Can Dogs Eat Turkey? Holiday Meat Safety

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Turkey is a staple of holiday tables, and an irresistible sight for dogs. The meat itself is fine in small portions, but the rest of the meal is where problems start, and veterinary clinics know the post-holiday rush well.

Nutrition

Turkey meat is high in protein and relatively low in fat, especially breast meat. It provides B vitamins, selenium and phosphorus. Many dog foods use turkey as a protein source. See how much protein dogs need.

Safe preparation

1. Use plain, cooked, boneless, skinless meat.
2. Avoid butter, oil, salt and seasonings.
3. Cut into small pieces.
4. Serve in small amounts, as part of the treat allowance.
5. Refrigerate leftovers promptly, and use within a day or two.

Skin and drippings

Turkey skin, fat and gravy are very high in fat. Rich, fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially serious condition. See table scraps and fatty foods and pancreatitis in dogs. Do not feed skin or drippings.

Bones

Cooked turkey bones, like other cooked bones, can splinter and cause injury. See why cooked bones are dangerous. Dispose of the carcass in a secure bin that dogs cannot reach.

Seasonings and stuffing

Stuffing often contains onion, garlic, sage and other herbs, plus butter and salt. Onion and garlic are toxic. See onions and garlic. Salty foods can also cause problems. See salt poisoning. Do not share stuffing, gravy or heavily seasoned meat.

Deli and processed turkey

Deli turkey is usually high in sodium, with preservatives and sometimes garlic or onion powder. A tiny piece occasionally is unlikely to harm, but it is not a good regular treat.

Raw turkey

Raw turkey can carry Salmonella and Campylobacter. Cook it thoroughly. See our raw feeding guide.

Holiday danger zone

Veterinarians report increased emergencies around holidays due to:

• Pancreatitis from fatty leftovers
• Bone obstruction or perforation
• Toxic foods such as onions, grapes, raisins, chocolate and xylitol
• Raw dough
• Alcohol

Keep trash secured, tell guests not to feed the dog and keep your dog's regular routine. Give your dog its own safe treat, such as a bit of plain turkey, so it feels included.

How much?

A few small pieces of plain turkey suit a small dog, and a handful a large dog. Treats should be no more than about ten percent of daily calories.

Turkey allergy

Turkey is a less common allergen than chicken, but possible. Watch for itching and digestive upset.

Turkey in dog foods and toppers

Turkey is a common ingredient in commercial dog foods, especially for dogs with sensitivities to chicken or beef, because it is less commonly used. If your dog is on a limited ingredient trial, do not add turkey scraps without your vet's agreement, since stray proteins can spoil the test. See limited ingredient diets.

Leftover safety

Cooked turkey should be refrigerated within two hours and eaten within a couple of days. Do not give dogs meat that has been sitting out, since bacteria multiply quickly in warm kitchens. If your dog raids the carcass or trash, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain or lethargy over the next several days, and call your vet if any of these appear.

The takeaway

Plain turkey meat is a good treat. Keep skin, bones, stuffing and gravy away from your dog, and enjoy a safe holiday. See also chicken for dogs.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.