Yes, most healthy dogs can eat a small amount of plain, fully cooked, boneless, skinless turkey meat with nothing added. Turkey can be a safe occasional treat, but skin, bones, seasoning, stuffing and gravy can cause problems.
At Thanksgiving, there are plenty of opportunities for dogs to get into things they shouldn’t, from scraps under the table to the turkey carcass left on the counter. Guests may also offer food without realizing it’s unsafe for dogs.
If your dog has just eaten turkey bones or string: Call your veterinarian now, even if your dog seems fine. Do not make your dog vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to.
What Turkey Is Safe for Dogs?
Not every part of a turkey is suitable for dogs. The safest choice is a small amount of plain, fully cooked meat with the skin, bones, fat and seasoning removed.
| Part of the turkey | OK for dogs? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Plain cooked white meat | Yes, in small amounts | A simple source of protein when served without skin, bones or seasoning |
| Plain cooked dark meat | Yes, in small amounts | It can be fattier than white meat, so portions should be kept small |
| Turkey skin | No | High in fat and often covered in seasoning |
| Fat and drippings | No | Rich, fatty foods can cause digestive upset and are linked with pancreatitis |
| Cooked turkey bones | No | They can splinter and cause choking, injury or a blockage |
| Raw turkey or raw necks | Not recommended | Raw turkey can carry bacteria, while necks contain bones |
| Deli or processed turkey | Best avoided | It may be high in salt and contain seasonings such as onion or garlic powder |
| Seasoned, brined or buttered turkey | No | It may contain ingredients that aren’t suitable for dogs and can be much higher in fat or salt |
| Stuffing and gravy | No | They often contain seasoning, fat and ingredients that can be harmful to dogs |
If your dog has a history of pancreatitis, a sensitive stomach or food allergies, or is on a prescription diet, ask your veterinarian before offering turkey.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Skin?
No, it’s best not to give your dog turkey skin.
Turkey skin can be high in fat, particularly when the bird has been cooked with butter, oil or other rich ingredients. Rich, fatty food can cause vomiting and diarrhea and is linked with pancreatitis in dogs.
Some of the seasoning used on the skin may also contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
Signs that could indicate pancreatitis include vomiting, abdominal pain, a hunched posture, not eating and unusual tiredness. If you’re concerned about your dog’s symptoms, contact your veterinarian.
If you want to give your dog turkey, remove the skin and offer a small amount of plain meat instead. You can also read our guide to what to do if your dog has vomiting and diarrhea.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones?
No. Dogs should not be given turkey bones, whether cooked or raw.
Cooked turkey bones can become brittle and splinter. Pieces can injure the mouth or throat, cause choking or become stuck in the stomach or intestines. In rare cases, a sharp piece can tear the digestive tract.
Chicken bones can carry similar risks, so turkey and chicken bones should never be offered as treats.
Raw turkey bones and necks aren’t a safer alternative to cooked bones. Raw turkey can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, and turkey necks still contain bones. If you’re considering raw feeding, talk to your veterinarian first.
If your dog has eaten a turkey bone, don’t wait for symptoms before getting advice. The next steps matter.
My Dog Ate Turkey Bones. What Should I Do?
If your dog has eaten a turkey bone, stay calm and follow these steps:
- Move your dog away from the turkey and any remaining bones. This prevents them from eating more.
- Figure out what they ate. If you can, note what type of bone it was, roughly how much was eaten and when.
- Call your veterinarian right away. Your dog may seem completely normal, but that doesn’t mean a swallowed bone is harmless.
- Do not make your dog vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to. Bringing a sharp or splintered bone back up could cause further injury.
- Don’t give home remedies unless your veterinarian recommends them. Your veterinarian can advise you on what, if anything, your dog should eat or drink.
- Watch for changes in your dog’s health. Warning signs can include gagging, pawing at the mouth, drooling, vomiting or retching, refusing food, unusual tiredness, a painful or swollen belly, straining, constipation or blood in the stool.
Some problems may not be obvious right away, so don’t assume your dog is in the clear simply because they seem fine initially.
Hometown Veterinary Partners provides same-day and urgent care, not 24-hour emergency care. If your dog has eaten a bone outside your local hospital’s opening hours, or is showing signs of a serious problem, contact an emergency veterinary hospital.
What Might the Vet Do?
Your veterinarian will decide what your dog needs based on what they ate, their symptoms and their overall health. This may include an examination and, where appropriate, X-rays to help assess where the bone is and whether it is causing a problem.
Your veterinarian will advise you on the safest next step. In some cases, they may recommend monitoring, while other situations may require treatment or referral to an emergency veterinary hospital.
Seasoning, Stuffing and Gravy
The turkey itself isn’t always the biggest concern. The ingredients added during cooking can be.
Onions and garlic, including powdered forms, are toxic to dogs. They can be found in turkey seasoning, stuffing, gravy and other Thanksgiving side dishes.
Some stuffing recipes also contain raisins, which are another food dogs should not eat.
If your dog has eaten food containing onion or garlic, learn more about why onion and garlic are toxic to dogs. For concerns about raisins, see our guide to grapes and raisins.
Don’t try to figure out a safe dose yourself. If your dog has eaten a potentially toxic ingredient, contact your veterinarian or an appropriate pet poison control service for advice.
