{"id":17924,"date":"2026-10-07T12:38:15","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T19:38:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=17924"},"modified":"2026-10-07T12:38:18","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T19:38:18","slug":"can-dogs-eat-turkey-benefits-risks-and-safe-feeding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/can-dogs-eat-turkey-benefits-risks-and-safe-feeding","title":{"rendered":"Can Dogs Eat Turkey? Benefits, Risks and Safe Feeding"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"17924\" class=\"elementor elementor-17924\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9c01ef2 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9c01ef2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cdfbdee elementor-widget elementor-widget-jffd_callout\" data-id=\"cdfbdee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"jffd_callout.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"jffd-callout jffd-callout--quick\"><span class=\"jffd-callout__title\">The quick answer<\/span><div class=\"jffd-callout__content\"><ul dir=\"ltr\"><li><strong>Yes, healthy dogs can eat turkey<\/strong> when it's <strong>plain, fully cooked and boneless<\/strong>. It's a good source of lean protein, amino acids and B vitamins.<\/li><li><strong>Skip the bones, skin, seasonings, gravy and stuffing.<\/strong> Cooked bones can splinter, fatty skin can lead to issues in some pups, and garlic and onion are unsafe for dogs.<\/li><li><strong>Avoid raw turkey and deli meat.<\/strong> Raw poultry can carry <em>Salmonella<\/em>, and sliced turkey is often high in sodium and preservatives. Cook turkey to <strong>165 degrees Fahrenheit<\/strong>.<\/li><li><strong>Keep portions small.<\/strong> Turkey served as a treat or topper should be <strong>10 percent or less of daily calories<\/strong>. For regular feeding, use a complete and balanced diet.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"jffd-callout__note\"><strong>Safety note:<\/strong> If your dog eats turkey bones and develops vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or signs of stomach distress, call your vet.<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fac0700 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fac0700\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><i>This article was updated by <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/author\/jennifer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\">Jen Phillips April<\/a>.<\/i><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who hasn\u2019t slipped their pup a taste of turkey at Thanksgiving? And the dog likely gobbled it up and begged for more. There is good news if you\u2019re asking, can dogs eat turkey? Yes, most healthy dogs can as long as it\u2019s cooked properly and served as part of a balanced diet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plain, fully cooked turkey can provide dogs with protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. But (you know there\u2019s a but) not every part of the bird is safe for your dog. Bones, excess fat and seasonings can all make your pup sick.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s what pet parents need to know about the benefits of turkey for dogs, what to avoid, how to prepare it safely and how much turkey dogs can eat. You can find out more about which <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/what-human-foods-can-dogs-eat.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">human foods<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dogs can safely eat, including protein, vegetables and<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/what-fruits-can-dogs-eat.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fruits<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> safe for dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is turkey safe for dogs?<\/span><i>\u00a0<\/i><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8bd0b5b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"8bd0b5b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"365\" src=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/dog-stealing-thanksgiving-turkey-2026-09-24-00-22-54-utc.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-17932\" alt=\"Can dogs eat turkey?\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/dog-stealing-thanksgiving-turkey-2026-09-24-00-22-54-utc.jpg 800w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/dog-stealing-thanksgiving-turkey-2026-09-24-00-22-54-utc-300x137.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/dog-stealing-thanksgiving-turkey-2026-09-24-00-22-54-utc-768x350.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b013d0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4b013d0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, turkey is safe for most healthy dogs when it\u2019s cooked and plain. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/what-is-a-board-certified-veterinary-nutritionist.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Dr. Dan Su, MS, DVM, DACVIM-Nutrition, explained, \u201cTurkey is a good source of lean protein, amino acids, vitamins and other nutrients.\u201d<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ground turkey is one of the easiest ways to incorporate turkey into your dog\u2019s diet. White and dark meat, along with cooked turkey organs, can also add dietary value, although their nutritional profiles differ. The same principle applies to other proteins too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparation and portion size matter whether you\u2019re feeding your dog turkey, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/can-dogs-eat-fish.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fish<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/can-dogs-eat-dark-meat-chicken.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dark meat chicken<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparation is important for your dog\u2019s safety. Avoid turkey prepared with added seasonings, butter, oils, gravy, onion or garlic. Any turkey you give your dog should also be cooked completely through.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cPoultry is a breeding ground for bacteria like <i>Salmonella<\/i> and <i>listeria<\/i>, which can make a dog \u2014 or person \u2014 seriously ill,&#8221; said Su. &#8220;You have to make sure to cook any turkey you give your dog to a safe temperature.