Turkey necks have become a popular treat for dogs. Their crunchy texture provides dental benefits along with mental stimulation. But with any bone treat, there are potential risks like choking and intestinal blockages. So should you be feeding turkey neck bones to your pup? Let’s dive into the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.
What are Turkey Neck Bones?
Turkey necks contain vertebrae, cartilage, muscle meat, connective tissue and the trachea They come from the neck area of a turkey, after the head, skin and crop have been removed
Turkey necks can measure around 10-12 inches long so are well-suited for medium to large breed dogs. Smaller breeds may struggle with the size. The bones are considered edible and fully digestible for dogs.
Benefits of Feeding Turkey Neck Bones
There are several potential benefits associated with giving your dog turkey neck bones:
-
Dental health – The hardness and crunchy texture helps scrape away tartar and plaque as the dog chews. This may help reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
-
Mental enrichment – Gnawing provides enjoyment and relieves boredom. The treat keeps your dog busy for 20-30 minutes.
-
Natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine – Supports joint health. The cartilage contains these compounds to support mobility.
-
Contains calcium and phosphorus – Important for bone health. Helps strengthen teeth.
-
High in protein and fat – Provides energy. Supports lean muscle. Better for active dogs.
-
Nutrient-rich – Great source of B vitamins, zinc, iron, copper and selenium. Supports immune health.
As you can see, turkey necks offer a number of potential nutritional and health benefits for dogs beyond just being a tasty chew.
Possible Risks of Feeding Turkey Bones
However, there are some potential risks to consider:
-
Choking hazard – Dogs may gulp pieces down too quickly or try to swallow large chunks. Supervision is a must.
-
Tooth damage or fractured teeth – Aggressive chewers and power chewers risk cracking teeth on the hard bones.
-
Constipation or obstruction – Bone fragments can clump together in the intestines or cause an impaction.
-
Internal injury – Sharp bone pieces may puncture or lacerate the throat, stomach or intestinal tract.
-
Contamination – Raw turkey necks risk bacterial contamination with salmonella or e.coli.
While the risks may seem alarming, most dogs can eat turkey necks safely with proper portion size and supervision. But dogs with a tendency to gulp food may be better off with an alternative chew.
Answering Key Questions on Turkey Neck Bones
To help you make the decision, here are answers to some common questions:
Are turkey neck bones safe for puppies?
No, turkey necks are unsafe for puppies. The small bones pose a significant choking threat. And growing puppies have strict calcium ratios that turkey bones can unbalance. Only feed turkey necks to dogs over 1 year old.
Can small dogs eat turkey necks?
Smaller breeds can eat turkey necks but the size may be inappropriate. Opt for chicken necks instead which are smaller. And supervise carefully since little dogs are more prone to choking.
Should you cook turkey necks for dogs?
Never cook turkey necks. High heat causes the bones to splinter which can severely damage the throat and stomach. Only feed raw or dehydrated turkey necks.
How often can dogs eat turkey necks?
Turkey necks are high in fat and calories, so limit to one or two per week as an occasional treat. Watch your dog’s weight and reduce frequency if gaining.
What about frozen turkey necks?
You can feed frozen turkey necks after thawing them first. The frozen hard bones could damage teeth. Thaw in the refrigerator until pliable but still cool.
By supervising your dog and following basic safety precautions, you can safely feed turkey neck bones in moderation. They make a nutritious raw meaty bone treat packed with nutrition. Just be cautious with aggressive chewers prone to gulping. Alternatives like bully sticks reduce choking risk. Discuss any diet changes with your veterinarian, especially for dogs with health conditions.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some other common questions about feeding dogs turkey necks:
Can dogs eat raw turkey necks?
Yes, dogs can eat raw turkey necks as long as basic food safety precautions are followed. Raw bones are softer and less likely to splinter. Cooked bones splinter easily and are dangerous.
Is it safe to microwave turkey necks for dogs?
No, microwaving is not recommended. The uneven heating can cause the bones to partially cook, becoming brittle and more likely to fracture.
How do I thaw turkey necks safely?
Keep turkey necks frozen until ready to serve. Thaw in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours per pound. Submerge in cold water for faster thawing, changing the water every 30 minutes.
Where can I buy turkey necks for dogs?
Check with local butchers, raw pet food suppliers, or order online. Look for free-range, organic brands with animal welfare certification where possible.
Can I feed my dog a whole raw turkey neck?
A whole neck may be too much bone content in one sitting. Try portioning or cutting larger necks into smaller pieces first for safety.
Are dehydrated turkey necks safe?
Air-dried turkey necks are another good option. Avoid necks dried at high heat as the bones become brittle and prone to splintering.
The Verdict on Turkey Neck Bones
Turkey necks can make a nutritious, low-cost addition to your dog’s diet when fed responsibly. The benefits of chewing satisfaction, dental health, nutrition and enrichment often outweigh the low risks.
Supervise your dog when eating any raw bone product. Avoid overly aggressive chewers. Seek veterinary advice for dogs with medical conditions prior to feeding turkey necks.
With some basic precautions, turkey neck bones are a safe way to provide your dog with natural nutrition along with chewing entertainment. Monitor your individual dog’s eating habits and adjust as needed. Overall, turkey necks can be a healthy component of your dog’s diet when fed in moderation.
Can I feed it cooked? Are bones dangerous?
Cooked bones are dangerous as they can splinter and are very sharp. Raw meaty bones are pliable and soft and break easily at the joint. Your pet is meant to eat meat and bones in their raw form. Never feed cooked bones.
Can I feed Raw Meaty Bones if I don’t feed a raw diet?
Absolutely! Any quantity of fresh food is better than none at all.
Raw Meaty Bones are a great option for a fresh weekly treat to provide mental and physical stimulation, power-packed nutrients, and teeth and gum cleaning.