Turkey is a lean protein source commonly used in dog food. It's lower in fat than many other meats, making it popular in weight management and sensitive stomach formulas.
Nutritional Benefits
- Lean protein: High protein with lower fat content
- Tryptophan: Amino acid that supports serotonin production
- Selenium: Antioxidant mineral
- B vitamins: Particularly B6 and B12
- Zinc and iron: Support immune function and blood health
Why Turkey Is Used
Turkey appears in dog food for several reasons:
- Lower fat: Ideal for weight management
- Digestibility: Easy on sensitive stomachs
- Palatability: Most dogs enjoy the taste
- Protein variety: Alternative to chicken
Forms in Dog Food
- Turkey: Whole muscle meat
- Turkey meal: Concentrated protein source
- Turkey by-products: Organs like liver and heart
Allergen Considerations
Turkey is in the poultry family with chicken. Dogs allergic to chicken may also react to turkey (cross-reactivity). If your dog has a poultry allergy, you may need to avoid both chicken and turkey.
Quality Notes
As with other proteins, look for named sources. "Turkey" or "turkey meal" indicates specific sourcing, while generic "poultry" could include any bird and varies in quality.