Thanksgiving comes with lots of delicacies, with turkey topping the list. A robust immune system, a better metabolism, and a healthy weight are key benefits of turkey. These benefits also come in handy when it comes to our Frenchies. But can Frenchies eat turkey? Read on for more information.
Can Frenchie Eat Turkey?
Yes. Frenchies can eat well-cooked and served turkey. French Bulldogs can consume turkey free of preservatives, seasonings, and other unhealthy additives. A plain turkey with no bones or skin is the best.
Benefits of Turkey for Frenchies
Consuming turkey has lots of benefits for Frenchie’s health. Ensure it is well cooked and free from unhealthy additives, skin, and bones. Here are excellent nutrients in turkey:
- Vitamins B6 and B12.
- Zinc.
- Selenium.
- Sodium.
- Phosphorus.
- Choline.
- Magnesium.
- Protein.
- Niacin.
- Omega fatty acids.
These nutrients promote your Frenchie’s immune, muscle, bone, metabolism, eye, cognitive, and overall wellness.
Risks of Feeding Turkey to French Bulldogs
Plain and skinless turkey may be safe for your dog. However, the American Kennel Club
cautions against these risks that come with giving a turkey to your French Bulldog:
Fatty skin
Turkey’s skin has lots of fat, and consuming it exposes your Frenchie to pancreatitis, a life-threatening health condition. Pancreatitis is extremely painful, and it may cause other health complications.
Harmful seasonings
Seasonings in cooked turkey can aggravate your Frenchie’s bowels and result in digestive problems like diarrhea and vomiting. Both harmful to dogs, onions and garlic are frequently used to season the turkey.
Choking
Turkey’s bones can cause choking. They can cause blockages, which can be fatal. Cooked bones are worse since they can easily split, thus hurting your Frenchie. Watch out for symptoms like drooling, lethargy, vomiting, abdominal pain, and difficulty passing stool.
Salt and preservatives
Deli meat, turkey hot dogs, and other processed turkey meat products have high salt and preservative content that may damage your French Bulldog’s health and cause stomach discomfort. Give your Frenchie processed meat very infrequently and in small amounts.
Dark Meat and White Meat
White meat and dark meat are nutritionally different from one another. The dark flesh of turkey thighs and legs has much more calories and fat. Turkey breast’s white meat has a slightly higher protein content. Any piece of turkey with skin is significantly less healthy because it is high in calories and fat.
Which Turkey Recipes and Parts Can Be Eaten Safely by Frenchies?
Turkey Bones
Cooked turkey bones are brittle and hence can easily splinter. This may cause:
- Blockages.
- Choking.
- Mouth and tongue injuries.
- Constipation.
- Piercing the intestinal lining or stomach.
- Rectal bleeding.
So, can Frenchies eat turkey bones safely? No. Turkey’s bones come with lots of risks. The problems above can be life-threatening. It is, therefore, best to avoid feeding turkey bones to French Bulldogs.
Turkey Bacon
This is light and dark meat seasoned and pressed like bacon. It has lots of sodium and saturated fat. Consuming it exposes dogs and people to heart issues and obesity.
So can Frenchies eat Turkey Bacon? No, dogs shouldn’t consume turkey sausage or bacon. They frequently have high sodium content, preservatives, and other additives that might harm your dog. Dogs cannot consume additional seasonings like onion and garlic in turkey bacon.
Turkey Meat
It has proteins, vitamins, and minerals that promote general wellness. Cooked turkey meat supports all dog breeds’ joint, brain, and muscle functions.
But can French Bulldogs eat turkey meat? Yes. Well-prepared turkey meat is safe for dogs. It should, however, be free from seasonings like onions and garlic. Moreover, the meat should be boneless and skinless.
Turkey Necks
They are crunchy for dental wellness. Consuming them lowers the risk of plaque and tartar buildup. Turkey necks come in handy as training treats for your dog.
But can Frenchies eat Turkey necks? Yes. Turkey necks have a great crunch and are a favorite raw, meaty bone. However, due to their size, we do not advise feeding Frenchies whole, raw turkey necks. Frenchies can consume them after being ground or split into smaller pieces. Alternatively, you can hold one side of the neck while your French Bulldog chews on the other.
Ground Turkey
Well-prepared ground turkey is an excellent source of healthy nutrients like proteins, riboflavin, and phosphorus. These nutrients promote muscle and bone wellness while ensuring proper blood circulation.
So, can Frenchies eat ground turkey? Yes, ground turkey is safe for your dog. It is healthy and nutritious.
Raw Turkey
Uncooked turkey has parasites and bacteria that expose dogs to many health problems. Cooking harmful pathogens
So, Can Frenchies eat turkey? No. French Bulldogs cannot eat turkey, as it negatively affects their health. Additionally, ground turkey is highly digestible and the best alternative for Frenchies allergic to other protein sources.
Turkey Breast
The breast has loads of nutrients, including proteins, for healthy muscles. A muscular Frenchie is a sight to behold. Lean proteins ensure thick muscles without negatively affecting your dog’s cardiac wellness.
