Unless you’re using the turkey neck in a tasty gravy, stock, or soup, many of us can’t think of anywhere else to put them besides the trash. It might seem wasteful, but if giblets aren’t your specialty, what’s the point in keeping them?
Well, when you have a dog in the house, you may not have to scrap your scraps just yet. Turkey necks can be offered to your dog. However, feeding your dog bones is controversial and does come with some risks you should be aware of.
If you do not need the giblets after unpacking your Thanksgiving bird, we’ll discuss how and why you can give your dog turkey necks to eat, and the risks to help you decide whether to do this or not.
Turkey necks have become a popular natural treat and addition to raw dog diets in recent years, But are raw turkey necks safe for your dog to eat? What are the benefits and potential risks you need to be aware of? This comprehensive guide examines everything you need to know about feeding your dog raw turkey necks
What Exactly Are Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are the whole neck of a turkey containing the trachea esophagus, spine, muscle meat, cartilage, bone, and connective tissue. They can measure anywhere from 6 to 12 inches long depending on the size of the turkey.
Turkey necks are classified as a raw meaty bone (RMB) and can be purchased fresh, frozen, or dehydrated. Fresh or frozen turkey necks should always be fed raw – never cook them as this causes the bone to become brittle and prone to splintering.
Potential Benefits of Feeding Raw Turkey Necks
When fed safely and appropriately, raw turkey necks can provide the following benefits:
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Excellent Source of Protein – Turkey is a lean, low-fat protein that contains essential amino acids for building and repairing muscle tissue. The high protein content of turkey necks promotes strong muscles and healthy organ function.
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Natural Source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin – Turkey necks contain natural levels of glucosamine and chondroitin which are compounds found in joint supplements. These compounds may support joint health and mobility.
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Calcium for Healthy Bones – The raw turkey bones provide a balanced source of calcium and phosphorus to support bone health. The act of chewing also stimulates saliva production which balances pH levels in the mouth and helps prevent dental disease.
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Mental Stimulation – Gnawing on a raw turkey neck provides mental enrichment and satisfies your dog’s innate need to chew. This can help relieve boredom and anxiety.
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Promotes Dental Health – Chewing on raw turkey necks may help scrape away plaque and tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth. This can reduce bad breath and risk of periodontal disease.
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Natural Teething Aid – Turkey necks provide the perfect edible chew toy for teething puppies, providing relief for sore gums.
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Supports Gut Health – Chewing raw turkey necks provides physical exercise for the stomach and intestines, encouraging normal motility. The natural enzymes also aid digestion.
Potential Risks of Feeding Raw Turkey Necks
While turkey necks can make an excellent addition to your dog’s diet, there are some potential risks to consider:
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Choking Hazard – Any type of chew toy or treat, including turkey necks, can present a choking risk. To prevent choking, keep an eye on your dog when feeding turkey necks and avoid leaving him unsupervised. Always feed turkey necks that are appropriate to your dog’s size.
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Gastrointestinal Obstruction – While rare, ingesting large chunks of bone could potentially cause a blockage or obstruction in your dog’s intestines. Monitor your dog closely and look out for signs of gastrointestinal distress.
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Broken Teeth – Aggressive chewers may accidentally crack their teeth on turkey necks. If your dog is an overly enthusiastic chewer, look for softer alternatives.
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Nutritional Imbalances – Too much bone can lead to constipation. Overfeeding turkey necks could potentially throw off the calcium phosphorus ratios in your dog’s diet.
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Bacterial Contamination – As with any raw meat product, turkey necks may harbor bacteria such as Salmonella. Proper food handling and storage is essential. Wash your hands after handling raw turkey necks.
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Pancreatitis – The high fat content of turkey skin and meat could trigger pancreatitis in prone dogs. Stick to skinless necks if your dog has a sensitive tummy.
Raw Feeding Safety Tips
If feeding raw turkey necks, implement the following food safety practices:
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling raw turkey necks.
- Disinfect any surfaces the raw turkey necks touch.
- Defrost frozen turkey necks gradually in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
- Throw away turkey necks that have been left out for longer than 2 hours.
- Monitor dogs closely while they are eating to prevent gulping.
- Store raw turkey necks in sealed containers on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination.
- Avoid feeding raw turkey necks to immunocompromised dogs.
Following safe handling procedures is crucial to destroy any potentially harmful bacteria present.
Choosing the Right Size Turkey Necks
Turkey necks can pose a choking risk if you don’t select the right size for your dog. Here are some general size guidelines:
Small breeds: Opt for chicken necks which are smaller, softer, and easier to chew.
Medium breeds: Select small to medium turkey necks around 6 inches long.
Large and giant breeds: Can handle large turkey necks up to 12 inches long.
Puppies should not be fed whole turkey necks – wait until your puppy is fully matured with adult teeth. For seniors with dental issues, slice or mince turkey necks into manageable pieces.
How Often Can Dogs Eat Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are quite dense and packed with bone, so they are best fed in moderation. Here are some feeding frequency guidelines:
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Puppies: Not recommended. Wait until mature.
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Adult dogs: 1-2 times per week.
