make sure it’s just pure pumpkin puree and not the pre-spiced or sugary pie mix.” And, same rule as above: keep the slab of pumpkin pie on your plate.
Safe Thanksgiving Foods to Feed Dogs
Every Thanksgiving Day table is a little bit different, but there are some foods that make an appearance on just about every table, and many of those tables might have a hopeful dog snoozing underneath, waiting for a stray bite of people food.
“Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta-carotene,” says Dr. Gary Richter, MS, DVM, author of “The Ultimate Pet Health Guide: Breakthrough Nutrition and Integrative Care for Dogs and Cats.” “Sweet potato treats can be as simple as a dehydrated sweet potato chew.” Plain mashed sweet potatoes are an option you might find at the table. Just remember not to give your pet sweet potatoes loaded up with added ingredients like brown sugar, marshmallows, or maple syrup.
You may already know your dog loves the occasional french fry. For the holiday meal, opt to share boiled or baked potatoes with your dog. Save the mashed potatoes whipped with butter and cream (and sometimes onions or garlic) for your own plate.
“Apples are full of vitamins A and C and contain lots of great fiber, making them a healthy Thanksgiving treat for your pet,” says Dr. Richter. “However, if you’re sharing an apple with your pooch, be sure to cut around the core, as large amounts of apple seeds can be toxic.” Sliced fresh apples are on your dog’s menu, or an apple-cinnamon dog cookie, but please keep the slab of apple pie on human plates only.
Can dogs eat Thanksgiving turkey?
FAQ
Can a dog eat turkey for Thanksgiving?
Turkey is a Thanksgiving staple, and it can be shared with your dog in small, boneless, well-cooked, and unseasoned portions.
Is cooked turkey ok for dogs?
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No bones or skin:Always remove bones and skin from the turkey before feeding it to your dog, as these can be choking hazards or cause digestive issues.
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Plain cooking:Do not add any seasonings, spices, or other ingredients to the turkey.
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Small portions:Turkey should be given as a treat in small amounts and not as a primary meal replacement.
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Consult your vet:If you have any concerns about feeding your dog turkey, always consult your veterinarian, especially if your dog has any pre-existing health conditions.
Can dogs have turkey and stuffing?
Do not give your dog the turkey skin, stuffing or gravy. “These foods often have additional spices, butter and other ingredients that are too rich for dogs and can cause pancreatitis or other digestive ailments,” the AKC says. “Onions and garlic, in particular, can be very toxic to dogs.”
What three meats should dogs avoid?
- Why avoid: Dogs can get harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli from raw meat, and they can choke on bones.
Can dogs eat leftover Turkey on Thanksgiving Day?
Feeding some leftover turkey to your dog may have become a special holiday tradition on Thanksgiving Day. After all, who can resist the sight of those hopeful eyes during holiday feasts? Sharing food is ultimately our way to share our love, and as pet parents, there’s just so much to be thankful for when it comes to our canine companions!
Is Thanksgiving turkey bad for dogs?
No, Thanksgiving turkey is not bad for dogs. In fact, it can be a healthy addition to their diet in moderation. Turkey provides essential proteins and amino acids that are beneficial for canine health. However, it should always be served plain without added seasonings or oils as these can cause digestive issues.
Can dogs eat Thanksgiving food?
If you’d like to share turkey with your dog without worrying about preparing a separate, dog-safe portion, you can look for Thanksgiving-themed canned dog food that did the work for you. “With ample amounts of plant fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K, plain green beans are great for dogs,” says Dr. Richter.
Can dogs eat turkey?
Not surprisingly, turkey is an ingredient that is commonly found in many commercial dog foods. It’s also a go-to protein in many home-prepared meals, especially those for dogs with specific health needs. “For example, plain and well-cooked turkey meat is the ideal choice for dogs suffering from chronic inflammation of the pancreas, “says Dr. Crnec.
Is turkey meat good for dogs?
But turkey meat isn’t only about proteins, it’s also a powerhouse of key vitamins like B2, B6, and B12, along with important minerals such as zinc, potassium, selenium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Not surprisingly, turkey is an ingredient that is commonly found in many commercial dog foods.
Can dogs eat turkey legs?
Take Out the Bones: Turkey bones can be dangerous for dogs. “Bones are associated with risks like choking, internal blockages, and even perforations, so I would strongly discourage bones of any kind,” she says—yes, even turkey legs are a bad idea!