So, can Frenchies eat turkey breast? Yes. Frenchies can consume turkey breast. However, it must be well prepared without the use of seasonings or oils. When consumed in moderation, Turkey breast is a high-quality protein that may give your French Bulldog’s diet vital minerals.
It’s crucial to remember that giving your Frenchie lots of turkey breast can cause an upset stomach, so only give it small amounts at once. Additionally, ensure you remove the meat’s bones before feeding since bones could result in choking or an intestinal blockage.
Turkey Sausage
Like turkey bacon, turkey sausage has harmful seasonings and spices, including garlic and onions. These are harmful to all dog breeds.
So, can Frenchies eat turkey sausage? No. Turkey sausage is unhealthy for dogs. Its seasonings and spices make it unfit for French Bulldogs. However, if you must serve it to your Frenchie, ensure you prepare it at home and avoid unhealthy ingredients and additives.
Turkey Legs
They are delicious, and humans love them. Most pet parents would want to entice their picky eaters with turkey legs.
But can French Bulldogs eat turkey legs? French Bulldogs can eat turkey legs without problems, but there are a few things to remember. First, turkey legs should only be consumed as a treat and in moderation because they are packed with fat and calories.
Second, before giving your dog a turkey leg, make sure that you remove all the bones and skin because they may result in choking or other digestive issues. Ensuring the legs are plain and free from seasonings like onions and garlic is also important.
Cooked Turkey
Cooking kills any bacteria or parasites. Cooking also makes the meat tender, so your dog can easily chew and digest it. Cooked turkey is rich in proteins and can be an excellent selection for senior Frenchies since it is soft.
So, can Frenchies eat cooked turkey? Yes. Cooking makes turkey meat safe, healthy, and nutritious for your French Bulldog. Ensure the meat has no bones, as cooked bones are a choking risk.
Smoked Turkey
Smoking improves your turkey’s flavor. Smoked turkey contains a B vitamin compound responsible for enzyme production. Enzymes regulate major body activities, including breathing and digestion, in all dog breeds.
So, can Frenchies eat smoked turkey? Yes, a little won’t hurt your Frenchie. Be careful to omit the skin from the smoked turkey you serve. Most ingredients and spices required to cook the meat are found in the skin. Remove any bones as well to avoid injuries and intestinal blockages.
As long as they consume it in moderation, dogs can safely consume smoked turkey. However, the best action is to completely refrain from giving them smoked turkey meat. Smoked turkey may include lots of salt and other ingredients that can eventually hurt your French Bulldog.
Turkey Ham
This lean meat contains vitamins, proteins, and minerals that support muscle, bone, and overall wellness. Dog breeds prone to obesity may not be the right candidates for turkey ham, as it has lots of fat and calories.
So, can Frenchies eat turkey ham? Yes, as long as they are not overweight, Frenchies can eat turkey and ham in moderation. High-quality protein and important vitamins in turkey ham help build bones and muscles.
Additionally, turkey ham has iron, which promotes the development and growth of your French Bulldog. However, because there may be risks involved with consuming too much salt, you should monitor the sodium levels in turkey ham.
Turkey Liver
This part of the turkey has 10-100 times more nutrients than muscle meat. This makes it a powerhouse of nutrients for humans and dogs. Consuming it boosts joint wellness, making it an excellent protein source for large-breed dogs prone to arthritis.
So, can French Bulldogs eat turkey liver? Yes. Frenchies are susceptible to patellar luxation, and consuming turkey liver promotes joint health. You should, however, serve it in moderation.
Turkey Skin
As mentioned, turkey skin has lots of fat. Consuming a fatty diet exposes dogs to obesity. Obesity is associated with other health issues like pancreatitis and joint issues. This is because unhealthy weight gain puts pressure on your dog’s joints.
So, can Frenchies eat turkey skin? No. Turkey’s skin exposes your dog to many health problems due to its high-fat content. Additionally, the skin is the first part of coming into contact with any seasonings or additives, so it absorbs lots of these unhealthy ingredients.
Turkey Giblets
The heart, kidneys, liver, and gizzard are among the organs that make up turkey giblets. Despite not being an organ, the neck is occasionally categorized under this heading. When you buy a whole turkey, they’re frequently included in the cavity; however, some butchers may offer them separately. Turkey giblets are rich in protein, minerals, vitamins, and fat for strong muscles and energy supply.
So, can French Bulldogs eat turkey giblets? Yes. The nutrients in turkey giblets are healthy for your French Bulldog. However, turkey giblets should not be a frequent meal. Serve it as a treat. Consuming too much increases the chances of gastrointestinal problems and obesity.
Turkey Gizzards
They are part of the turkey giblets. Turkey Gizzards, liver, and heart are excellent treats for your French Bulldog. Turkey gizzards are low in fat and rich in nutrients, including vitamin B12 and riboflavin. These nutrients aid in absorbing phosphorus and calcium, promoting bone and muscle health.
