Can Dogs Eat Turkey Breast?

Yes! Dogs can eat turkey breast, and it’s a great treat for them. Just make sure it’s plain and cooked, without any skin. Turkey breast is a healthy option as it’s lean protein, which makes it a tasty occasional treat. If you’re sharing your food with your dog, keep it simple—no spices or stuffing. This way, they can enjoy a bit of turkey without any issues.

dog looking at sliced roasted turkey breast on a wooden board

Honey smoked or oven-roasted turkey for dogs? Probably not a good idea!

It’s super hard to resist giving your dog table scraps and sharing roasted turkey. However, you can only share plain, cooked turkey breast with them. Don’t give them turkey if it’s marinated, even with honey, or if it has garlic and onion. When we analyzed whether dogs can eat goldfish crackers, we wrote about garlic and onion before and debunked the myth that a piece of garlic will instantly harm your dog, but still, the compound effect is there, and it can irritate their stomach. The spices that seem mild to us can be too intense for dogs and cause digestive issues.

Plus, if you share your food too often, they will stop loving their dog food, kibbles, and everything else, so you’ll be in trouble. Dogs need seven different food groups, and while protein is essential, they also need whole grains, vitamins, and minerals. So your food, no matter how tasty, is too hard on their stomach and can cause digestive upset. But plain, cooked turkey breast is absolutely fine, and we’re gonna show you all the benefits!

Healthy nutritional benefits of plain turkey breast for dogs

Plain turkey breast can be a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet as it’s low in fat and high in protein. You can read more about protein requirements for dogs here, and in the meantime, here are some benefits:

High in protein: Turkey breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Dogs need about 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight each day, and their diet should consist of at least 18% protein.
Low in fat: Compared to other meats, plain turkey breast is low in fat, making it a healthier option for dogs, especially those prone to weight gain.
Rich in vitamins and minerals: Turkey breast contains important nutrients like B vitamins, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus, which support overall health and well-being.
Easily digestible: Plain, cooked turkey breast is easy on your dog’s stomach and can be a good option for dogs with sensitive digestive systems.

While turkey breast is an excellent source of protein, it’s important to remember that dogs don’t need too much meat. Their diet should be balanced and include whole grains, vegetables, some fat, and essential vitamins and minerals to meet their nutritional needs.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat honey-smoked turkey breast?

No, dogs should not eat honey-smoked turkey breast. The added sugars, spices, and preservatives can upset their stomachs and potentially be harmful, especially if they contain nitrates, which we tend to avoid in all foods, or the flavor of artificial smoke. Yikes!

Can dogs eat roasted turkey breast?

Yes, dogs can eat roasted turkey breast, but it must be plain and cooked without any seasonings, skin, or stuffing. Plain, cooked turkey breast can be a healthy treat for your dog in moderation.

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