Top 10 my dog ate raw ground turkey You Need To Know

Well let’s see, my dogs Ace and Remy have eaten rotting fish, cat poop, bird poop, cigarette butts, garbage, dead mice, dead birds, rotten apples with maggots and all kinds of unidentifiable remains without getting sick.

Yes, a dog can get sick from raw meat, but it’s unlikely. When you hear about the “dangers” of getting sick from raw meat, the concern is more for the humans handling the meat.

Or sometimes the dog gets an upset tummy just from a change to the diet vs. the raw meat itself (like if you suddenly switch dry dog food brands).

As for dogs, they are raw meat eaters and can generally handle bacteria better than us unless the dog already has a weakened immune system for some other reason.

Ever notice how your dog poops right after eating?

This is because dogs have short digestive tracts that quickly push the food and bacteria through their systems before any bacteria has time to colonize. Dogs also have highly acidic stomachs to prevent bacteria from colonizing.

All of the above are reasons why dogs can usually drink standing puddles of water or eat animal remains with few consequences. (Usually.)

How can I prevent my dog from getting sick from raw meat?

To be on the safe side, here are some tips to keep your dog safe from potential bacteria in raw dog food:

1. Do not feed your dog raw meat if he has a weak immune system.

If your dog is older or if he has a weak immune system, adding raw meat to his diet could make him sick if he’s not used to it.

His body may not be able to fight off certain bacteria the way a healthy dog can, especially if his body is already trying to fight another infection. This happened to my dog Ace.

If you are not sure how your dog’s immune system is, talk to his vet and consider a blood test, but most dogs should be just fine.

2. Buy pre-prepared raw food for your dog.

Raw dog food companies will go out of their way to make sure the food is safe for your dog and it will have less bacteria than meat you buy at a grocery store (generally).

For example, Darwin’s Natural Pet Food offers a variety of pre-made, frozen raw diets that are completely balanced, safe and ready to serve.

3. Wash your dog’s bowls regularly.

This is something we should all do regardless of what our dogs eat. My dog Ace probably had a higher chance of getting sick while he ate dry dog food simply because I hardly ever washed his bowls!

Dry dog food saturated in water or drool is a great place for bacteria to collect. Yuck! Now that he eats raw food, I wash his bowls every day. I also wash my hands and the area where I prepared his food.

4. Don’t let the raw dog food sit in your fridge for more than a week.

The food might be OK if it sits in your refrigerator for more than a week, but why risk it? The longer food sits in the fridge, the more time bacteria has to grow.

I’d rather stay on the safe side. I typically use or throw away food within 6 days just to be on the safe side.

*Get our three FREE raw dog food recipes now! Click Here

5. Keep your trash behind a closed door.

We’ve learned to keep our garbage behind a closed door. No garbage can stay in the kitchen. It goes in a trash can in the garage or a trash can in the bathroom. We have a certain cat who likes to crawl into the garbage and eat everything in sight.

To keep our cats and dog safe, it’s better not to give them the opportunity to sneak anything from the trash. We also never leave any food scraps on dirty dishes out, and I wipe down the sink regularly.

6. Feed your dog homemade cooked food instead of raw.

Chances are, your dog will never get sick from eating raw meat.

However, if you are concerned about the potential bacteria, then maybe a raw diet is not the way to go for your dog.

It’s not worth it if you are going to be worried all the time. Instead of feeding him raw, feed him cooked meat or a higher-quality dry dog food.

What should I do if my dog gets sick from raw meat?

If you are worried about your dog, just take him to the vet! At the very least, call and see what your vet says. Just be aware that most vets are not in favor of raw diets so some will act alarmed if you say your dog ate raw meat.

Fortunately, this seems to be changing as more and more vets understand the benefits of a raw diet.

See my post: Why are vets against raw dog food?

If it’s the weekend or the middle of the night, it will be a tougher decision, and only you can make that choice. Sometimes the only option at night or on the weekends is the emergency animal hospital.

Let’s just say prices are not cheap at the emergency clinic. $$$$

If your dog has an upset stomach but is otherwise acting normal, I wouldn’t be too worried. It will most likely pass within 24 hours.

How often do you get the runs from eating something new or something extra greasy? Probably sometimes. Your dog will likely be OK, too.

