Can Dogs Have Smoked Turkey Necks? Benefits and Safety Tips

Before you cook it up for your dog, can dogs eat turkey necks? Is it safe? This guide will answer this question and more.

Pet parents, are you looking for natural treats that are good for your dog’s health? If so, you probably heard about the potential benefits of turkey necks. Keep reading to discover how safe it is to add this to your dog’s diet.

For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating turkey necks. Table Of Contents

Smoked turkey necks have become a popular treat for dogs, but pet owners often wonder – can dogs have smoked turkey necks safely? The answer is yes, when fed properly and in moderation. Smoked turkey necks offer nutritional benefits to dogs, but also come with some risks to be aware of.

An Overview of Smoked Turkey Necks for Dogs

Smoked turkey necks are whole turkey necks that have been cured, smoked and fully cooked. The smoking process infuses them with lots of flavor. While too hard to chew for humans, they make an enticing, meaty chew for dogs. Smoked turkey necks can provide dogs with the following benefits:

High in protein to support muscle growth and maintenance. Turkey is an excellent source of protein for dogs.
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. These compounds support mobility in aging dogs.
Rich in vitamins and minerals such as zinc, iron, phosphorus and B vitamins. Turkey contains nutrients vital to dogs.
Long-lasting, satisfying chew. Keeps dogs contently occupied for a period of time.
Promotes dental health. The chewing action scrapes plaque and tartar off teeth.

When served properly and in moderation, smoked turkey necks can be a healthy supplemental treat for dogs as part of a balanced diet.

Potential Risks of Smoked Turkey Necks for Dogs

While smoked turkey necks can make a beneficial chew, there are some potential risks to be aware of:

Choking hazard – Like any chew, there is a risk of choking if large pieces are swallowed. Always supervise dogs when feeding any chews.
GI obstruction – Indigestible pieces could potentially cause a blockage if consumed Monitor stool and vomiting if feeding,
High in fat – The skin and meat can be fatty, so calories add up fast. Feed sparingly to avoid weight gain.
Foodborne illness – Smoking helps kill bacteria, but there is still a small risk of contamination fromhandling. Source necks from a reputable supplier.
Pancreatitis – The high fat content may induce pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. Avoid if your dog has a history of this condition.

Feeding Guidelines for Smoked Turkey Necks

Follow these tips for safely feeding smoked turkey necks to dogs:

Introduce slowly and watch for signs of digestive upset,
Feed large necks whole. Cut into pieces only if your dog is a rapid gulper or aggressive chewer.
Supervise continuously to monitor chewing and swallowing.
Select proper size for your dog Aim for a piece that takes 15-20 minutes to consume.
Limit to one per day due to high fat content. Offer a few times per week at most.
Feed as a treat, not a meal replacement. Ensure your dog’s regular diet provides balanced nutrition.
Remove when it gets small enough to swallow. Discard any uneaten portion after 20 minutes.
Keep refrigerated and discard after 3-5 days, as the fat can spoil.

Are Smoked Turkey Necks Cooked?

Yes, smoked turkey necks are fully cooked and ready to eat. Raw bones present different risks and should never be given to dogs. The smoking process used for commercially sold necks heats them to temperatures that kill any potential bacteria and parasites. This makes them safe to feed dogs.

However, some minimal handling and cross-contamination risks remain after smoking. Be sure to purchase high-quality necks from reputable suppliers who follow food safety protocols. Avoid any that appear slimy, discolored or have an off odor.

Alternatives to Smoked Turkey Necks

For dogs that don’t tolerate smoked turkey necks well, some alternatives to consider include:

Raw meaty bones such as chicken necks, wings or turkey necks. Provide bone chewing benefits without high fat.
Beef marrow bones. These completely edible options offer long-lasting enjoyment.
Bully sticks or tendons. Provides similar chewing satisfaction.
Antlers or hooves. Naturally shed options that last.
Dental chews. Special treats to scrape plaque off teeth.

The Bottom Line

When served responsibly in moderation, smoked turkey necks can provide nutritional and chewing benefits to dogs. But pet owners do need to be mindful of potential risks like choking and high fat content. Follow the feeding tips outlined and monitor your dog’s tolerance. Overall, smoked turkey necks can be a healthy supplemental treat as part of a varied, balanced canine diet.

can dogs have smoked turkey necks

What Are Turkey Necks

When talking about turkey necks, we refer to the whole turkey neck without the head or skin. The neck includes the spine, trachea, muscle, and connective tissue.

The meat on the turkey neck is dark meat. Turkey breast and wing are the parts of the turkey with white meat.

How big are they? They measure about 1 foot long on the bird. The turkey necks sold in stores are about six inches long. They are bigger than either duck or chicken necks.

You’ll find raw turkey necks from butchers and grocery stores. Online retailers and pet stores sell dehydrated or air-dried turkey necks for dogs.

can dogs have smoked turkey necks

Are Raw Turkey Necks Good For Dogs

Yes, raw turkey necks are perfect for dogs. They have nutrients in them that commercial dog food might not. This is perfect if your pup loves to gnaw and chew on things.

In fact, raw meaty bones offer more bio-available protein to your dog. If you’re considering putting your dog on a raw diet, talk to your dog’s vet first to make sure your dog is a good candidate.

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

FAQ

Is smoked turkey toxic to dogs?

No and no. Turkey lunch meat is packed with sodium and other seasonings that can cause gastrointestinal issues. The same goes for smoked turkey. Smoked meats in general contain a high amount of sodium, as well as other seasonings that could be toxic to your dog.

Can dogs eat smoked neck bone meat?

Cooked Bones Always feed raw pork bones and never give your dog cooked pork bones. This includes smoked bones that are often sold in pet stores.

Can I give my dog smoked turkey bones?

Can My Dog Eat Turkey Bones? Cooked bones from any animal should never be given to your dog, but especially turkey bones or chicken bones. Any kind of cooked bone will splinter when your dog chews on it. Turkey bones and chicken bones are especially brittle, and will break into small, sharp pieces when they are chewed.

Can dogs have smoked meats?

Feeding dogs smoked meats that are high in sodium and fats can also lead to obesity. Obesity in dogs can be life threatening, with health problems such as diabetes, joint problems, heart disease, high blood pressure and higher risk of cancer. It is best to feed dogs only foods that are specifically made for dogs.

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.

Are smoked turkey necks bad for dogs?

Like smoked turkey meat, smoked turkey necks may also contain ingredients like salt, spices, and seasonings that can negatively affect your dog’s health. So it might be best to skip it and switch to better and healthier options.

Can you give a dog smoked turkey?

When giving them smoked turkey, remove the skin and bones. The bones can splinter and cause internal damage, while the skin is high in fat which can lead to different health issues. It is better to avoid feeding them smoked turkey entirely.

Can dogs eat turkey neck splinters?

There are other risks of dogs swallowing small turkey neck splinters. If the bone fragments cut your dog’s stomach, it could cause harmful bacteria to cause an infection in their digestive tracts. You shouldn’t give your dog smoked, fried, baked, or boiled turkey necks. Yes, dogs can eat raw turkey necks.