Meat & Fish
Can dogs and cats eat turkey?
Short answer on turkey: safe for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.
One food, two pets
What changes between dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats both have a safe verdict.
The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line, signs to watch, and serving guidance for your pet below.
- Bottom line differs
- Signs to watch differs
- Serving guidance differs
Turkey safety for dogs
Plain, cooked turkey with the skin, fat, and bones removed is a safe, protein-rich food for dogs.
Watch for
- Fatty skin and dark meat can trigger GI upset or pancreatitis in sensitive dogs
Safe serving: Plain white meat, no skin, no bones, no seasoning, fed in small amounts as a treat
Turkey safety for cats
Plain, fully cooked turkey breast or ground turkey without skin, bones, or seasoning is safe for cats.
Watch for
- Turkey skin's high fat content can cause an upset stomach
Safe serving: Plain cooked breast meat or a small amount of dark meat, no skin, no bones, no seasoning
Questions owners ask about turkey
Can dogs eat turkey?
Plain, cooked turkey with the skin, fat, and bones removed is a safe, protein-rich food for dogs.
How much turkey can I give my dog?
Plain white meat, no skin, no bones, no seasoning, fed in small amounts as a treat. Introduce any new food gradually and watch for stomach upset.
What symptoms should I watch for with turkey and dogs?
Fatty skin and dark meat can trigger GI upset or pancreatitis in sensitive dogs. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
Can cats eat turkey?
Plain, fully cooked turkey breast or ground turkey without skin, bones, or seasoning is safe for cats.
How much turkey can I give my cat?
Plain cooked breast meat or a small amount of dark meat, no skin, no bones, no seasoning. Introduce any new food gradually and watch for stomach upset.
What symptoms should I watch for with turkey and cats?
Turkey skin's high fat content can cause an upset stomach. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
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Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.