Can Dogs Eat Turkey?

Yes, dogs can eat turkey meat when it is cooked and plain. Turkey is a normal ingredient in dog food. The problems come from what is added or left on it. Skin, bones, seasoning, butter, stuffing, and gravy can all make your dog sick.

Why is plain turkey okay for dogs?

The AKC says plain, cooked turkey is a safe treat for dogs. It has protein, riboflavin (a B vitamin), and phosphorus (a mineral). That is why you see turkey in many store-bought dog foods.

“Plain” means nothing added. No salt, pepper, herbs, spices, butter, or oil. The AKC says to keep the portion small, more like a treat than a meal. Ask your vet first if your dog has health problems.

How do I serve turkey to my dog?

• Cook the meat all the way through.
• Take off all the skin.
• Pull out every bone, even tiny ones.
• Cut it into small bites.
• Serve it with no seasoning, sauce, or gravy.

Is turkey skin bad for dogs?

Yes, it is best to skip it. Turkey skin is fatty, and it is often covered in butter or oil before cooking. The AKC says this fat can cause pancreatitis. Pet Poison Helpline says fatty table food can cause anything from mild vomiting and diarrhea to a severe, even deadly, case of pancreatitis.

Pet Poison Helpline also lists meat drippings and grease as fatty foods to avoid. So don’t pour pan juices on your dog’s food.

Can dogs eat turkey bones?

No. The AKC says cooked poultry bones are brittle and break into sharp pieces. They can cause choking, mouth injuries, constipation, and rectal bleeding. They can also block the gut, and that may need surgery. The ASPCA agrees that bones can hurt or block a dog’s gut and may need surgery.

Put the carcass in a trash can your dog can’t open or tip over.

Other kinds of turkey

Seasoned holiday turkey

Skip it. The AKC says salt, pepper, herbs, and spices can upset your dog’s stomach or lead to pancreatitis. If you want to share, set aside a piece of turkey before you season it.

Stuffing and gravy

No. The AKC says to avoid both. Stuffing often has onions, which are toxic to dogs. The ASPCA says onions and garlic can irritate the gut and damage red blood cells, which can lead to anemia (too few healthy red blood cells). Gravy is usually fatty and seasoned.

Raw turkey and raw turkey necks

Raw turkey has a risk of germs. The AKC says raw meaty turkey necks are sometimes fed with a vet’s guidance, but they can carry bacteria like salmonella. The ASPCA also warns about bacteria in raw or undercooked meat. If you want to feed raw, talk to your vet first. Plain cooked turkey is the simpler choice.

What if my dog gets an upset stomach?

The AKC says to call your vet if your dog has an upset stomach after eating turkey. Also call your vet if you think your dog swallowed a bone, or ate skin, stuffing, or gravy.

Other treats to try

Plain apple slices, with no core or seeds, are another simple treat. See our guide to apples for dogs. Treats of any kind should stay under about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For more on what to keep away from your dog, see our list of foods that are toxic to dogs.