Turkey Recipes That You Can Share With Your Dog

If you’re trying to introduce more natural foods to your dog’s diet, there’s a high chance you’ve heard of feeding your dog turkey. While chicken is the go-to canine meat, many dog owners are switching to turkey as an affordable and healthy alternative.

But for many people, buying turkey-infused commercial dog food isn’t enough. They must buy turkey meat and create meals tailored to their dog’s needs.

With that said, how are you supposed to cook turkey for your dog? Are there any human recipes for turkey that apply to dogs as well?

No. The turkey dishes we eat regularly are not fit for dogs. So, just because you’re cooking a bunch of turkeys doesn’t mean you can give some to your dog, and they will be fine.

Our pantries have tons of toxic ingredients that could be toxic for dogs. And if you don’t want to accidentally harm your dog by cooking them a meal, it’s best to keep the human and dog food separate, even when using similar ingredients.

So in this article, we’ll be looking we’re going to look at how you should cook turkey for your dog, why you can’t give them human leftovers, and ideal serving sizes for dogs.

Can I Give My Dog Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey?

If you have leftover turkey from any meal, you shouldn’t give it to your dog. According to Spot and Tango, if you plan to feed turkey to your dog, you can’t serve it in the same way you do for humans. Most human recipes contain harmful and toxic dog ingredients, so you’re better off making them a separate dish.

For example, turkey dishes have a fair amount of salt. And while humans can handle that amount of salt, dogs can’t. Feeding them over-salted dishes could cause them many problems that can lessen their quality of life.

Another example is garlic and onions. These two ingredients are mainstays in most turkey recipes because they are tasty and affordable. However, they aren’t healthy for dogs. In fact, allium family members, including garlic and onions, are very toxic for dogs and should be kept away from them at all costs.

What’s the Best Way to Serve Turkey to Dogs?

So, since you can’t serve your dog the same turkey dish you eat, you may wonder how to cook it. Well, there are tons of dog-safe turkey recipes on the internet. So, you can try out different options until you find one your dog likes and one you can cook easily.

But in this section, we’re only going to focus on two methods of serving turkey to dogs that have been proven to be safe and effective for dogs.

Raw

The first way you can give turkey to dogs is raw. Simply buy a turkey from a trusted and reputable butcher and serve it to your dog. Dogs are natural carnivores, so their stomachs are designed to eat raw meat much better than humans.

So, as long as you can trust the source of the meat, there’s nothing wrong with feeding your dog raw turkey. However, you may want to ensure the turkey is as fresh as possible, as feeding them rotting meat can lead to many problems.

With that said, some dogs are picky eaters. So, if your dog isn’t keen on eating raw turkey meat, you might have to cook it. But don’t worry; we’ll give you a quick and easy recipe in the next section.

Cooked with Vegetables

You want to remember when cooking a turkey for dogs that the simpler it is, the better. Since raw turkey is the best way to serve the meat to dogs, you don’t want to add any flavouring or seasoning to the cooked turkey, so it stays as natural as possible.

We recommend boiling the turkey with dog-safe vegetables until everything is cooked. You can even use ground turkey for this dish, which will cook much faster and easier. You can choose whatever vegetables to add, such as sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, and fruits!

All you have to do is boil the ingredients until they are cooked, wait for them to cool down, and then serve it to your dog!

Simple Turkey and Rice Bowl

Let’s start with a basic recipe that’s perfect for dogs and can be easily adapted for human tastes. This simple turkey and rice bowl is nutritious, easy to digest, and a comforting meal for dogs who may be feeling under the weather.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked, lean ground turkey (no seasoning)
• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
• 1/2 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
• 1/4 cup cooked, finely chopped green beans

Preparation:

1. Cook the ground turkey in a pan over medium heat until fully cooked. Do not add any oils, seasonings, or spices.
2. In a separate pot, cook the rice according to package instructions.
3. Steam or boil the sweet potato until soft, then mash it.
4. Steam or boil the green beans until tender, then chop finely.
5. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.

For your dog’s portion, simply serve a small amount appropriate for their size and dietary needs. For your serving, you can add some salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs to taste. Consider topping with a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of Greek yoghurt for extra flavour.

This simple bowl is tasty and provides a balanced meal with protein from the turkey, carbohydrates from the rice and sweet potato, and fibre from the vegetables. The sweet potato also adds some beneficial vitamins and minerals to the mix.