It helps if you have him skip a meal or two (don’t feel bad, he’ll be fine). And make sure to give him plenty of water.

Some signs to watch for if your dog gets into raw meat:

I am not a vet. If you think your dog needs to see a vet, then by all means, get going!

1. The dog might have swallowed a large or sharp piece of bone.

I’ve heard too many vets tell me too many horror stories of dogs getting pieces of bones stuck in their digestive systems.

Raw bones are generally safe for dogs if they chew the bones properly (always supervise). Cooked bones are potentially dangerous because they break easily and the dog could swallow the pieces.

If you’re worried about feeding bones, I recommend you feed your dog a pre-made ground raw dog food where the bones are ground in with the meat.

2. The dog might have consumed something toxic.

Is there any chance the dog got into something potentially harmful other than raw meat? Maybe he got into the garbage.

Maybe he ate something in the garage or yard? Or, was there any chance you fed him raw meat that had been in your fridge too long?

3. The dog has a fever.

The normal body temperature for a dog is about 100 to 102 degrees (higher than a person’s normal body temp).

4. The dog refuses his favorite treats.

My dog’s animal instincts tell him not to eat if he is feeling sick, so I’m not too worried if he skips one meal. However, if he turns his head away when I offer him pieces of meat or if he skips more than two meals, that’s when I would worry.

Note that sometimes the dog just doesn’t like certain types of raw food. See my post: What to do when your dog won’t eat raw meat.

5. The dog refuses to drink water.

Try to get your dog to take at least a few sips every hour to avoid dehydration. If he doesn’t drink any water for 12 hours or so, call the vet.

6. The dog has difficulty standing or walking.

Dogs are very good at resting if they are feeling sick or hurt. Whenever Ace pulls a muscle, he takes it easy for a day and then he’s fine. But if my dog shows no interest in getting up for anything – like a ball or food – that’s something I would worry about.

7. The dog throws up or has diarrhea for more than 24 hours.

Most digestive issues are minor and will pass. But if the vomiting or diarrhea continues for more than a day, especially if the dog hasn’t eaten anything, I would definitely consult with a vet.

*Get our three FREE raw dog food recipes now! Click Here

Now, here are some common questions people have asked me about their dogs eating raw meat. For the most part, you don’t need to be concerned. For example …

Can my dog get sick from raw meat from the grocery store?

Chances are, your dog will be just fine if he eats raw meat such as ground beef, chicken, pork, raw eggs or steak from the grocery store.

Many raw feeders buy meat for their dogs at their local grocery stores and never have any issues. I buy my dog raw chicken thighs from the grocery store and this never seems to be an issue for him.

However, there are some concerns to keep in mind.

Raw meat at the grocery store is meant to be cooked and eaten by people. Sometimes it’s been sitting out for several days which of course gives more time for bacteria to grow.

This shouldn’t be a problem for most dogs, but to be safe you could freeze the meat for 2-3 weeks before giving it to your dog.

Can my dog get sick from raw ground beef?

Again, it’s unlikely your dog will get sick from eating raw ground beef unless he’s not used to it.

My dog just ate ground beef off the counter!

Don’t worry. If your dog steals a large quantity of ground beef off the counter, he will most likely be just fine. He might get an upset tummy for a few days simply from eating different food.

This could also be true if he happened to steal dry dog food off the counter that was a different brand than he normally eats.

Most dogs need time to adjust to a new diet, so it’s not necessarily the ground beef causing the issue but the new food itself.

The slight risk with ground beef is because the meat has been ground, it likely has more bacteria mixed in. This is because when meat is ground, the bacteria on the surface of the meat is mixed in throughout the meat as its all ground and mixed together.

For this reason, I choose not to feed my dog ground beef from the grocery store.

However, many dog owners do feed ground beef to their dogs without any problems. Again, you can be on the safe side and freeze the meat for 2-3 weeks or even lightly cook it before feeding to your dog.

When it doubt, stick with ground meat from a reputable raw dog food company such as Darwin’s.

For more information on raw feeding:

• Will my dog get sick from salmonella?
• Can dogs eat raw pork?
• Raw bones for dogs
• My dog swallowed a sock!
• Hydrogen peroxide to make a dog throw up

See all of our raw feeding articles HERE.

