How About That Turkey?

It may be hard to visualize, but early in the history of the United States it was suggested that the turkey should become our National Bird. Thank goodness the majestic American Eagle was chosen instead. Can you imagine eating our National Bird?  Can you imagine cheering on a favorite sport team called The Turkeys? Admittedly, wild turkeys are reported to be smart, wily birds, still I think we can all agree that a soaring eagle embodies our American spirit of freedom and bravery better than the bumbling, gobbling, domesticated turkey that we know today.

But let’s not be unfair to the humble turkey.  While hardly a national symbol, this fowl has many unique and valuable characteristics that we can admire. Turkey’s vision is 3 times better than humans, and they can see UV light as well as colors. Their field of vision is 270 degrees, and wild turkeys can fly for short distances up to 55 mph and run up to 25 mph, making them formidable to hunt.  Of course, it is a different story with today’s farmed turkeys which have been bred to be heavy bodied, sedentary and not intelligent. These characteristics encourage domesticity which makes it easier to incorporate these birds into the human and pet food chain.

Omnivores, such as humans, and their carnivore pets, such as dogs and cats, all enjoy the unique taste and protein-richness of turkey. And there are some health advantages in consuming turkey meat.  Turkey contains a full range of B vitamins, is high in selenium, iron, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium.  Carnosine, a bioactive antioxidant known to promote brain, muscle and gut health, is also a component of turkey meat.  Containing the full range of amino acids, this bird is highly nutritious for us as well as our pets.

Turkey is considered a lean protein and is a good choice for overweight or less active pets and people. It is easily digestible and rarely allergenic.  In fact, turkey is often suggested as an alternate protein when dogs and cats are exhibiting allergy symptoms from their more typical beef or chicken diets.

Northwest Naturals has both dog and cat food turkey recipes. All of our turkeys are sourced from USA farms operating within the strictest USDA regulations about humane animal treatment and feeding as well as being raised under National Turkey Federation Guidelines and FSIS rules (Food Safety and Inspection Service). We encourage rotating proteins in your pet’s diet, and including turkey is a beneficial choice.

As a bird, we might not find the turkey very inspiring, but as part of a healthy diet for ourselves and our pets, we can certainly appreciate all the good nutrition this fowl has to offer. From the Northwest Naturals family, we hope you and your pets have a pleasant, cozy and turkey-tasty Thanksgiving!