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a style=\"font-family: 'system-ui', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px; word-spacing: 0em; background-color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fsis.usda.gov\/food-safety\/safe-food-handling-and-preparation\/food-safety-basics\/safe-temperature-chart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\">According to<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0U.S. Department of Agriculture&#8217;s food safety standards,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Raw turkey is not recommended because it can carry harmful bacteria, such as <em>Salmonella<\/em>.<\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the benefits of feeding turkey to dogs?<\/span><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is turkey good for dogs? When properly prepared and incorporated into a nutritionally balanced diet, it can be for most healthy dogs.<\/span><\/p><p><a style=\"font-family: 'system-ui', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px; word-spacing: 0em; background-color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4462824\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\">Turkey provides several important nutrients<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including:<\/span><\/p><ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lean protein and amino acids:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Protein and amino acids help support healthy muscles and other essential functions throughout the body.<\/span><\/li><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Selenium:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This essential mineral supports several important body processes, including normal thyroid and immune function.<\/span><\/li><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Niacin and other B vitamins:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Turkey provides B vitamins that help the body convert food into energy and support normal cellular function.<\/span><\/li><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Iron: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Iron is necessary for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body.<\/span><\/li><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Zinc:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Zinc may help support healthy immune system function, skin health and other essential processes.<\/span><\/li><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Phosphorus and potassium: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These minerals support functions including healthy bones, muscles, nerves and cells.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Different parts and preparations of turkey have different nutritional profiles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cFor example, turkey skin is high in fat. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s OK in small portions. Too much could cause your dog to gain weight and may lead to health issues like pancreatitis,\u201d said Su. \u201cThen, there are the organs. For example, turkey liver is packed with nutrients, but if your dog is already eating a nutrient-rich diet, you risk the dog ingesting too much of a particular nutrient, and that can actually be harmful.\u201d<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s why adding turkey to a dog\u2019s diet involves more than simply mixing some meat into regular dog food. Once you start combining ingredients, it\u2019s easy to lose sight of the overall nutrient balance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to make turkey a regular part of a homemade diet, work with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist, and use a nutritionally complete <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/nutritionally-complete-homemade-dog-food-recipes.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homemade dog food recipe<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to ensure your dog gets a complete and balanced meal.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ground turkey can be particularly useful because it comes in different fat levels.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cGround turkey is very good for dogs,\u201d Su said. \u201cIt\u2019s a versatile meat that\u2019s readily available in different lean-to-fat ratios. You can go to the grocery store and buy ground turkey that\u2019s 99 percent lean, 93 percent lean or 85 percent lean. All have different nutritional properties and can achieve different health goals.\u201d<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cFor example,\u201d Su continued, \u201cif your dog is experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) upset, a veterinarian might recommend a homemade diet of boiled chicken and white rice. If you\u2019d like, use 99 percent lean ground turkey in place of the chicken.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7272daa elementor-widget elementor-widget-jffd_cta\" data-id=\"7272daa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"jffd_cta.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"jffd-cta\"><div class=\"jffd-cta__body\"><span class=\"jffd-cta__eyebrow\">Formulated by vets<\/span><div class=\"jffd-cta__headline\">Vet-Support Meals with balanced vitamin D<\/div><div class=\"jffd-cta__text\">Complete, human-grade recipes that meet AAFCO standards \u2014 no guesswork on nutrient levels.<\/div><a class=\"jffd-cta__btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/\">Shop Vet-Support Meals<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a2529f3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a2529f3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the risks of feeding turkey to dogs?<\/span><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is turkey bad for dogs? Not necessarily. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turkey meat isn\u2019t unsafe for most healthy dogs, but certain parts of the bird and preparation methods can create unnecessary risks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bones<\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never give your dog cooked turkey bones. Poultry bones can splinter or become lodged in the digestive tract, creating a choking hazard or intestinal obstruction.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWe all know how dogs eat,\u201d Su said. \u201cThey\u2019re not chewing carefully \u2014 they just sort of swallow.\u201d<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your dog eats turkey bones and develops digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset or other signs of GI distress, contact your vet.