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Raw fed dogs: Can be fed as 10% of the weekly meal portion along with muscle meat and organs.
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Overweight dogs: Avoid until weight loss achieved.
For those new to raw feeding, begin by introducing turkey necks in small quantities to allow your dog’s digestive system to adjust. As with any treat or chew, overindulging can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Other Safety Considerations
- Supervise your dog at all times when feeding turkey necks.
- Avoid feeding turkey necks if your dog is prone to inhaling food.
- Don’t feed turkey necks to dogs with tracheas, esophaguses, intestines, or dental issues.
- Stop feeding immediately if you notice bleeding gums, choking, vomiting, constipation, or other signs of distress.
While most dogs can enjoy turkey necks safely, use caution and monitor your dog closely, especially when introducing this raw meaty bone for the first time.
The Verdict: Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey Necks?
When fed properly and in moderation, raw turkey necks can be a healthy treat for most dogs. The benefits of natural chewing satisfaction, dental health, mental enrichment and digestibility make them a great choice. However, raw turkey necks do come with some risks such as choking, tooth fractures, and gastrointestinal obstruction. Owners need to weigh up these risks against the potential rewards.
Novice raw feeders should proceed with caution, starting slowly and following raw feeding best practices. While some dogs might gobble down turkey necks with no issue, they don’t agree with all dogs. Pay close attention to your individual dog’s tolerance.
As with any new food, introduce turkey necks gradually whilst looking for any signs of intestinal upset or discomfort. Provided your dog is able to properly chew and digest turkey necks, they can offer a beneficial supplement to your dog’s regular balanced diet. Monitor your dog closely and apply proper food safety when serving this raw meaty bone.
Feed By Hand If You Have a Gulper
Turkey necks are perfect for dogs that like to chew. Gulpers won’t get all the incredible dental benefits and will face a higher choking, obstruction, and constipation risk. If you’re not confident that your dog will pace themselves as they gnaw on their turkey neck, you should take extra care in feeding them.
When feeding, hold the turkey neck in your hand to control how your dog eats it. Have them chew it thoroughly, letting them gnaw off small, manageable bits.
Why Can Dogs Eat Turkey Necks?
Turkey is a flavorful and healthy option dogs can enjoy as part of their daily meals, and the neck is no exception! Necks are packed with protein, supporting muscle growth and maintenance, immune function, skin and coat health, and overall well-being. As part of a balanced diet, they offer a meaty snack most dogs will want to dig into.
Turkey necks consist of roughly 55% meat and 45% bone, delivering high levels of essential vitamins and minerals, including:
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Selenium
- Zinc
- B vitamins, particularly B12
Turkey necks are an excellent treat for pet parents hoping to maintain their dogs’ bone, joint, and muscle health. Alongside the calcium, phosphorus, and other bone-supporting minerals, turkey necks deliver loads of nutrients to improve mobility, including:
- Collagen: As the body’s most abundant protein in a dog’s body, collagen forms ligaments, nourishes skin and hair, promotes cartilage and bone development, and facilitates joint movement. Collagen is used in some dog foods to help with arthritis.
- Glucosamine: It may have some mild anti-inflammatory qualities and stimulates cartilage growth. Glucosamine is commonly found in joint supplements and joint-support diets.
- Chondroitin: It inhibits cartilage degeneration. Chondroitin is commonly found along with glucosamine in joint-supporting diets and supplements.
Turkey necks contain some joint-supporting components used in nutrition-based arthritis treatments. However, the amount obtained in this treat is unlikely to make a difference for a dog already suffering from arthritis.
From the texture to the nutrition, turkey necks make excellent dog chews. The bones are light and pliable, leaving little risk of cracking a tooth like a denser leg bone might. Dogs’ teeth sink into the bone, easily crushing it up and possibly taking advantage of the scraping action to remove plaque and tartar as they chew.
Turkey necks also provide enrichment to satisfy your dog’s instincts. They’re excellent chews to keep your dog mentally focused, and the effort to hold down the neck and gnaw on it satisfies their need to chew.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey Necks?
FAQ
Can you give your dog raw turkey neck?
What parts of a raw turkey can a dog eat?
Can you give dogs raw neck bones?
Can you give dogs raw turkey bones?
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.
Can dogs eat turkey neck bones?
Turkey necks contain small pieces of bone which are a possible choking hazard in dogs. Though turkey neck bones tend to be softer and crumble when chewed properly, some dogs will gulp them down quickly and have even been known to swallow them whole!
Can a dog eat too many turkey necks?
This condition can be caused when dogs eat TOO MANY turkey necks (and head meat), or only turkey necks for their raw meaty bone allowance. It still seems to be a rare occurrence that’s likely linked to a predisposition in some dogs towards hyperthyroidism.
What is Turkey Neck dog food?
Turkey Necks are Raw Meaty Bones They consist of soft, pliable bone and turkey meat that’s still attached to the bone. To be more specific, turkey necks consist of roughly: 40% bone 60% muscle meat You’ll want to take that ratio into account when you’re making DIY homemade raw dog food. Turkey Necks are Soft and Pliable