Lindsay Stordahl is the founder of That Mutt. She writes about dog training, dog exercise and feeding a healthy raw diet.

• Author: thatmutt.com

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• Sumary: Will My Dog Get Sick From Eating Raw Meat? When Not to Feed Your Dog Raw Meat, How To Prepare Raw Dog Food and more at That Mutt!

• Matching Result: Yes, a dog can get sick from raw meat, but it’s unlikely. When you hear about the “dangers” of getting sick from raw meat, the concern is more …

• Intro: Will my dog get sick from eating raw meat? Well let’s see, my dogs Ace and Remy have eaten rotting fish, cat poop, bird poop, cigarette butts, garbage, dead mice, dead birds, rotten apples with maggots and all kinds of unidentifiable remains without getting sick. Yes, a dog can get sick from raw meat, but it’s unlikely. When you hear about the “dangers” of getting sick from raw meat, the concern is more for the humans handling the meat. Or sometimes the dog gets an upset tummy just from a change to the diet vs. the raw meat itself (like if…

• Source: https://www.thatmutt.com/will-my-dog-get-sick-from-eating-raw-meat/

• Author: nativepet.com

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• Sumary: by Allison Shalla, Dogly Wellness Advocate & Canine Nutritionist
  The short answer is a resounding, “Yes!” Turkey is one of the leanest animal proteins available, making it an excellent choice for most dogs. It is particularly significant for dogs sensitive to fats due to conditions such as pancreatitis. The only reason NOT to feed your dog turkey is if your pup has a sensitivity, intolerance, or allergy to it.

  Health benefits of turkey
  Turkey is a common ingredient found in commercial pet foods – particularly low-fat kibble, because of its nutrient profile. The nutritional value of a 100 gram serving of cooked boneless white meat turkey (which roughly equals 1 cup) is 29g of protein, only 4g of fat, and 159 calories. In addition to being high in protein and low in fat, turkey has a high biological value (BV) score, which means that it has an increased supply of essential amino acids that are digestible and highly nutritious. It is also an excellent Vitamin B-6, iron, zinc, and selenium source. 
  Boneless, Skinless Turkey Breast is Good for Dogs
  Cooked boneless, skinless turkey breast is also very easy on a dog’s digestive tract and can be helpful when used in a bland diet as a home remedy to ease an upset stomach. Dogs prone to certain medical conditions such as pancreatitis might also do best on a diet where the primary protein source is cooked boneless, skinless turkey breast because it is such a low-fat food. We say this about turkey breast because this is the white meat of a turkey, which is lower in fat and cholesterol than the dark meat found on other turkey parts like the legs, wings, and thighs.
  Dark Meat From Turkey is Healthy for Your Dog
  The good part about the dark meat from turkey is the type of fat: dark meat contains predominantly the heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated kinds. Dark meat also boasts a high mineral content and is more plentiful in iron, zinc, and selenium. So if your dog tolerates fat well, dark meat turkey is also an excellent option.
  It is important to note that turkey skin contains extra fat and oils that can cause digestive upset. If your dog is prone to pancreatitis or diabetes, it’s wise to stick to boneless, skinless turkey breast. 
  How to Incorporate Turkey into Your Dog’s Diet

