Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and what better way to get your dog involved than to offer them a bit of turkey? Under the right conditions, turkey is not only safe to offer, but also has several health benefits!
How to Offer Turkey Safely
When giving turkey to your dogs, it’s very important to only offer it certain ways. It’s very important that the turkey is unseasoned and hasn’t been rubbed with salt, oil, or any other ingredients that are harmful to dogs, like onion and garlic. Remove excess fat and be sure that the turkey doesn’t have any bones, as these can be choking hazards. If you’re leery of offering turkey meat, you can also offer a treat featuring turkey. And though it’s derived from turkey tail mushrooms and not actual turkey, Super Snouts’ Turkey Tail supplement can be just as beneficial to your pet’s diet!
Why We Love Turkey
Weight Loss and Increased Energy
Turkey is a lean meat, making it a great option for dogs who need to lose a few pounds or for those maintaining a healthy weight. It also contains nutrients like Vitamin B6 and Niacin, which helps boost metabolism. While turkey is a lean meat, it’s also high in protein and essential amino acids that increase energy along with other health benefits.
Heart Health
Other nutrients within turkey are iron and potassium, which both benefit heart health. Iron plays a big role in oxygen transport within the blood while potassium helps maintain a regular heartbeat. Turkey’s high protein also plays a role in heart health as amino acids maintain muscle health, and what greater muscle to maintain than the heart?!
Muscle Function
Speaking of muscle health, there are other features in turkey that contribute here. The high protein improves heart health as well as all other muscles, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues. Turkey also contains calcium and small amounts of phosphorus, which help improve bone and dental health.
Stronger Immune System
Improved immune function is one of the most prominent benefits of turkey for your dog, as evidenced by multiple nutrients all working towards the same cause. Turkey contains zinc, which helps speed up wound healing and immune health to fight off illness. Turkey also contains a large amount of selenium, which supports immune function. Several other nutrients, such as Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12, support a strong immune system as well.
Well Conditioned Skin and Coat
Several of the nutrients mentioned play a role in your dog’s beautiful skin and coat. Vitamin B6, zinc, and niacin contribute, though the considerable amounts of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids within turkey contribute largely to a healthy coat and skin, as well as healthy joints. Magnesium is yet another nutrient within turkey that plays a role in your dog’s overall wellbeing, including healthy skin and coat.
Boosts Mood
It’s no secret that offering treats can boost your dog’s mood, but turkey has a specific amino acid that helps with this. Turkey contains tryptophan, which produces serotonin- a neurotransmitter that improves feelings of well-being and happiness. It can also regulate mood and decrease stress.
Looking for more information on foods you can offer your dog and the benefits? Check out our other articles!