Can dogs eat Turkey?

Overview

Can dogs eat turkey? Yes, turkey is healthy for dogs. Its leg meat contains one of the highest levels of taurine as compared with other meat proteins. Taurine is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in maintaining optimum cardiac and eye health in dogs.

Benefits

Turkey meat is a lean white meat that is beneficial to dogs, as it is packed with protein, phosphorus, and riboflavin.
Turkey meat is also rich in iron, niacin, potassium, selenium, and zinc.
Turkey leg meat contains one of the highest levels of taurine ( approx 86mg of Taurine per oz) as compared with other meat proteins which benefits both cardiac and eye health.
Turkey meat can be used as an alternative protein for dogs allergic to other protein sources like beef, chicken, and pork.

Risks

Dogs that eat raw turkey meat may be infected with salmonella and other harmful bacteria. Although dogs are mostly resistant to salmonella, dogs with a weak immune system or existing digestive issues could be more susceptible to the infection.
Cooked turkey bones can break and splinter easily; they are a big health hazard for dogs.

Servings

Source the turkey from a reliable supplier.
Give your dog free-range or organic turkey if possible.
If you are worried about salmonella infection, observe proper food safety practices when preparing poultry, including turkey. Make sure to cook it thoroughly without adding any seasoning.
Always remove the bones if the turkey has been cooked.