Are Raw Turkey Necks Safe for Dogs?
Turkey necks have become a popular treat for dogs in recent years. Many pet owners like to give raw turkey necks as part of a raw food diet or as an occasional chew treat. But are raw turkey necks actually safe for dogs to eat? Let’s take a closer look at the potential benefits and risks.
What are Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are the neck of a turkey, including the vertebrae, cartilage, muscle meat, and connective tissue. They are an occasional byproduct of the poultry industry and are not intended for human consumption
Turkey necks for dogs are usually available either raw, dehydrated, or freeze-dried. Raw turkey necks can be purchased fresh or frozen. Dehydrated turkey necks are air-dried to remove moisture. Freeze-dried turkey necks are flash frozen and put under vacuum pressure to remove water content.
Potential Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs
There are several potential benefits linked to feeding dogs raw turkey necks:
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Dental health – The chewing action may help reduce tartar buildup and massage gums. However, there is limited evidence to support this benefit.
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Mental enrichment – Turkey necks provide a long-lasting, appealing chew that occupies dogs. Chewing is relaxing and reduces boredom.
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Nutrition – Turkey necks contain protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, selenium, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Levels vary depending on preparation method.
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Weight management – The high protein and low calorie content may aid weight loss when fed occasionally.
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Hydration – Chewing provides saliva production which aids hydration.
While raw turkey necks for dogs have potential benefits, they do come with some risks that must be considered.
Potential Risks of Turkey Necks for Dogs
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Bacterial contamination – Raw meat carries risks of Salmonella, E.coli, and other bacteria. Dehydrated turkey necks may also harbor bacteria. Proper food handling and hygiene is essential.
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Choking hazard – Gulping instead of chewing raises the risk of airway obstruction. Supervision is recommended.
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Gastrointestinal injury – Bone fragments can puncture or block the esophagus, stomach or intestines.
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Broken teeth – Aggressive chewers may crack teeth on raw bones.
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Nutritional imbalance – Overfeeding turkey necks leads to an unbalanced diet. They are high in phosphorus and low in calcium.
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Pancreatitis – The high fat content raises pancreatitis risk in susceptible dogs.
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Calories – Turkey necks are high in calories. Overconsumption can quickly lead to weight gain.
To minimize risks, proper preparation, storage, and portioning of raw turkey necks is crucial. You also need to know your individual dog’s chewing habits.
Preparing Raw Turkey Necks for Dogs
When preparing raw turkey necks for your dog, follow these safety guidelines:
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Purchase necks from a reputable source with high quality standards
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Select turkey necks appropriate for your dog’s size – too large is a choking risk
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Thaw frozen necks gradually in the refrigerator before feeding
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Wash necks before serving to reduce bacteria
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Supervise your dog during consumption
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Remove the turkey neck if it becomes a choking hazard or is swallowed largely intact
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Refrigerate uneaten portions immediately and discard after 2-3 days
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Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces that have come in contact with raw meat
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Monitor your dog closely for signs of gastrointestinal upset after feeding
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Adjust portion sizes according to your dog’s needs and based on their tolerance
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Rotate turkey necks with other proteins as part of a balanced raw or homecooked diet
Best Practices When Feeding Turkey Necks
Feeding dogs an occasional raw turkey neck can be done safely if you follow some best practices:
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Get the right turkey neck size for your dog. They should not be able to swallow it whole.
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Supervise your dog the entire time they are consuming any chew with bones.
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Introduce slowly and watch for signs of gastrointestinal upset.
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Feed raw not cooked. Cooking causes bones to splinter.
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Handle raw turkey necks carefully observing proper food hygiene and storage.
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Rotate turkey neck treats with a variety of other chews to promote dental health.
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Do not replace balanced meals with turkey necks. Feed as a tasty supplement only.
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Stop feeding if you notice vomiting, constipation, bloody stools or other issues.
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Avoid turkey necks if your dog is an aggressive chewer or gulper.
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Don’t feed turkey necks if your dog has a history of pancreatitis or intestinal issues.
As long as you supervise feedings, pay close attention to your individual dog’s tolerances, and follow food safety guidelines, occasional raw turkey necks are reasonably safe for most dogs. They provide a natural source of nutrition as well as chewing satisfaction. Monitor your dog’s health and adjust frequency according to their needs. With sensible precautions, raw turkey necks can be a healthy supplemental treat.
Is Pure Life Raw made with human-grade ingredients?
We always source the best quality human-grade ingredients. Seriously, our pets eat better than us.
Check out our comprehensive FAQ here.
We partner with local farmers and distributors in California and pride ourselves on using meats, bones, and organs raised on pasture and grass-fed. Well never subject these fresh ingredients to HPP or pasteurization.
What are Raw Meaty Bones (RMB)?
Dogs and Cats have a nutritional requirement for calcium. Raw edible bone provides this essential mineral in a raw diet. Raw Meaty Bones are all-natural, soft, pliable bones your pet can crunch, tear through and eat. Raw Meaty bones are also rich in phosphorus, amino acids, protein, essential fatty acids, fiber, enzymes, and antioxidants. They’re great for pets with sensitive stomachs and food allergies as a single-ingredient treat. Our signature raw meal blends contain ground-up raw meaty bones mixed in. Some examples include Chicken necks, feet, Pork riblets, and Duck wings.
You can hand-feed RMB using a paper towel to encourage slower eating if necessary. It is perfectly safe and healthy for your pet to enjoy appropriately sized, non-weight-bearing raw bones. In fact, feeding RMBs provides jaw exercise, mental stimulation, and natural teeth cleaning. For teething puppies and kittens, RMBs are a great alternative to furniture and shoes!
Unless your pet has an underlying condition that prevents them from being able to chew bones (missing/fractured teeth, gulper feeding style), whole raw meaty bones are an excellent addition for them regardless of their primary source of food.
General RMB Diet Requirements based on age:
Kitten and Puppies- 17%
*Very small kittens and puppies may require ground bone until their jaws are strong
*Kittens get their adult teeth around 6 months and can move to larger bones
Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey Necks?
FAQ
Can a dog eat raw turkey necks?
Can dogs have raw neck bones?
Are raw turkey bones OK for dogs?
Do you cook a turkey neck for a dog?
Can dogs eat raw turkey necks?
Frozen – Frozen raw turkey neck bites are good for smaller dogs. Dehydrated – This is another safe way to give this treat to dogs. Freeze Dried – This is as safe as dehydrating. Smoked – This process weakens bones and isn’t good for dogs. If your dog is used to raw feeding, raw necks don’t pose as much risk.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
Are turkey necks good for dogs?
Turkey necks are high in protein which is essential for muscle development, healthy skin and coat, and the production of hormones and enzymes – just to name a few of its many functions! Growing puppies naturally have a higher requirement for protein than adult dogs, though highly active dogs may also benefit from extra protein in their diet.
Do turkey necks make up 10 percent of Raw Dog Food?
Although raw meaty bones like turkey necks only make up 10% of raw dog food, they’re an essential component of it. Without them, raw dog food would not be balanced and would cause nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional Benefits of Raw Turkey Necks