Can Diabetic Dogs Eat Turkey? (Explained!)

Turkey is a popular and nutritious meat that can be a healthy part of any dog’s diet, including dogs with diabetes.

Many pet parents wonder if it is safe for diabetic dogs to eat turkey, but the good news is that this lean protein source can provide numerous health benefits for pups suffering from diabetes.

Read on to find out more about turkey meat and how it can benefit diabetic dogs.

Can Diabetic Dogs Eat Turkey

Yes, diabetic dogs can eat turkey because it has a glycemic index of 0 which means it will not cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

While it is an excellent source of protein, the high-fat content and calorie count should be taken into consideration when adding turkey to your dog’s diet.

Turkey is an excellent protein source for diabetic dogs. It is high in protein and low in fat, with no added sugar or carbohydrates to increase blood glucose levels.

Additionally, turkey provides essential vitamins and minerals that support a healthy immune system, help maintain muscle health, and aid in digestion.

Turkey can be a great addition to your dog’s diet as it helps balance their macro-nutrients while also providing them with the essential nutrients they need to stay fit and healthy.

Diabetic dogs should consume lean cuts of turkey such as breast or thigh meat to ensure they are getting all the key benefits without adding unnecessary calories or fats.

The glycemic index of foods can help determine which types of food are better for diabetes management. Turkey ranks low on the glycemic index making it a good choice for diabetic dogs.

How Much Turkey Can Diabetic Dogs Eat

Generally speaking, no more than 5 ounces (142 grams) per day should be given to dogs with diabetes. This amount can be split up into two or three smaller meals throughout the day.

When it comes to feeding diabetic dogs, turkey is a great source of lean protein and can be an important part of your dog’s diet.

It’s also important to remember that while turkey itself may be low in carbohydrates, store-bought varieties such as deli meat often contain added sugars and other ingredients that may affect blood glucose levels in diabetic dogs.

Always read the label carefully and make sure there are no hidden ingredients that could affect blood sugar levels.

Therefore, it’s best to opt for plain cooked turkey without any added ingredients.

Additionally, be sure to cook the turkey thoroughly before serving as undercooked poultry can contain bacteria and parasites that can make your dog sick.

Health Benefits of Turkey For Diabetic Dogs

• Source of protein. Turkey is a great source of lean protein for diabetic dogs. It contains all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent protein choice for helping to control diabetes in dogs.
• Low in carbohydrates. Turkey is low in carbohydrates, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance in diabetic dogs.
• High zinc content. The high zinc content of turkey can help improve the immune system of diabetic dogs and keep them healthy. Zinc also helps with wound healing, allowing any wounds sustained by a diabetic dog to heal faster than usual.
• Rich in vitamins. Turkey is rich in B vitamins, including niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and B6 – all of which are important for metabolic processes that help regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs.
• Source of selenium. Turkey is an excellent source of selenium, a mineral that helps with cell health and has antioxidant properties that can reduce inflammation. This can help improve the overall health of diabetic dogs and keep their cells functioning optimally.
• Rich in phosphorous and magnesium. Turkey is also high in phosphorus and magnesium, both of which are important for the good functioning of the kidneys and other vital organs in diabetic dogs.
• Helps in serotonin production. The tryptophan found in turkey helps to promote serotonin production, which can act as a natural mood enhancer for diabetic dogs suffering from depression or anxiety caused by their condition.

Are Dogs Sensitive To Turkey?

Yes, dogs are indeed sensitive to turkey meat. The most common symptoms of turkey allergies in dogs include itching, chewing on the paws and skin, hair loss, redness and swelling of the skin, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Dogs can also develop anaphylaxis—a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening—as a result of eating turkey or other poultry products.

Turkey is often used as a protein source in pet foods because it is relatively inexpensive compared to other sources such as beef, lamb, or fish.

Unfortunately for many pets, this means a potential food sensitization if they have an allergy to one of the proteins found in turkey.

Food sensitivity is not as extreme as an allergy but it may still cause your dog discomfort and other symptoms such as flatulence, bloating, and gas.

In order to determine if your dog is sensitive or allergic to turkey, it is important to visit a veterinarian for diagnosis and testing.

The vet may suggest an elimination diet in which all turkey-based products are eliminated from the pet’s diet for several weeks to see if their symptoms improve.

If they do, then it is likely that the dog has an allergy or sensitivity to turkey.

How To Prepare Turkey For Diabetic Dogs

1. Grilled Turkey

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of poultry

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey and olive oil together until it forms a thick paste.
2. Form into patties, about ½ inch thick.
3. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
4. Sprinkle with optional poultry seasoning for flavor.
5. Serve immediately to your diabetic dog when cooled down to room temperature or slightly warm.

2. Baked Turkey Cutlets

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless turkey cutlets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Place the turkey cutlets in a large bowl and drizzle with vegetable oil.
3. Turn the cutlets over to make sure both sides are coated with oil. Arrange the cutlets on a greased baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
5. Once cooked, let cool down before serving your diabetic dog.

3. Turkey Stew

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until it is no longer pink.
2. Add the chicken broth, carrots, and celery to the pot.
3. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
4. In a small bowl, dissolve flour in 2 tablespoons of water and whisk into the stew to thicken it slightly.
5. Simmer for another 5 minutes before removing from heat.
6. Serve warm to your diabetic dog.

In Conclusion

Turkey contains various vitamins and minerals that may help regulate blood glucose levels and improve overall health in diabetic dogs.

Due to its low-fat content and high amount of protein, turkey makes an ideal dietary choice for overweight or obese canines who require regular monitoring of their blood sugar levels.