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turkey necks also contain bones that can be choking hazards.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin and excess fat<\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turkey skin can be fatty. Fatty foods such as turkey skin and drippings can cause digestive issues or even potentially\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18980495\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\">contribute to pancreatitis<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is especially important with holiday turkey, which may have been prepared with butter, oil, drippings or other high-fat ingredients.<\/span><\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tendons<\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turkey tendons can also present a choking risk.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI\u2019ve seen tendons made into chewing treats,\u201d Su said. \u201cBut if the pieces are too big, they can be difficult to eat and swallow. They can present the same choking concern as bones.\u201d<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re looking for a safer way to give your dog something special, choose appropriately sized <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/treats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog treats.<\/span><\/a><\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tails<\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turkey tails contain bones and are high in fat. They are not a good choice for your dog. Instead, stick with small portions of plain, cooked turkey meat as part of a complete and balanced diet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to safely feed turkey to your dog<\/span><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you want to make turkey a regular part of your dog\u2019s diet or you\u2019re preparing for Thanksgiving, these are some guidelines:\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Keep it plain and unseasoned.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Choose cooked turkey without added salt, spices, butter, oils or sauces.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Check for potentially harmful ingredients.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Turkey prepared for people may contain garlic and onion or other ingredients that aren\u2019t safe for dogs.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Remove the skin, excess fat and drippings.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These can significantly increase the fat content of an otherwise lean piece of turkey.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Remove every bone.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Carefully check the meat before serving it to your dog.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cut turkey into small pieces.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cut turkey into small portions your dog can easily bite and chew to reduce choking risk.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Keep extras small.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> When turkey is being offered as a treat rather than as part of a complete and balanced recipe, it should count toward your dog\u2019s daily treat allowance.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Talk to your veterinarian.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you want to incorporate turkey regularly into your dog\u2019s diet, particularly as part of homemade dog food, your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist can help you create an appropriate feeding plan.<\/span><\/li><\/ol><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ground turkey can be especially convenient because it has no bones to remove. Su advised cooking human-grade\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/ground-turkey-dog-food-recipe.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ground turkey meat<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> thoroughly on the stovetop, oven or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/crockpot-dog-food-recipes.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">slow cooker<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much turkey can you give your dog?<\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9f2eb60 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"9f2eb60\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/festive-thanksgiving-dinner-with-family-and-dog-2026-09-22-20-25-43-utc.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-17942\" alt=\"Dog looking at turkey\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/festive-thanksgiving-dinner-with-family-and-dog-2026-09-22-20-25-43-utc.jpg 800w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/festive-thanksgiving-dinner-with-family-and-dog-2026-09-22-20-25-43-utc-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/festive-thanksgiving-dinner-with-family-and-dog-2026-09-22-20-25-43-utc-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6314366 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6314366\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much turkey your dog can eat depends on how it fits into the overall diet.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re offering plain cooked turkey as an occasional snack or topper, treats and other foods outside your dog\u2019s complete and balanced diet should generally account for\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11945345\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\">no more than 10 percent<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0of its daily calories. That includes <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/low-calorie-dog-treats.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\">dog-friendly snacks<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/can-dogs-eat-bananas.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bananas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/can-dogs-eat-cucumbers.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cucumbers.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThere\u2019s a big difference between sneaking your dog a small quantity of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/dog-friendly-fall-activities.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thanksgiving<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> turkey and making turkey a balanced part of their diet,\u201d Su said. \u201cYou want the turkey to be a part of their daily calories, not a treat that you give them on top of their existing meals.