So, can Frenchies eat turkey gizzards? Yes. Turkey gizzards are nutritious and healthy for your French Bulldog. Never give your dog raw gizzards, as it exposes them to health issues, including gastrointestinal problems.
Best Ways To Prepare Turkey For Your Frenchie
Preparing turkey at home is an excellent way to avoid unhealthy seasonings and additives. This is because you control the ingredients you include. Here are two easy recipes to try at home:
Turkey meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound of skinless and boneless leftover turkey
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 2 eggs.
- 2 tablespoons of plain low-fat yogurt
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley
Procedure
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Pulse the leftover turkey in a food processor until tender
- Add the oats and pulse until well mixed
- Add the eggs and yogurt and pulse until the mixture is well combined
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
- Add the veggies and parsley and mix with your hands until well combined.
- Roll them into 1-inch balls and put them on the cookie sheet
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown at the edges.
Turkey bone broth
Ingredients
- 3 turkey necks (optional)
- 1 turkey.
- 4 celery stalks
- 1 cup baby carrots or 2 carrots
- 1 cup of fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons of dried sage
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Water
Procedure
- Roast the turkey necks.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
- Grease the roasting pan with olive oil and add turkey necks and veggies.
- Bake for 40-60 minutes or until you achieve the desired color
- Place the bones and meat in an instant pot and layer the herbs and veggies.
- Add vinegar and fill the pot to the maximum.
- Set the instant pot for 4 hours and wait for a natural release.
- Using tongs, remove all solids from the pot.
- Pour the broth into a bowl and serve.
Which Dog Food Brands Use Turkey in Their Foods?
High-quality brands include turkey in their recipes. Below are some of the brands featuring turkey in their ingredient lists:
- Purina One: One of their recipes, Purina One True Instinct Natural Turkey and Venison Dry Food. Features turkey as the top ingredient, contributing to a 30% protein and 17% fat content.
- Merrick: Its recipe, Merrick Turkey and Brown Rice Limited Ingredient Wet Food. Starts with turkey and turkey broth for healthy muscles and proper hydration. Turkey’s liver is the third ingredient, making this meal a high-protein formula (8%). Turkey is the only protein source, making this the best for Frenchies with allergies.
How much turkey can I give my Frenchie?
Turkey should not be a daily meal for your Frenchie. Serve it as a treat. Here’s a guide on the amount of turkey to serve your dog. The reference is a 1-inch cube of turkey meat:
| Weight in pounds | Number of turkey pieces |
| 2-20 | ½ |
| 21-30 | 1-2 |
| 31-50 | 3-4 |
| 51-90 | 5-6 |
| 91 and above | A handful of turkey pieces. |
Is turkey better than chicken for dogs?
Both chicken and turkey are the best protein sources for your dog. Turkey, however, has higher levels of potassium, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins. In addition, turkey has a lower risk of allergic reactions.
Why can’t dogs eat turkey meat?
Dogs cannot eat turkey that has bones and skin. This is because turkey skin is fatty and thus exposes your dog to pancreatitis. Turkey’s bones are a choking problem and can easily cause blockages.
Can turkey affect my dog’s mood?
Yes. Turkey is tryptophan-rich meat, which has calming effects on your dog. Its sleep-inducing amino acids make turkey an excellent selection for hyperactive and anxious dogs.
Can dogs eat sliced turkey?
Yes. Dogs can eat sliced turkey. However, sliced deli turkey has salt, and consuming it in large amounts may lead to dehydration. Sliced turkey deli may also include sodium or nitrates, which are harmful.
Can I feed my dog cooked turkey?
Yes. Cooked turkey is safe for dogs. Cooking destroys harmful pathogens that cause diseases. Cooked turkey is rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins for muscle and overall wellness.
What are the side effects of eating turkey?
A well-prepared turkey is safe for dogs. However, raw turkey causes salmonella poisoning. Moreover, turkey bones are a choking hazard and can cause blockages. Consuming turkey skin also exposes your dog to other health issues, like pancreatitis.
Are dogs sensitive to turkey?
No. Dogs are rarely sensitive to turkeys. However, consuming it for longer may cause sensitivities. Watch for symptoms like itching, vomiting, paw biting, and skin rashes.
Does turkey give dogs diarrhea?
Yes. Consuming turkey skin or raw turkey exposes your dog to many health issues, including gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea.
Does turkey make dogs sleepy?
Consuming small amounts of turkey cannot make your dog sleepy. However, turkey has tryptophan, which may induce sleep in dogs. But a large consumption is needed.
Is turkey good for dogs with allergies?
Yes. Turkey is good for dogs with allergies. It is an alternative protein source for French Bulldogs who cannot tolerate chicken. Consuming it over a long period may, however, lead to allergies.
Final Thoughts:
So can French Bulldogs safely eat turkey, then? Yes, white turkey flesh is perfectly safe for dogs to eat and is quite nourishing. However, Frenchies should only consume white turkey flesh that is plain and fully cooked. Removing turkey skin and bones lowers the chances of pancreatitis, choking, and blockages.
