Can Dogs Eat Turkey Neck Bones?

Turkey necks have become a popular treat for dogs in recent years. Many pet owners choose to feed raw turkey necks as part of a raw diet or simply as an occasional chew treat. But is it safe for dogs to eat turkey necks? Are there any risks or dangers? This article provides a detailed guide on feeding turkey neck bones to dogs, including the benefits, risks, and safety precautions.

What are Turkey Neck Bones?

Turkey necks are the neck of a turkey including the vertebrae bones, connective tissue, cartilage, trachea, and muscle meat. Turkey necks are larger than chicken necks and so are better suited to medium, large or giant breed dogs.

Raw turkey necks can be purchased fresh or frozen from butchers, supermarkets, and raw pet food suppliers. Some pet stores also stock dried turkey necks which have been slowly air-dried to preserve them. Dried turkey necks can be more convenient as they don’t require defrosting or as much preparation.

Benefits of Turkey Neck Bones for Dogs

There are several potential benefits linked to feeding dogs raw turkey necks:

• Dental Health: The chewing action may help reduce tartar buildup and massage the gums. This could theoretically help reduce plaque and improve gum health. However, there are no scientific studies proving dental health benefits.

• Mental Stimulation: Chewing provides mental enrichment and satisfies a dog’s natural instinct to chew. This is both mentally stimulating and relaxing for dogs.

• Joint Health: Turkey necks contain natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin which may support joint health. But the quantities in turkey necks are unregulated.

• Nutritious: Turkey necks provide protein, fat, essential fatty acids, minerals like zinc and iron, and B vitamins. But the nutritional value can vary significantly.

While there are some potential advantages, there are also some important risks and precautions to consider before feeding turkey necks.

Risks and Safety Precautions

While turkey necks can make an appealing natural chew, there are some potential choking hazards and other risks to be aware of:

• Choking Hazard: Turkey necks contain small bone fragments that can pose a choking risk or become lodged in the throat, mouth or intestines. It’s important to supervise your dog when feeding any chew treat.

• Gastrointestinal Obstruction: Turkey neck bones could potentially cause a blockage in the stomach or intestinal tract if large chunks are swallowed. Monitor to make sure your dog is chewing adequately.

• Broken Teeth: Turkey necks shouldn’t be frozen, as hard frozen bones may damage teeth when chewed. Defrost fully before feeding.

• Bacterial Contamination: Raw meat carries a risk of Salmonella, E. coli and other harmful bacteria. Follow safe handling and hygiene practices. Discard uneaten portions after 20-30 minutes.

• Pancreatitis: The high fat content could cause pancreatitis in obese or susceptible dogs. Avoid overfeeding.

• Constipation: Some dogs may experience constipation from bone fragments passing through the gastrointestinal tract. Increase hydration and fiber if this occurs.

Safety Precautions

• Supervise your dog during chewing and remove treats once they become small pieces.

• Feed size appropriate necks based on your dog’s size and chewing ability.

• Defrost frozen necks fully in the refrigerator before feeding. Don’t feed frozen.

• Wash hands and bowls thoroughly after handling raw turkey necks due to bacteria risks.

• Introduce new treats slowly and monitor stool consistency.

• Avoid feeding to overweight dogs or those prone to pancreatitis or constipation issues. Consult your vet if concerned.

Are Turkey Necks Safe for Puppies?

Turkey necks are not recommended for puppies under 6 months old. The bones present a choking risk for puppies who may gulp chunks down whole. Growing puppies also have very specific nutritional requirements, so turkey necks could unbalance their diet.

Puppies have 28 baby teeth that start erupting around 3-4 weeks of age. These milk teeth are gradually replaced by 42 permanent adult teeth from around 12 weeks to 8 months old. The chewing action of turkey necks may damage puppies’ emerging teeth.

For puppies, safer alternatives include rubber teething toys. Once puppies have their full set of permanent teeth from around 6 months old, they can try turkey necks under supervision. Start with 5 minute chewing periods to assess chewing habits.

Feeding Guide & Portion Size

There are no set guidelines for how many turkey necks can be fed to dogs. Portion sizes should be tailored for your individual dog based on their size, age, and overall diet. Here are some general feeding guidelines:

For a small dog: Feed half a turkey neck 1-2 times per week.

For a medium dog: Feed 1 turkey neck 1-2 times per week.

For a large dog: Feed 1-2 turkey necks 1-2 times per week.

For senior dogs: Assess chewing ability carefully and start with softer dried necks if tooth health is compromised.

Monitor your dog’s body condition and adjust portion sizes accordingly. Overweight dogs should not be fed turkey necks due to the high fat content. If turkey necks are being fed as a substantial part of the diet, consult your vet to ensure the diet is balanced.

Never exceed more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calories from treats and chews like turkey necks, as overfeeding can cause gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis.

Alternatives to Turkey Necks

Some dogs shouldn’t be fed turkey necks due to the risks, such as puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with tooth issues. Safer alternatives include:

• Rubber Chew Toys: Great for puppies and dogs with dental issues. Look for tough rubber textures.

• Rawhide or Veggie Chews: Digestible options without bones for senior dogs or puppies. Choose reputable brands.

• Dental Treats: Look for VOHC approved dental chews clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar.

• Bully Sticks: High in protein and easy to digest. Good for strong chewers but can be high in calories.

• Chicken Necks or Feet: Smaller bones for smaller dog breeds. Carry same raw feeding risks as turkey necks.

Discuss any diet changes with your veterinarian, especially for dogs with medical conditions. They can provide tailored treat recommendations.

Turkey necks can offer some benefits such as mental stimulation, dental health, and nutrition. However, there are also risks to be aware of including choking hazards, broken teeth, and gastrointestinal blockages. By following portion size guidelines, supervising chewing time, and taking safety precautions, turkey necks can be fed safely and enjoyed in moderation by dogs. But they aren’t suitable for all dogs, so consider your individual dog’s size, age, and chewing habits before feeding.