Turkey and Vegetable Stew

Try this turkey and vegetable stew for a heartier option that’s perfect for cooler days. This recipe creates a flavorful, nutritious meal you and your dog can enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, diced turkey (no seasoning)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup peas
• 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Preparation:

1. In a large pot, melt the coconut oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced carrots and sweet potatoes to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the cooked, diced turkey and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
4. Add the peas and spinach. Cook for another 5 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.
5. Allow the stew to cool before serving to your dog.

For your portion, you can add salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavour. A splash of white wine (for the human portion only!) can also add depth to the stew.

This stew is packed with nutrients from a variety of vegetables. The carrots provide beta-carotene, the sweet potatoes offer fibre and vitamins, and the spinach adds iron and other minerals. The coconut oil not only adds flavour but can also contribute to a healthy coat for your dog.

Turkey and Pumpkin Bites

These turkey and pumpkin bites make for a great treat or meal topper for your dog, and with a few adjustments, they can be a tasty appetizer for humans, too.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ground turkey
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, for dog treats or larger if made for human consumption.
4. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the bites are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
6. Allow to cool completely before serving to your dog.

Add some minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs to the mixture for a human-friendly version before baking. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

These bites are not only delicious but also nutritious. The pumpkin adds fibre and can benefit your dog’s digestive health. The flaxseed provides omega-3 fatty acids, which can contribute to a healthy coat and skin.

Turkey and Apple Meatballs

These turkey and apple meatballs offer a perfect blend of lean protein and fruit, creating a flavorful treat you and your dog can enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 apple, grated
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup oatmeal
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs. Make them smaller (about 1 inch in diameter) for dog treats or larger for human servings.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked.
6. Allow to cool before serving to your dog.

You can add salt, pepper, and herbs like sage or thyme to enhance the flavour of the human version. These meatballs can be served independently, with a side of vegetables, or in a sandwich.

The addition of apples to these meatballs adds not only natural sweetness but also provides additional fibre and vitamins. The oatmeal acts as a binder and adds some beneficial carbohydrates, while the parsley freshens breath (beneficial for both humans and dogs!).

Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

This comforting casserole is perfect for cooler months and can be easily adapted to suit both canine and human palates.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded turkey
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (for a human portion only)

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Steam or boil the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them.
3. Mix the shredded turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, and green beans in a large bowl.
4. Add the chicken broth and coconut oil, mixing well to combine.
5. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
6. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through and lightly browned on top.

For the dog-friendly portion, serve as is once cooled. For the human portion, sprinkle some dried rosemary before baking for added flavour. When serving, you can also add a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of Greek yoghurt.

This casserole offers a balanced meal with lean protein from the turkey, complex carbohydrates from the sweet potatoes, and additional nutrients from the green beans. The coconut oil adds healthy fats that benefit your dog and your dog.

Turkey Bone Broth

While not a complete meal, this turkey bone broth can nourish your dog’s diet and serve as a base for human soups and stews.

Ingredients:

• Turkey bones (from a cooked turkey, make sure to remove all meat)
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Water

Preparation:

1. Place the turkey bones in a large pot or slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped carrots and celery.
3. Fill the pot with water until the bones are covered.
4. Add the apple cider vinegar (this helps extract nutrients from the bones).
5. If using a pot on the stove, boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 24-48 hours. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 24-48 hours.
6. Once done, strain the broth and let it cool.
7. Skim off any fat that rises to the top.

You can serve a small amount of the cooled broth as is for your dog, or use it to moisten their regular food. For human consumption, you can add salt and additional herbs to taste and use as a base for soups or other recipes.

Bone broth is rich in minerals and compounds like collagen, which can benefit joint health. It’s also very easy to digest, making it a good option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Conclusion

Incorporating turkey into your dog’s diet can be a delicious and nutritious way to add variety to their meals. From simple turkey and rice bowls to more complex casseroles and treats, there are numerous ways to prepare turkey that both you and your furry friend can enjoy.

Remember, while these recipes are designed to be safe for most dogs, every dog is unique. Always introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts, and watch for any signs of digestive upset or allergic reactions. If you notice any adverse effects, discontinue use and consult with your veterinarian.

Cooking for your dog can be a rewarding experience that allows you to control the quality of ingredients and tailor meals to your dog’s specific needs and preferences. It’s also a great way to bond with your pet and ensure they get a varied, nutritious diet.

Your vet can also give you the ideal serving size for your pet and teach you how to introduce it to their diet safely.