\u201d<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want turkey to make up a larger portion of your dog\u2019s diet, work with your vet or a veterinary nutritionist rather than simply increasing the amount. They can help ensure the overall diet provides the right balance of calories and essential nutrients.<\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good nutrition Helps Maintain dog health inside and out<\/span><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plain, cooked turkey can be a nutritious addition to most healthy dogs&#8217; diets. The key is preparation and balance: Remove bones, skin, and excess fat; skip seasonings and potentially harmful ingredients; and keep portions appropriate.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And remember that no single ingredient provides everything your dog needs. A complete and balanced diet supplies protein, fats, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients in the appropriate amounts to support your dog\u2019s overall health.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you choose <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/daily-meals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fresh frozen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/shelf-stable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shelf-stable meals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, look for complete and balanced nutrition designed to meet your dog\u2019s nutritional needs.<\/span><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently asked questions<\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1320229 elementor-widget elementor-widget-jffd_faq\" data-id=\"1320229\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"jffd_faq.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"jffd-faq\"><details class=\"jffd-faq__item\"><summary>Can dogs eat turkey every day?<\/summary><div class=\"jffd-faq__answer\"><p>Yes. Most healthy dogs can eat turkey daily as part of their complete and balanced diets. If you offer your dog plain, cooked turkey separately as a treat or topper, keep it to 10 percent or less of your dog\u2019s daily calories.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"jffd-faq__item\"><summary>Can dogs eat turkey lunch meat or sliced turkey?<\/summary><div class=\"jffd-faq__answer\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Turkey lunch meat, deli meat and other processed sliced turkey aren\u2019t the best choices for dogs. Deli meat <a href=\"https:\/\/www.merckvetmanual.com\/toxicology\/salt-toxicosis\/salt-toxicosis-in-animals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">can contain<\/a> high levels of sodium as well as preservatives and seasonings.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A small piece may not cause problems for a healthy dog, but plain, freshly cooked turkey is a better option when you want to share turkey with your pet.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"jffd-faq__item\"><summary>How can pet parents work turkey into a balanced diet for their dogs?<\/summary><div class=\"jffd-faq__answer\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pet parents can choose a complete and balanced dog food recipe formulated with turkey as the primary protein source, such as<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/products\/turkey-whole-wheat-macaroni\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Turkey &amp; Whole Wheat Macaroni<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, available fresh and frozen or as a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/products\/pantry-fresh-turkey-whole-wheat-macaroni\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">shelf-stable<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">option.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you\u2019re preparing your dog\u2019s meals at home, you can use a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/products\/do-it-yourself-nutrient-blend-turkey\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">DIY option<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> or work with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the recipe provides all the nutrients your dog needs. For dogs with particular dietary needs, turkey-based options are available, such as<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/products\/dog-food-for-sensitive-stomachs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">dog food for sensitive stomachs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When you're considering other foods as occasional additions, it's worth checking them individually, too. For example,<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">some snacks can be appropriate for dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, while foods that seem innocuous may need limits or special preparation. That applies to foods such as<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">pasta and noodles<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> as well as fruits and vegetables.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"jffd-faq__item\"><summary>Can dogs eat turkey with gravy or stuffing?<\/summary><div class=\"jffd-faq__answer\"><p>No. Gravy and stuffing usually contain garlic and other seasonings that can be toxic to dogs. Be safe with your dog\u2019s health, and set aside a small amount of plain, cooked turkey without seasonings, gravy or stuffing.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"jffd-faq__item\"><summary>Can dogs eat turkey giblets or organ meat?<\/summary><div class=\"jffd-faq__answer\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cooked turkey giblets, including the liver, kidneys, gizzard and heart, can be safe for most healthy dogs and are nutrient-rich.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cOrgans are high in essential nutrients and vitamins,\u201d Su said. \u201cJust be sure that you\u2019re not overdoing it and giving your dog too much of any one nutrient. A balanced diet is key.\u201d<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Avoid simply adding large quantities of organ meat to an already complete diet. If you want giblets or other organ meats to be a regular part of your dog\u2019s meals, ask your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist about appropriate amounts.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"jffd-faq__item\"><summary>Is dark meat or white meat turkey better for dogs?<\/summary><div class=\"jffd-faq__answer\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Both white and dark turkey meat can be appropriate for most healthy dogs when they\u2019re plain, fully cooked and boneless.