Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones?

No, dogs should not eat turkey bones. Cooked bones from any animal, especially turkey and chicken, are dangerous for dogs because they can splinter easily. These brittle bones can break into small, sharp pieces when chewed, which can cause choking, internal injuries, and blockages. While it might seem like a fun treat, giving your dog turkey bones can quickly become a medical emergency. Whether you’re enjoying a holiday feast or using turkey in your cooking, it’s important to keep these bones out of reach.

Table Of Contents

What happens when dogs eat turkey bones?
- Don't panic — most dogs will digest bones and pass them out
What to do if your dog eats turkey bones
Types of turkey bones and what to watch out
What does science say about turkey bones and dogs?
How can you safely give raw turkey bones to your dog?
FAQs

What happens when dogs eat turkey bones?

A few dangerous things can happen when a dog eats turkey bones. In our chicken feet article, we wrote about how bones are not a good option for your dog, even if you’re following a raw food diet. Turkey bones, especially cooked ones, are brittle and can break into very sharp pieces. When they splinter, those sharp pieces can stab your dog in the mouth, throat, stomach, or even intestines. This can cause severe pain and potentially an emergency if the intestines get damaged. If the bones make it all the way through, your dog may find it difficult to pass them out since sharp bone pieces can cause pain and bleeding. So, it’s best to avoid giving your dog turkey bones to keep them safe and healthy.

Don’t panic — most dogs will digest bones and pass them out

While giving your dog bones is always risky, please don’t panic, as most dogs successfully manage to pass them.

What to do if your dog eats turkey bones

If your dog eats turkey bones, here’s what you need to do:

Don’t panic — While there is a risk of problems, dogs have strong stomach acids that can digest the bones. Most dogs will pass them without requiring medical attention.

Do not induce vomiting — It is safer to allow the bones to pass naturally through your dog’s digestive system. If you induce vomiting, you risk choking or throat injuries.

Check for choking or throat problems — Pay close attention to your dog. If they’re breathing and acting normally, the bones probably made it to the stomach safely. However, if your dog shows symptoms such as choking, retching, drinking a lot of water, licking its lips, pacing anxiously, or having difficulty sitting or lying down, call your veterinarian immediately.

Feed your dog soft food — For the next few days, feed your dog soft foods such as chicken or cooked rice. These can help cushion the bones and make them pass through the digestive system more smoothly.

Stay close and don’t leave them alone — The bones typically take 72 hours to digest and pass. Keep an eye on your dog during this time and check their poop. If they did not fully digest, bone fragments may be visible in their stool. If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms, call your vet immediately: difficulty going potty (passing stool), blood in stools, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, anxiety, or abnormal behavior.

Keep your dog calm — Until the bones have passed, keep your dog calm and avoid running, chasing balls, playtime, and just keep them cozy and relaxed.

Types of turkey bones and what to watch out

When it comes to turkey bones, not all are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the different types and why they pose risks to your dog.

Turkey leg bones

Turkey leg bones are large and dense, making them especially dangerous. They tend to splinter, particularly when cooked. These splinters can cause internal injuries or blockages in your dog, causing severe pain and potentially requiring emergency treatment.

Turkey wing bones

Turkey wing bones are smaller but still dangerous. They also tend to splinter when cooked. Sharp pieces of these bones can puncture your dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines. Even raw wing bones, while slightly safer, can pose a risk if not handled correctly.

Turkey neck bones

Turkey neck bones are often considered the safest option among turkey bones, particularly when raw. They are softer and less prone to splintering than leg or wing bones. They can, however, cause choking or blockages if not properly chewed. Cooked neckbones, like all cooked bones, can splinter and should be avoided.

Raw vs. cooked bones

Raw bones are typically safer for dogs than cooked bones. Since raw bones are softer and more pliable, they are less likely to splinter. However, they still carry risks such as choking and bacterial contamination. Cooked bones, regardless of type, are extremely dangerous because they become brittle and easily fracture into sharp pieces.

Smoked bones

Although smoked bones appear to be a tasty treat, they are classified as cooked bones. Smoking can make bones brittle, increasing the risk of splintering. Furthermore, smoked bones frequently contain excess salt and other seasonings that are toxic to dogs.

While some turkey bones are slightly safer than others, the risks of feeding any turkey bone to your dog outweigh the possible benefits. Avoid giving them turkey bones entirely to keep your dog safe and healthy.

What does science say about turkey bones and dogs?

We couldn’t find an exact paper on turkey bones, but when we discussed whether or not dogs can eat chicken feet, we did talk about the risks of choking, foreign bodies, and endoscopic removals (as that really can happen!).

Since raw diets are so popular these days, some veterinarians advocate for feeding dogs raw meat diets (BARF) and home-prepared meals tailored to each pet’s specific health needs, focusing on safe food handling and preparation. Despite the lack of conclusive clinical trials, they believe these diets can help with chronic digestive, allergic, and metabolic problems.

We always say better safe than sorry and advise you to ask your vet for advice. If you decide to give your dog some turkey bones, we’ll offer some safety tips (we usually don’t give ours, as he’s not a chewer and loves to swallow huge chunks of food).

How can you safely give raw turkey bones to your dog?

Don’t give them anything until you talk to your vet. It doesn’t matter that it’s Thanksgiving, that they’re looking at you with those puppy eyes; don’t give them cooked turkey bones! When it comes to raw turkey bones, if you want to give them as a chewing treat, make sure you hold the other half of the bone tightly and stay with them while they munch on the bone.

While turkey bones might seem like a tempting treat for your dog, the risks far outweigh any potential benefits. Cooked bones can break, splinter, and cause serious injuries, while raw bones still pose risks of choking and blockages.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat smoked turkey leg bones?

No, smoked turkey leg bones can splinter easily and pose serious health risks to dogs, including choking and internal injuries.

Can dogs eat turkey leg bones?

Turkey leg bones are not safe for dogs. They are dense and can easily splinter, causing internal injuries or blockages.

Can dogs eat raw turkey neck bones?

While some dog owners give raw turkey neck bones, they still pose risks of choking and blockages. Always supervise your dog and consult your vet first.

Can dogs eat cooked turkey bones?

No, cooked turkey bones are not safe for dogs. Cooked bones can splinter into small pieces, and digesting them is the equivalent of digesting glass. You should never do that to your dog.

Can big dogs eat turkey bones?

No, regardless of size, all dogs are at risk of injury from eating turkey bones due to their tendency to splinter and cause blockages.

These are some of the most popular FAQs. If you have more questions, please leave a comment!