String, Bags and Foil: The Hazards That Aren’t Food
A Thanksgiving turkey can leave behind more than bones and scraps.
Trussing string, netting, pop-up timers, roasting bags, foil and the absorbent pad that comes underneath the turkey in its packaging can all smell like food to a dog. If swallowed, they can cause choking or a blockage.
String can be particularly dangerous because it may become caught inside the digestive tract.
If you see string hanging from your dog’s mouth or under their tail, do not pull it. Call your veterinarian for advice instead.
The easiest way to prevent problems is to deal with these items as soon as the turkey is unwrapped or removed from the oven. Bag up the packaging and scraps and put them straight into a secure, lidded trash can, ideally somewhere your dog cannot access.
How to Share Turkey With Your Dog Safely
If you want your dog to have a little turkey during the holidays, keep it simple:
- Choose plain, fully cooked meat.
- Remove the skin and all bones.
- Don’t add seasoning, butter, gravy or drippings.
- Cut the meat into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Offer a few small pieces as a treat rather than a plateful.
- Skip turkey if your dog has a sensitive stomach, food allergy, history of pancreatitis or a special diet unless your veterinarian says it’s appropriate.
White meat and dark meat can both be offered in small amounts when they’re plain and cooked, although dark meat is generally fattier.
Your dog’s regular, complete diet should remain the main source of their nutrition.
Thanksgiving Dinner Hazards for Dogs
Thanksgiving can be a fun day for the whole family, but a busy kitchen and a full table create plenty of opportunities for dogs to eat things they shouldn’t.
| Hazard | Why it’s a risk |
|---|---|
| Turkey bones and carcass | Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking, injury or a blockage |
| Skin, fat and drippings | Rich, fatty foods can cause digestive upset and are linked with pancreatitis |
| Onion and garlic | Toxic to dogs and often found in stuffing, gravy and side dishes |
| Grapes and raisins | Can be harmful to dogs and may be hidden in stuffing, salads and desserts |
| Chocolate desserts | Chocolate can be harmful to dogs and is often found in holiday desserts |
| Sugar-free baked goods | Some may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs |
| String, bags and foil | Swallowed packaging can cause choking or an intestinal blockage |
A few simple precautions can make a big difference:
- Keep the carcass and scraps out of reach. Once the turkey has been carved, put bones and unwanted food straight into a lidded trash can.
- Clear low surfaces. Don’t leave plates, serving dishes or scraps where your dog can reach them.
- Ask guests not to share food. Make sure everyone knows that treats should only be given with your permission.
- Give your dog somewhere calm to settle. A quiet room or crate can keep them away from the busiest parts of the meal.
- Put leftovers away promptly. Keep turkey and other foods sealed and refrigerated rather than leaving them on the table.
Other Times Turkey Is Around
The same precautions apply beyond Thanksgiving. Christmas and other holiday roasts can come with the same bones, skin, seasoning and packaging hazards. Turkey sandwiches and leftovers may also contain salt, seasonings or other ingredients that aren’t appropriate for dogs.
And remember that chicken bones carry many of the same risks as turkey bones, whether they’re left over from a holiday meal or found in the trash.
For more ways to prepare for holiday hazards, see our holiday safety tips for pets.
Get Help From Hometown Veterinary Partners
If your dog gets into the turkey or another holiday food, it can be difficult to know how serious the situation is.
Hometown Veterinary Partners offers same-day appointments for pets with illnesses and concerns that need prompt attention. If your dog has eaten a turkey bone, string or another potentially harmful item, call your veterinarian for advice.
Hometown Veterinary Partners is not a 24-hour emergency service and does not provide emergency care. If your dog has a life-threatening problem, seek care from an emergency veterinary hospital.
For non-life-threatening concerns, you can find your nearest Hometown Veterinary Partners hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat dark meat turkey?
Yes, dogs can usually eat a little plain, cooked, boneless dark meat turkey. Dark meat is fattier than white meat, so keep the portion small, particularly if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Remove the skin and avoid any meat that has been seasoned, buttered, brined or covered in gravy.
Can dogs eat deli turkey?
It’s best not to make deli turkey a regular treat. It can be high in salt and may contain seasonings such as onion or garlic powder. A small piece of plain, home-cooked turkey is a better option if your dog can have turkey. If your dog has a special diet, ask your veterinarian first.
Can dogs eat raw turkey or turkey necks?
We don’t recommend giving dogs raw turkey or turkey necks. Raw turkey can carry bacteria, while turkey necks contain bones that can cause choking, injury or a blockage. If you’re considering a raw diet for your dog, talk with your veterinarian first so you can discuss the potential risks and your dog’s nutritional needs.
My dog swallowed the string from the turkey. What should I do?
Call your veterinarian right away. Swallowed string can cause a serious blockage and may require prompt veterinary attention. If you can see string at your dog’s mouth or under their tail, don’t pull it. If it happens outside your veterinarian’s normal hours, seek care from an emergency veterinary hospital.
What Thanksgiving foods can I share with my dog?
A small amount of plain turkey meat may be suitable for many dogs. Plain, cooked vegetables such as green beans or carrots may also be appropriate when they contain no butter, salt or seasoning. Avoid stuffing, gravy, casseroles, desserts, bones and heavily seasoned foods. If you’re unsure whether a food is suitable, ask your veterinarian first.
