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Who's ready for Turkey Day? The correct answer is everyone, pets included! It's only natural that your pooch is excited for Thanksgiving—their favorite people are all in one place, there are belly rubs galore, dog toys and dog treats appear like magic, and in the feasting chaos, food scraps "accidentally" slip onto the floor.
If your pups are anything like Ree Drummond's, they'll be hovering around the dinner table to pick up these fallen treasures. The Drummond dogs probably like Thanksgiving even more because, according to Ree, "they really love gravy!" (She only uses it as a special treat and tries not to give them too much because of the fat 😂).
Still, it's important to consider pet health when it comes to feeding pups human food. Can dogs even eat turkey? Can dogs eat turkey bones? Here's what to know before you slip them leftover turkey or give them the role of the post-dinner vacuum cleaner.
Can dogs eat turkey?
In short, yes, but with a few caveats. Turkey isn't toxic for dogs and is actually present in many dog foods you buy at the store! The bird is a lean protein and is rich in potassium, selenium, and several B vitamins. "When prepared properly, turkey can be a healthy addition to any pup's diet, making it a great option to mix in with some kibble," says Dr. Katy Nelson, senior veterinarian at Chewy. "Plain is best when it comes to giving your pup turkey, that means no seasonings or fatty additives."
Alas, the best part of Thanksgiving turkey is that it's not plain. The ingredients that make holiday turkey so dang delicious—turkey brine, butter, oils, stuffing, garlic, onions—are what isn't healthy for dogs. Our recipe for Thanksgiving success is their recipe for disaster... or at least an upset stomach.
How can you feed your dog turkey safely?
Small amounts of food scraps can be a fine addition to your dog's diet, but you'll want to prepare it in a healthy way. Here are the steps to take before you slip your dog those leftovers:
- Ensure that you're only feeding them turkey meat and remove all the other ingredients. Garlic in large quantities and onions are toxic for dogs and will upset their stomachs.
- Remove the turkey skin. The skin is typically the least healthy part of the bird, even for humans, because it contains the highest fat content and is usually heavily seasoned.
- Make sure there are no bones attached to the meat.
- Only feed them small quantities of turkey.
Why can't dogs eat or chew turkey bones?
Your pup loves their store-bought bones, but poultry bones are another story. "Dogs should not eat turkey bones—cooked or raw," says Dr. Nelson. Poultry bones are brittle and can break into sharp, dangerous pieces. These bones can cause a host of health problems, from constipation to choking to internal bleeding.
Instead, opt for a hardy bone treat or bone chew! Chewing can be good for your dog's dental health, and many of these treats contain additional healthy ingredients.
Otherwise, a bag of flavored dog treats can be the tur-key to your pup's heart.
Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.
