Can a Dog Eat a Turkey Neck?

A turkey neck can make a tasty treat for your dog. But is it safe? Here’s what you need to know about feeding turkey necks to dogs.

What is a Turkey Neck?

A turkey neck refers to the neck of a turkey, containing the spine, trachea, muscle and connective tissue Turkey necks are larger than chicken or duck necks and can measure 10-12 inches long and weigh over a pound.

Turkey necks are considered a byproduct of the poultry industry, as they are not typically consumed by humans. You can purchase turkey necks fresh, frozen or dehydrated as dog treats.

Potential Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs

There are some potential benefits associated with feeding your dog turkey necks

Nutritious: Turkey necks provide protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. The meat contains high-quality protein to support your dog’s muscles. The bones provide calcium for healthy teeth and bones.
Natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin: The cartilage and connective tissue in turkey necks contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which may support joint health. However, the amounts are likely too low to treat arthritis.
Dental health: Chewing on turkey necks may help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. The meat and bone provide an abrasive texture to clean the teeth.
Mental enrichment: Chewing provides mental stimulation and satisfies your dog’s natural instinct to chew. This can relieve boredom and stress.

Potential Risks of Turkey Necks for Dogs

However, there are also some potential risks to be aware of:

Choking hazard: Turkey necks contain small bones that could become lodged in the throat, causing choking. Dogs that gulp their food are at higher risk.
Gastrointestinal obstruction: Large pieces of bone may cause a blockage or obstruction in the esophagus, stomach or intestines if swallowed. This requires emergency surgery.
Contaminants: Raw turkey may contain bacteria like Salmonella. Cooking makes bones brittle and prone to splintering.
Constipation: Bone fragments could lead to constipation, which can vary from mild to severe.
High in calories: Turkey necks are high in fat and calories. Too much may lead to weight gain in some dogs.
Not for puppies: The size and bone content make turkey necks unsuitable and unsafe for puppies.

So while turkey necks have some benefits, they do come with risks. Careful consideration is needed before feeding them to your dog.

Are Turkey Necks Safe for Your Dog?

The safety of turkey necks depends on your individual dog and how you feed them:

Size of Your Dog

Due to their large size, turkey necks are best suited for medium to large breed adult dogs. The bones may be too much for smaller dogs to chew and digest properly.

Smaller chicken necks or other treats would be safer alternatives for small dogs. Supervise your dog closely the first few times to see if they can handle a turkey neck.

Your Dog’s Chewing Habits

Dogs that chew slowly will benefit the most from turkey necks. If your dog is a gulper, the bones may pose a greater risk of choking, obstruction or constipation.

Holding the neck while your dog chews it into small pieces reduces these risks. Freezing the neck first also slows down eating.

How Often You Feed Them

Turkey necks shouldn’t be a daily treat due to their high fat and bone content. Feeding one turkey neck one to two times per week is appropriate for most dogs.

Don’t replace balanced meals with turkey necks. Overuse may lead to nutritional imbalance or weight gain.

Proper Handling

Always feed turkey necks raw. Cooked bones become brittle and prone to splintering. Freeze raw necks for 2-3 days before thawing in the refrigerator to kill parasites.

Wash hands and prep areas thoroughly after handling raw turkey due to bacteria risks. Dispose of the bones properly to prevent injury from shards.

Feeding Guidelines for Turkey Necks

Follow these tips for safely feeding your dog turkey necks:

Pick an appropriate sized neck for your dog’s size. Hen necks are smaller.
Hold the neck to control chewing if your dog gulps food.
Feed outside or on an easy-to-clean surface due to mess and bacteria.
Freeze before feeding to slow eating. Thaw in the refrigerator.
Feed raw only. Never feed cooked bones.
Introduce slowly and watch for signs of intolerance.
Provide plenty of fresh water to help digestion.
Supervise your dog the entire time to monitor chewing.
Limit to one turkey neck one or two times per week.
Avoid giving turkey necks if your dog has dietary sensitivities, is overweight or has any underlying health conditions. Consult your vet if unsure.

