Dogs can eat turkey, but only if it is plain, fully cooked, boneless, and given in small amounts as a treat rather than a main meal.
Safe turkey for dogs
Plain, cooked white or dark turkey meat with no skin, bones, seasoning, butter, onions, or garlic is generally safe for most dogs. It should be offered in small pieces and kept to about 10% or less of your dog’s daily calories to avoid weight gain and stomach upset.
Turkey to avoid
Never give turkey bones, because they can splinter and cause choking, blockages, or internal injury. Avoid processed turkey like deli meat, turkey bacon, hot dogs, and heavily seasoned or salty turkey, as these often contain excess fat, salt, and ingredients (like onion/garlic) that can harm dogs.
How to feed it
- Remove all skin, fat, and bones, then cut the meat into small bite‑size pieces.
- Make sure the turkey is thoroughly cooked and unseasoned; do not share raw or undercooked turkey due to bacteria risk.
- Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after a new food and contact a vet if you notice problems, especially if your dog has health issues like pancreatitis or food allergies.
