Can Your Dog Eat Turkey?
It’s almost Thanksgiving and the star of the show will be the turkey. But can you feed the turkey to your dog? Your Thanksgiving turkey probably isn't dog-safe. BUT turkey actually has a ton of benefits for dogs! Learn all about the benefits of turkey for dogs from the Spot & Tango team!
Can Dogs Eat Turkey?
The short answer is yes, dogs can benefit from the nutritious goodness of turkey. Turkey is packed with amino acids and omega 3's that help a dog's overall health. Complete & Balanced meals, like Spot & Tango’s Turkey UnKibble recipe, are a great option. Can a dog eat Turkey from the Thanksgiving table? Probably not (since it’s seasoned)!
Turkey (without oil, salt, or seasoning) is an excellent source of high-quality protein that's low in fat and easier to digest than red meat. Turkey can help maintain strong muscles and a healthy body. Turkey also provides essential vitamins and minerals. For example, turkey is rich in B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium, which are necessary for energy production, bone health, and a strong immune system.
Many human recipes with turkey contain flavors and ingredients like garlic and onions that are toxic to dogs. Additionally, to avoid digestive difficulties and potential injuries remove the fatty skin and bones. It's best to choose plain, boneless turkey for your dog.
5 Benefits of Turkey for Dogs
Turkey, a lean protein that's low in fat is an ideal choice for weight-conscious dogs. It's also hypoallergenic, so it is suitable for canines with food allergies. Packed with B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus, turkey supports a robust immune system and metabolism. Below are five key benefits of feeding turkey to dogs.
High-Quality Protein
One primary benefit of feeding your dog turkey is its high-quality protein content. Protein is the building block of cells, muscles, tissues, and organs, and it plays a crucial role in growth, development, and repair processes.
Turkey contains essential amino acids that dogs need. Lean turkey meat is a healthy alternative for maintaining muscle mass. Turkey meals offer essential protein without adding excessive fat.
Essential Nutrients for Overall Health
Turkey is not only a great source of protein but is also nutrient-rich. It contains several essential nutrients that contribute to their overall health and well-being. These include:
- Phosphorus: crucial for bone formation, tissue repair, and energy metabolism. It works in tandem with calcium to maintain strong bones and teeth.
- Zinc: helps maintain a dog's well-being, contributing to various aspects such as immune system function, skin and coat health, and digestion. When dogs experience a Zinc deficiency in their diet, it can lead to various problems, including skin infections, compromised coat conditions, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea.
- Vitamins B6 and B12: plays a role in red blood cell synthesis, brain function, and energy metabolism. Adequate B vitamins support a dog's immune system, promoting healthy nervous and cardiovascular systems.
- Niacin: commonly known as vitamin B3, maintains healthy skin, supports the neurological system, and helps with digestion. It is required for all metabolic processes and contributes to the transformation of food into energy.
- Selenium: A mineral antioxidant, selenium aids in preventing cell deterioration brought on by free radicals. In dogs, it promotes healthy thyroid and immunological systems.
- Magnesium: Magnesium, a crucial mineral for dogs, helps maintain a healthy heart, proper muscle function, and balanced blood sugar levels. Daily magnesium in a dog's diet is essential for their overall well-being.
Low-Fat Alternative for Sensitive Dogs
Turkey meat is typically low in fat, especially if the skin is removed and any extra fat is cut before serving. It is a good option for dogs needing a low-fat diet because of ailments like pancreatitis, digestive problems, or obesity. A low-fat diet can support healthy weight management and assist in managing several illnesses. Meals that meet AAFCO guidelines, like Spot & Tango's UnKibble, ensures that dogs get the required nutrients while lowering the possibility of digestive distress or weight gain.
Increased Digestibility
One benefit of turkey as a source of protein for dogs is the high level of digestibility. Most dogs can digest it without any problems. It may be very helpful for dogs with delicate stomachs, dietary sensitivities, or allergies.
Turkey can be a mild protein source that eases gastrointestinal discomfort in dogs with digestive problems or changing their diet. The high digestibility allows optimal nutrient absorption, ensuring dogs receive maximum meal benefits.
Improved Sleep Quality
Turkey can also help your pets fall asleep naturally. It has a significant amount of tryptophan, an amino acid known for its relaxing effects. Tryptophan is crucial in producing serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep.
By adding turkey to your dog's diet, you also add tryptophan. This can help them feel less stressed and more relaxed. It can also result in better sleep, so your dog may just drift into sweet dreams. You can try feeding Turkey as a treat or as a meal!
How to Feed Turkey to Your Dog?
Although turkey has many advantages, it's important to consider a few factors when incorporating it into your dog's diet. Here are some general rules to remember when introducing turkey or another new food to your pet:
- Avoid seasoning the turkey with poisonous substances to dogs, such as spices, onions, and garlic. These spices may hurt their stomach and make them sick. The best turkey for your pet is plain and unseasoned.
- Choose skinless, lean turkey slices. Remove any extra fat and bones to avoid choking hazards and digestion problems.
- Before giving the turkey to your dog, ensure it is properly cooked. Salmonella and other dangerous germs can be found in raw or undercooked meat, which is bad for their health.
- When choosing the portion size, consider your dog's size, age, and nutritional requirements. Too much turkey may lead to weight gain or an unbalanced diet.
- If your dog is eating turkey for the first time, introduce it gradually to see how they respond.
- Rather than cooking fresh turkey yourself, consider an AAFCO Turkey meal that is complete & balanced.
- After you start feeding turkey to your dog, keep a watchful eye. Watch out for symptoms of food allergies, such as itchiness, stomach distress, or skin irritations. If you experience any negative effects, stop feeding the turkey and speak with your veterinarian.
- Remember that your dog should eat fresh turkey as part of a balanced diet. It should supplement their regular meals, containing various protein sources, fruits, vegetables, and other crucial elements required for their general health and well-being.