  Cooked Turkey Meat:
  Cooked turkey can be a great protein option for a bland diet. A common recommendation is to feed boiled chicken and rice if your dog has an upset stomach, but turkey is also a great protein option. It is easy on the digestive tract and can also be combined with pumpkin or sweet potato for a highly digestible bland diet. If using ground turkey for a bland diet, be sure the ground turkey you buy does not contain any additives like rosemary, which may exacerbate digestive issues. As noted before, it’s important to remember that turkey skin on poultry contains extra fat and oils that can cause digestive upset — especially to be avoided for dogs with issues like pancreatitis or diabetes.
  Check our other articles on bland foods, including chicken, sweet potato, rice (white and brown), and eggs.
  Raw Turkey Meat:
  Raw feeding has grown in popularity over the past ten years and even more so in the past five years. While feeding raw turkey is safe for most dogs, be sure to research both the benefits and cautions of raw feeding. Dogs who are used to high-carb dry food need a careful transition to raw food, and there are many factors involved to ensure you are feeding a properly balanced diet. Many commercially prepared raw foods use turkey as the main protein, but those products go through a ‘pasteurization’ process called HPP to make the turkey safer for dogs to consume, so there is much less risk of salmonella or other food-borne bacteria. These commercial raw food diets usually contain ground turkey bones as a source of calcium and phosphorus, which is a safer way to feed raw bones. Note – NEVER feed cooked bones of any kind! Choosing a quality source of turkey is especially important if feeding it raw. You want to be sure to purchase from a reputable source to avoid bacteria and potentially unhealthy turkeys. Choosing organic is always a great choice, especially when feeding raw. 
  Raw turkey necks and wings can be tasty dog treats, but dogs must be supervised carefully when fed these “raw meaty bones.” While these are generally safe, every dog is different, and raw turkey necks or wings can still pose a choking hazard for dogs, especially small dogs. It is essential to assess your dog’s chewing style – if your dog is prone to gulping, instead of chewing food, be very cautious when feeding raw bones. 
  Adding Cooked or Raw turkey to Commercial Foods:

  Incorporating turkey into your dog’s kibble is a great way to boost nutrition and add some moisture. It is high in protein but low in fat, so it is suitable for dogs with fat-sensitive GI issues like pancreatitis (as long as they are not sensitive to turkey). 
  If your dog eats balanced commercial dog food, adding large amounts of “extras,” even fresh foods, can throw off the balance of things, so be sure not to overdo it to avoid excessive vitamins & minerals, which can lead to health problems.
  A good guideline is to use a 20% rule for “human foods” as toppers to a commercially balanced diet. What that means is that fresh food “toppers” should not account for more than 20% of your dog’s diet. So, if you feed your dog 2 cups of commercial dog food, you can replace up to 20% of that amount – 0.4 cups or 3.2oz – with “people foods,” like turkey and other cooked meats, eggs, fruits, and veggies.
  Why add human foods to your dog’s kibble? Studies have shown that adding up to 20% fresh food ingredients to a dog’s commercial diet can boost nutrition and extend life. Even the most high-quality kibble available on the market is subject to nutrient loss in the high-temperature rendering process. These nutrients need to be added back into the kibble in synthetic vitamins and minerals. Fresh foods often provide a much more bioavailable version of these nutrients.
  You can also incorporate small turkey pieces as a treat (great for training!) or even dehydrate strips of turkey to serve as dog treats!
  In addition to the many health benefits, adding a variety of fresh foods to your dog’s diet provides enrichment. Imagine eating the same dry food regularly! Adding variety helps your dog get excited about mealtime, provides mental stimulation, and improves satiety. 
  Cautions
  Do not feed cooked turkey bones to your dog! Any cooked bone can splinter and cause perforation of the stomach, impaction (an intestinal blockage of bone fragments), and severe digestive upset. While a dog’s digestive tract is built to digest RAW bones, all cooked poultry bones are unsafe to feed. So if you are tempted to share a bit of that cooked Thanksgiving turkey, be sure only to feed the dog-friendly cooked meat portions. Fido will gladly gobble that up! Sidenote about sharing your Thanksgiving feast with your best friend: many items on the Thanksgiving table are unsafe for dogs – in addition to cooked bones, stuffing, or gravy, which contains onion, are toxic to pets! Many sauces, spices, and marinades can also cause digestive upset in dogs.
  Recommendations
  Refer to our Ultimate Guide on Bland Diets for Dogs on how to choose the right foods for a bland diet, how to prepare them, how much to feed, and how to transition your dog back to a regular diet once your pup’s upset tummy is gone. For more wellness advice, join my Community on Dogly. You can ask questions and get 24/7 access to certified experts across pet nutrition, training & behavior, and wellness to give you and your dog your best life together. If your dog could use some digestion help and a healthier gut to absorb and access all the good nutrients you’re feeding, check out Native Pet’s Probiotic, carefully created by their team of nutritionists and veterinarians.
  Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey for Dogs
  Will cooked turkey hurt my dog?
  Cooked turkey might hurt your dog because of the seasoning that is used. Apart from that, turkey bones too can lead to severe complications. 

