Is Turkey Good for My Dog?

By Chippin Time

Is Turkey Good for My Dog?
Turkeys receive a lot of attention in November! Since turkey is a common protein in some dog foods and treats, we researched how turkey stands up against Chippin's favorite protein, cricket! When it comes to health benefits and environmental impact, there's a clear winner. 🏆
DIGESTIBILITY

Cricket protein is a natural prebiotic, feeding the microorganisms found in the gut that maintain digestive health and prevent diarrhea and upset stomachs! Cricket is also rich in fiber, with a 100-gram serving of cricket protein containing 13.4% fiber! Our cricket protein is roasted and ground up for optimal digestibility!

Turkey has 0 grams of dietary fiber. Along with other meats, turkey has higher inflammatory properties when compared to insect and plant-based proteins, which could exasperate any ongoing gut issues. Poultry is at high risk of carrying e-coli, a dangerous bacteria that causes diarrhea and can lead to blood poisoning or septicemia.

SKIN & COAT HEALTH

Cricket is packed with omega3s, an important fatty acid that supports skin and coat health, as well as brain functioning! Cricket boasts a whopping 12.7 grams of omega3s per 1 pound of protein, nourishing your dog's skin and fur to maintain ultimate softness.

Turkey on the other hand, brings a measly 0.49 grams of omega3s per 1 pound of protein. Additionally, poultry is a common allergen for dogs leading to dry, itchy, and flaky skin, irritated paws, and ear infections. Allergies are often to blame for constant itching, ear and/or face rubbing, and paw chewing.

IMMUNE SYSTEM

Cricket is back with more prebiotic benefits! Prebiotics get to work in the lower intestine where the body absorbs the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients found in your dog's food. Without natural prebiotics, your dog is likely wasting some of the nutrients it's ingesting. Prebiotics ensure nutrient absorption and in doing so, boost the immune system!

Turkey lacks natural prebiotics and instead delivers harmful diseases for your dog's immune system to fight off. E. coli, salmonella, and avian flu are just a few of the diseases and bacterias that are commonly found in poultry. In the U.S. there is a nation-wide shortage of turkeys because a recent avian flu outbreak killed so many birds.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Cricket farming requires approximately 1 gallon of water to produce 1 pound of edible protein. Turkey requires 266 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of edible protein.

Crickets only emit 0.017 pounds of CO2 for every 1 pound of protein. Turkeys emit 24 pounds of CO2 for every 1 pound of consumed protein.

LIFECYCLE

Our cricket protein is from a small family-farm in Canada. Crickets live their natural life cycle in cricket condos, mirroring how they would live among their peers in nature. At harvest time, temperatures are slowly lowered and the crickets fall asleep, resulting in a humane and kind way to raise and harvest the protein.

Turkeys are often hatched in incubators, alone, without the presence of their mothers. They live in window-less, temperature controlled grower houses, where conditions are so tight, they can't flap their wings or roost. The tips of their beaks are broken off and their toes are removed without anesthesia, to ensure they don't injure each other in the tight living conditions.

Millions of young turkeys do not survive life in factory farms. Conditions are so horrible, their mental health deteriorates and "starve-out" occurs, a condition where stress levels are so high, the animals starve themselves to death.

Try our new Dehydrated Cricket Daily Food for your dog this November so they can take advantage of all the benefits above!

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