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">White meat, including turkey breast, is leaner and lower in fat, while dark meat contains more iron and B vitamins but is higher in fat and calories. The better choice depends on your dog\u2019s overall diet and nutritional needs.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"jffd-faq__item\"><summary>Can dogs eat raw turkey?<\/summary><div class=\"jffd-faq__answer\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dogs should not eat raw turkey. Raw poultry can carry harmful bacteria, such as <em>Salmonella<\/em> and <em>E. coli,<\/em> that can make pets and people sick.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cook turkey thoroughly before feeding it to your pet, and keep raw turkey and its juices away from other foods and surfaces to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/details><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can dogs eat turkey every day?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. Most healthy dogs can eat turkey daily as part of their complete and balanced diets. If you offer your dog plain, cooked turkey separately as a treat or topper, keep it to 10 percent or less of your dog\\u2019s daily calories.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can dogs eat turkey lunch meat or sliced turkey?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Turkey lunch meat, deli meat and other processed sliced turkey aren\\u2019t the best choices for dogs. Deli meat can contain high levels of sodium as well as preservatives and seasonings.A small piece may not cause problems for a healthy dog, but plain, freshly cooked turkey is a better option when you want to share turkey with your pet.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How can pet parents work turkey into a balanced diet for their dogs?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Pet parents can choose a complete and balanced dog food recipe formulated with turkey as the primary protein source, such as Turkey &amp; Whole Wheat Macaroni, available fresh and frozen or as a shelf-stable option.If you\\u2019re preparing your dog\\u2019s meals at home, you can use a DIY option or work with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the recipe provides all the nutrients your dog needs. For dogs with particular dietary needs, turkey-based options are available, such as dog food for sensitive stomachs.\\u00a0When you're considering other foods as occasional additions, it's worth checking them individually, too. For example, some snacks can be appropriate for dogs, while foods that seem innocuous may need limits or special preparation. That applies to foods such as pasta and noodles as well as fruits and vegetables.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can dogs eat turkey with gravy or stuffing?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. Gravy and stuffing usually contain garlic and other seasonings that can be toxic to dogs. Be safe with your dog\\u2019s health, and set aside a small amount of plain, cooked turkey without seasonings, gravy or stuffing.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can dogs eat turkey giblets or organ meat?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Cooked turkey giblets, including the liver, kidneys, gizzard and heart, can be safe for most healthy dogs and are nutrient-rich.\\u00a0\\u201cOrgans are high in essential nutrients and vitamins,\\u201d Su said. \\u201cJust be sure that you\\u2019re not overdoing it and giving your dog too much of any one nutrient. A balanced diet is key.\\u201dAvoid simply adding large quantities of organ meat to an already complete diet. If you want giblets or other organ meats to be a regular part of your dog\\u2019s meals, ask your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist about appropriate amounts.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is dark meat or white meat turkey better for dogs?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Both white and dark turkey meat can be appropriate for most healthy dogs when they\\u2019re plain, fully cooked and boneless.White meat, including turkey breast, is leaner and lower in fat, while dark meat contains more iron and B vitamins but is higher in fat and calories. The better choice depends on your dog\\u2019s overall diet and nutritional needs.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can dogs eat raw turkey?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Dogs should not eat raw turkey. Raw poultry can carry harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, that can make pets and people sick.Cook turkey thoroughly before feeding it to your pet, and keep raw turkey and its juices away from other foods and surfaces to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.\"}}]}<\/script>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d8bda9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-jffd_sources\" data-id=\"0d8bda9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"jffd_sources.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"jffd-sources\"><span class=\"jffd-sources__title\">Sources<\/span><ol><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fsis.usda.gov\/food-safety\/safe-food-handling-and-preparation\/food-safety-basics\/safe-temperature-chart\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service. (n.d.). Safe minimum internal temperature chart.<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4462824\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Marangoni F, Corsello G, Cricelli C, Ferrara N, Ghiselli A, Lucchin L, Poli A. Role of poultry meat in a balanced diet aimed at maintaining health and wellbeing: an Italian consensus document. Food Nutr Res. 2015 Jun 9;59:27606. doi: 10.3402\/fnr.v59.27606. PMID: 26065493; PMCID: PMC4462824.<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18980495\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Lem KY, Fosgate GT, Norby B, Steiner JM. Associations between dietary factors and pancreatitis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Nov 1;233(9):1425-31. doi: 10.2460\/javma.233.9.1425. PMID: 18980495.<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11945345\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Pr\u00edncipe LA, Marchi PH, Amaral AR, Pedrinelli V, Zafalon RVA, Romano FS, Balieiro JCC, Vendramini THA. Assessment of the Nutritional Impact of the 10% Snack Recommendation in Pet Diets. Vet Sci. 2025 Mar 18;12(3):282. doi: 10.3390\/vetsci12030282. PMID: 40266981; PMCID: PMC11945345.