It’s Thanksgiving, which means it’s time to feast! For many people, that means turkey. If you’re a dog owner, you might be wondering whether or not your furry friend can eat turkey bones safely. Unfortunately for those who want to treat their dogs to a delicious bone on this special day, the answer is no: dogs should not consume any part of the turkey carcass.
Here is some information on other ways to celebrate a safe Thanksgiving with your furry family friend:
Can Dogs Eat Turkey?
Yes, dogs can eat turkey meat. Turkey is a good source of protein and contains many vitamins and minerals that are healthy for your dog. However, there are some things you should know about this food before giving it to your pup:
- Turkey cooked with onions should never be given to dogs because they’re toxic to canines.
- The fat content in turkey makes it high in cholesterol, so if your dog has heart problems or high blood pressure (hypertension), this isn’t the best choice for him or her.
- It’s also high in sodium–a potentially dangerous amount for older dogs who have kidney disease or diabetes mellitus because sodium can cause fluid retention which leads to headaches and other symptoms like weakness due to low blood pressure when standing up suddenly after lying down
Turkey Bones Are Not Safe For Dogs
Turkey bones, like those of other poultry, are not safe for dogs. They can be swallowed whole and cause choking. Turkey and chicken bones are also brittle and easily splinter, which can lead to perforation of the stomach or intestines if a dog chews on them.
If you’re planning on giving your dog turkey skin as a treat, avoid doing so because it could be irritating to his digestive system.
How To Safely Feed Turkey To Your Dog
The best way to feed your dog turkey is by giving them a small amount of turkey breast. All skin, fat, bones and other parts should be removed before feeding the meat to your dog. Turkey can be given to dogs that are healthy and at least 6 months old.
If your dog has allergies or is not used to eating poultry products then it’s best not give cooked turkey because some dogs may have an allergic reaction after consuming it.
How To Keep Bones And Leftovers Away From Your Dog
It’s important that during cooking and after eating Thanksgiving dinner that your food is stored safely away from your dog, to prevent any temptation or stealing. Leftovers should be kept out of reach and covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, as dogs are adept at finding a way to get what they want. Ensure that if food is sitting out, that it is placed out of reach of your dog.
Once your family is finished eating, be sure to put the rest of the food away to discourage temptation. If your dog continues to see and smell the food, they may attempt to make a grab for it! Be sure to take out the trash — this will prevent your dog from potentially digging into the leftovers and finding a harmful poultry bone
Have a Happy Thanksgiving with Your Dog
We hope this article has helped you understand the dangers of feeding your dog turkey bones. While dogs are omnivores and can eat most types of meat, it’s important to keep them away from poultry bones because they’re more likely than others to splinter and cause injury. If you’re still unsure whether or not your pet can safely eat turkey, talk with your veterinarian before giving him any type of meat-based treats!
