Meat & fish
Can dogs eat turkey?
Plain, cooked, boneless turkey breast is a lean protein treat for dogs. Skin, fatty trimmings, stuffing, gravy and cooked bones are not safe.
By Maya HartHow much, how often
A few small pieces of breast meat.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- White meat, skin off, no bones
- No stuffing, gravy or seasoning
- Put the carcass in a closed bin
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs Safe
Yes. Plain, cooked, boneless turkey breast is a lean protein treat for dogs. Skin, fatty trimmings, stuffing, gravy and cooked bones are not safe.
How much: A few small pieces of breast meat.
Cats Safe
Yes. Plain cooked turkey is an excellent treat for cats.
How much: A few small pieces.
Can cats eat turkey?The details
Vets see a rise in pancreatitis and swallowed bones after Thanksgiving and Christmas. The safest way to include your pet is to set aside a few plain pieces of breast meat before anything else goes on the plate.
Questions owners ask
Can dogs eat turkey?
Yes. Plain, cooked, boneless turkey breast is a lean protein treat for dogs. Skin, fatty trimmings, stuffing, gravy and cooked bones are not safe.
How much turkey can a dog have?
A few small pieces of breast meat.
What should I do if my dog ate turkey?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell. Call your vet if bones were swallowed or if vomiting is repeated after a fatty meal.
Is turkey safe for cats too?
Yes. Plain cooked turkey is an excellent treat for cats.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