Alternatives to Turkey Necks for Dogs

If you decide turkey necks are not the best option for your dog, consider these safer alternatives:

Raw meaty bones: Lamb neck bones provide similar dental benefits with less fat. Always feed raw.
Recreational bones: These are safer, edible bones designed for chewing. Look for a size appropriate for your dog.
Dental chews: Look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal.
Bully sticks: These durable treats provide long-lasting chewing. Choose a thickness suited for your dog.
Antlers and horns: Naturally shed antlers and water buffalo horns give dogs a satisfying chew.
Tough toys: Hard rubber toys can provide an acceptable chewing outlet for dogs.

The Bottom Line

Turkey necks can potentially benefit your dog’s dental and mental health. However, the risks mean they aren’t suitable for all dogs. Use extreme care and caution if feeding turkey necks.

For some dogs, a safer chew toy or dental treat is a better choice. Talk to your vet if you have any concerns about turkey necks or find an alternative chew for your dog. Put your dog’s safety first above all when considering giving turkey necks or any edible bone as a treat.

can a dog eat a turkey neck

Benefits that Exceed the Tail Wags

Rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, Raw Turkey Necks offer a load of benefits and additional bone content to your pet’s raw diet.

These meaty bones act as a natural toothbrush, scrubbing the teeth and freshening breath!
RMB’s exercise the jaw, providing mental stimulation and stress relief
High protein levels supply amino acids to strengthen hair, skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage
Balanced source of calcium, phosphorous, and fats for strong bones and a healthy gut biome
Contains essential vitamins for joint health
Rich amino acids keeps your pet’s skin and coat glowing
Great for larger dogs, or to make bone broth!
Preventative for teeth and gum disease
Feeding our dogs Raw Meaty Bones allows them to chew and tear through meat and bone like their ancestors, meeting their natural needs while reducing stress and anxiety

How should I add Raw Meaty Bones to my dog’s diet?

For Adult dogs and cats, you can offer raw meaty bones as an occasional treat in addition to their regular meals. We recommend starting with 1-2x per week.

If you have a puppy or kitten, we recommend booking a consultation to work out a custom feeding plan on how many and which bones to add to our signature meals on a daily basis.

How to Make Turkey Neck Dog Treats – ONLY TWO STEPS! | Raw Feeding Dogs

FAQ

Can a dog eat a cooked turkey neck?

Turkey necks can be given to canines of all ages, but when feeding to a senior dog, or one who has compromised tooth health, be especially diligent in making sure they can handle the bone well.

Is turkey neck safe to eat?

If you’ve ever had turkey necks before, you’ll know that they can sometimes be a little bit tough if you don’t cook them correctly. If you deep fry them, then it’s usually no problem and they’ll be delicious! However, if you stew, or braise them, then the key is a long cooking time with lots of liquid.

Can dogs eat neck bone meat?

Beef neck bones are generally safe for dogs to eat, as long as they are properly cooked and served in appropriate portions. Cooking the bones helps soften them and reduces the risk of splintering, which can be harmful to dogs.

What is turkey neck syndrome in dogs?

This rare genetic disorder is known as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome but is also known as cutaneous asthenia. It’s a connective tissue disease where the skin is exceedingly extensible, causing visible sagging around the neck, shoulder, and back area, along with other signs such as joint laxity and ocular abnormalities.

Can dogs eat turkey necks?

Your dog has an allergy or sensitivity to turkey products. Turkey necks are not suitable for puppies due to their large size and high quantities of bone. Growing puppies have very strict requirements for calcium and phosphorus and should be fed a high-quality commercial diet that meets these standards.

What meat should I never feed my dog if they have dementia?

A dog can be fed with any kind of fresh meat like chicken, pork, beef, fish or turkey. It is not advisable to feed processed meat to dogs because there are scientific studies that claim that these processed meat can increase the risk of developing dementia.

How often should a dog eat a turkey neck?

Due to their moderate to high calorie content, turkey necks should only be given as an occasional treat to avoid unwanted weight gain. Feeding one dehydrated turkey neck 1 to 2 times a week is more than enough for a medium-sized dog. Turkey necks should not replace a complete and balanced diet and are best avoided in overweight dogs.

Are turkey necks safe to eat?

There are several risks associated with feeding Turkey Necks including bacterial contamination, intestinal blockages, constipation, and choking. Turkey necks are a by-product of the meat industry, where welfare standards may vary so try to buy free-range products with animal welfare accreditation (RSPCA, Red Tractor, Soil Association).