  Can my dog have some turkey breast? 
  Yes, you can feed your dog a small amount of turkey breast. 
  Can I share Thanksgiving turkey with my dog?
  Yes, you can share your Thanksgiving turkey with your dog. But, do not give your dog turkey skin, bones, or stuffing. These items can be harmful. 
  My dog ate turkey. What should I do now?
  If your dog ate turkey breast, then there is nothing much to worry about. But, if it ate other parts, then look for signs like vomiting, fever, diarrhea, bleeding, or difficulty in breathing. Contact your veterinarian without any delay. 

• Matching Result: If your dog ate turkey breast, then there is nothing much to worry about. But, if it ate other parts, then look for signs like vomiting, fever, diarrhea, …

• Intro: Can My Dog Eat Turkey? Is Turkey Safe For Dogs? by Allison Shalla, Dogly Wellness Advocate & Canine Nutritionist The short answer is a resounding, “Yes!” Turkey is one of the leanest animal proteins available, making it an excellent choice for most dogs. It is particularly significant for dogs sensitive to fats due to conditions such as pancreatitis. The only reason NOT to feed your dog turkey is if your pup has a sensitivity, intolerance, or allergy to it. Health benefits of turkey Turkey is a common ingredient found in commercial pet foods – particularly low-fat kibble, because of its…

• Source: https://nativepet.com/blogs/health/can-my-dog-eat-turkey

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• Sumary: Feeding your dog any meat-based product involves a degree of risk. Turkey is a source of salmonella, as is any form of raw poultry, so undercooked turkey is no more recommended for your pet than it is for you. However, many people feed their dogs raw foods without ill effect. Your dog can digest raw meats of all …

• Matching Result: Feeding your dog any meat-based product involves a degree of risk. Turkey is a source of salmonella, as is any form of raw poultry, so undercooked turkey is …

• Intro: Can Dogs Eat Undercooked Turkey? Feeding your dog any meat-based product involves a degree of risk. Turkey is a source of salmonella, as is any form of raw poultry, so undercooked turkey is no more recommended for your pet than it is for you. However, many people feed their dogs raw foods without ill effect. Your dog can digest raw meats of all kinds, so if you are willing to invest extra effort in feeding her, she should be OK eating raw or undercooked turkey. Raw TurkeyThe American Veterinary Medical Association recommends against feeding any “animal-source protein that has not…

• Source: https://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/can-dogs-eat-undercooked-turkey-2243.html

• Author: akc.org

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• Sumary: Thanksgiving, for most families, is all about the bird. Hours go into the roasting and basting, and once the feast is over, there are turkey sandwiches, turkey potpies, and turkey casseroles to make. In the midst of all of that leftover turkey, it is tempting to slip our dogs some meat, or even to make them up a plate of it as a special Thanksgiving treat.

• Matching Result: Feed your dog only small quantities of turkey. Talk to your vet about adding food scraps into your dog’s diet before feeding them turkey, especially if your dog …

• Intro: Can Dogs Eat Turkey? Thanksgiving, for most families, is all about the bird. Hours go into the roasting and basting, and once the feast is over, there are turkey sandwiches, turkey potpies, and turkey casseroles to make. In the midst of all of that leftover turkey, it is tempting to slip our dogs some meat, or even to make them up a plate of it as a special Thanksgiving treat. But can dogs eat turkey? Is it good for them? Are there risks? Here is what you need to know about feeding turkey to dogs. Can Dogs Eat Turkey? It…

• Source: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-turkey/

• Author: pawlicy.com

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• Sumary: Is raw meat good for dogs? Here’s what a veterinarian has to say about the benefits and risks of feeding dogs raw meat.

• Matching Result: If your dog eats raw meat from the grocery store, chances are that they’ll be fine. However, if you are worried or you notice anything out of the ordinary after …

• Intro: Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat? Here’s Everything You Need to KnowCan dogs eat raw meat? The answer to this question is more complicated than a simple yes or no. All dogs are different, as are all samples of raw meat. Your pet might indulge in raw beef and suffer no consequences, or they could end up with a terrible disease. In this article, we’re discussing the pros and cons of feeding your dog raw meat from a veterinarian’s perspective to help you make an informed decision. Table of Contents: Possible benefits of raw meat for dogs Potential risks of a…

• Source: https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/can-dogs-eat-raw-meat/