<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.merckvetmanual.com\/toxicology\/salt-toxicosis\/salt-toxicosis-in-animals\" rel=\"noopener\">Thompson, L. J. (2022, May). Salt toxicosis in animals. In Merck Veterinary Manual (Professional version). Merck &amp; Co., Inc.<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The quick answer Yes, healthy dogs can eat turkey when it&#8217;s plain, fully cooked and boneless. It&#8217;s a good source of lean protein, amino acids and B vitamins. Skip the bones, skin, seasonings, gravy and stuffing. Cooked bones can splinter, fatty skin can lead to issues in some pups, and garlic and onion are unsafe [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":17932,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_jffd_show_updated":"","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":"{\"authors\":[294,293],\"author_categories\":{\"293\":\"1\",\"294\":\"1\"},\"fallback_author_user\":\"14\",\"ppma_author_box_select\":\"\",\"selected_authors\":[{\"id\":294,\"display_name\":\"Dr. Oscar Chavez, MRCVS MBA\",\"is_guest\":0,\"category_id\":\"1\"},{\"id\":293,\"display_name\":\"Jen Phillips April\",\"is_guest\":0,\"category_id\":\"1\"}]}"},"categories":[70],"tags":[332,334,335,331,333],"ppma_author":[294,293],"class_list":["post-17924","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nutrition","tag-benefits-of-turkey-for-dogs","tag-can-dogs-eat-turkey","tag-is-turkey-bad-for-dogs","tag-is-turkey-good-for-dogs","tag-is-turkey-safe-for-dogs"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Can Dogs Eat Turkey? 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Dr. Chavez is a veterinarian and business executive with a progressive career founded upon a solid commitment to pet advocacy, integrity, education, and sound veterinary principles. Dr. Chavez graduated in 2006 from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, and started his career with Banfield, the world\u2019s largest veterinary practice, where he became Chief of Staff. In 2009, he joined the faculty of the Animal and Veterinary Science department at\u00a0California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. There, he was Director of the Animal Health Science veterinary technician program from 2010 \u2013 2013, and remains an adjunct faculty and researcher, and professor of veterinary clinical nutrition. Additionally, he served as a member of the Multidisciplinary Committee and the Registered Veterinary Technician Committee for the California State Veterinary Medical Board. In 2012, Dr. Chavez completed a Master\u2019s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of California at Irvine. As Director of Canine Clinical Nutrition, he brings not only a deep technical expertise in researching and working exclusively with freshly prepared whole food diets at Cal Poly Pomona, but a true love for dogs that all of us here share. His own Golden Retriever, Rey, was a successful case study for our food. Rey\u2019s kidney disease was successfully managed with our Renal Moderate Protein vet-directed diet, which made Dr. Chavez\u2019s involvement even that much more personal to him. A graduate of the Royal Veterinary College in London, UK, Dr. Chavez is a licensed practicing veterinarian who has focused on clinical nutrition since graduating vet school. Dr. Chavez notes, \u201cIt all starts with nutrition. You are what you eat, and practically any health issue can be addressed through a higher-quality diet. We are in a unique time for veterinary medicine where people are seeking whole food diets using real USDA ingredients over commercial kibble or cans that use feed grade ingredients. I\u2019m excited of the possibilities we have in further increasing the health of our dogs with this trend. Our goal is to raise awareness of these diets and help bring a simple, fast and affordable solution to as many pet parents and their dogs as possible.","user_url":"","linkedin":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dr-oscar-chavez-realtor","instagram":"","x":"","facebook":"","description":"Dr. Oscar Chavez, BVetMed MRCVS MBA, is a veterinarian and business executive who previously served as Chief Medical Officer at JustFoodForDogs, leading its Canine Nutrition Team. A graduate of the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London, he has focused on clinical nutrition since vet school \u2014 researching and working exclusively with freshly prepared whole-food diets during his years at Cal Poly Pomona. His commitment to nutrition is personal as well as professional: his own Golden Retriever, Rey, had kidney disease successfully managed on a vet-directed renal diet. Dr. Chavez's career is founded on a deep commitment to pet advocacy, integrity, education, and sound veterinary principles."},{"term_id":293,"user_id":35,"is_guest":0,"slug":"jennifer","display_name":"Jen Phillips April","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3157d385efe5c42a9f1736b3d398bd623070fadff88594e8299c1685bdaba5fd?s=96&d=mm&r=g","author_category":"1","first_name":"Jen","last_name":"Phillips April","job_title":"Pet Health Writer","edu_1":"B.A., Mass Communication \u2014 Winthrop University","edu_2":"M.A., History Museum Studies \u2014 SUNY Oneonta","education_3":"","exp_1":"10+ years writing on pet health, veterinary, and medical topics","exp_2":"1,000+ published articles on pet health, nutrition, and veterinary care","experience_3":"Bylines include Chewy, Great Pet Care, PetVet, Groomer to Groomer, and Daysmart Pet","author_bio":"","user_url":"","linkedin":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jenphillipsapril","instagram":"","x":"","facebook":"","description":"Jen Phillips April has spent more than a decade writing about pet health \u2014 for veterinary practices, pet health brands, and the owners who read them. She founded All-Natural-Dog-Treat.com, an educational site that grew to 87,000 monthly readers, and has published over 1,000 articles on pet health, nutrition, and veterinary care."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17924","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17924"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17924\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17951,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17924\/revisions\/17951"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17932"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17924"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17924"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17924"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=17924"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}