Can Dogs Eat Turkey Neck Bones? A Complete Guide for Pet Owners
Turkey necks have become a popular treat for dogs in recent years. Their meaty texture and enticing flavor make them an appetizing option. However, the big question many pet owners have is – can dogs eat turkey neck bones safely?
This comprehensive guide will look at both the benefits and potential risks of feeding turkey necks to your canine companion. We’ll also provide tips on how to feed them responsibly. Read on to learn everything you need to know about giving your dog turkey neck bones.
What are Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are exactly what they sound like – the neck of a turkey. They consist of vertebrae bones, connective tissue, cartilage, trachea, muscle meat, and skin.
Turkey necks are larger and meatier compared to chicken necks. They also contain more bone as turkeys have longer necks. A typical turkey neck is around 10-12 inches long. Due to their size turkey necks are best suited for medium, large, and giant breed dogs.
Turkey necks can be purchased raw, dehydrated, smoked, or freeze dried Raw turkey necks should only be fed fresh or frozen, never cooked The high temperatures of cooking make the bones brittle and prone to splintering, which can damage a dog’s digestive tract.
Potential Benefits of Feeding Turkey Necks
There are several reasons why turkey necks have become a popular dog treat, including:
-
Mental Stimulation – The act of chewing provides dogs with mental enrichment and satisfies their natural instinct to chew. This can help relieve boredom and anxiety.
-
Dental Health – Chewing on the turkey neck bones may help scrape off plaque and tartar from a dog’s teeth. However, they should not replace regular brushing and dental cleanings.
-
Nutrition – Turkey necks provide protein, essential fatty acids, and key minerals for dogs. However, they are high in fat so should only be fed in moderation.
-
Natural – Turkey necks are a whole food source that many owners prefer over highly processed store-bought treats.
Risks and Precautions With Turkey Necks
While turkey necks can make an appealing choice, there are some risks and precautions to consider:
-
Choking Hazard – Any type of bone, including turkey necks, poses a risk of choking or blockages. Dogs should be monitored while chewing on turkey necks and these treats should not be fed to dogs who gulp their food.
-
Gastrointestinal Obstruction – Turkey neck bones can potentially cause obstructions or lacerations if they get lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. This requires emergency surgery.
-
Broken Teeth – Aggressive chewers may break teeth on the turkey neck bones. Owners should examine the condition of the neck bones before feeding.
-
Bacteria – Raw meat carries risks of salmonella, E. coli and other harmful bacteria. Proper food handling and hygiene is crucial. Immunocompromised dogs may be better off avoiding raw turkey necks.
-
High Fat Content – The high fat content of turkey necks can cause pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. They are also very high in calories, which can lead to weight gain.
-
Not for Puppies – Turkey necks are inappropriate for puppies as they have different nutritional needs while growing. The bones may also be too large and hard for a puppy to chew and digest properly.
Tips for Feeding Turkey Necks Safely
If you choose to feed turkey necks, here are some tips to reduce risks and feed them as safely as possible:
-
Select the right size neck for your dog. It should not be so small that they can swallow it whole or so large that they have trouble chewing it.
-
Introduce slowly and feed in moderation. Too much bone can lead to constipation.
-
Always supervise your dog while they are consuming a turkey neck to monitor chewing and prevent choking.
-
Look for quality turkey necks from reputable suppliers. Avoid pre-cooked or heavily processed necks.
-
Handle raw turkey necks carefully. Wash hands and disinfect surfaces after handling to prevent bacteria spreading. Defrost in fridge rather than at room temperature.
-
Remove turkey necks if pieces break off or if your dog seems to have difficulty chewing them.
-
Do not feed turkey necks to puppies, elderly dogs or dogs with dental issues or gastro-intestinal problems. Alternatives like bully sticks may be safer options.
-
Ask your vet if turkey necks are appropriate if your dog has any underlying health conditions.
-
Brush your dog’s teeth regularly and have annual dental cleanings done by your vet. Do not depend solely on turkey necks for dental health.
How Many Turkey Necks Can Dogs Eat?
There is no set formula for how many turkey necks to feed dogs. Turkey necks are quite rich and fatty, so most experts recommend limiting them to an occasional treat. For medium sized dogs, one turkey neck two or three times a week is sufficient. Small dogs should get turkey necks less frequently.
Always adjust quantities based on your individual dog – their weight, activity level, health status and ability to digest bones. Monitor your dog’s stool and appetite when first introducing turkey necks. Decrease frequency if you notice any digestive upset. Overfeeding turkey necks risks gastrointestinal issues and weight gain.
The Best Age to Start Feeding Turkey Necks
Turkey necks are not appropriate for puppies under one year of age, for several reasons:
-
The bones are too hard for puppy teeth.
-
Turkey necks present a choking risk for puppies learning how to chew properly.
-
Growing puppies have specific calcium and phosphorus requirements needed for proper bone development. Too much bone can jeopardize that balance.
-
The rich fat content of turkey necks can lead to diarrhea in puppies with more sensitive digestive systems.
Once a dog is full grown, around 12 – 18 months old, they can start to be introduced to turkey necks. However, some giant breed dogs may need to wait until 2 years old before their teeth and jaws are ready to handle bones like turkey necks.
Senior dogs who have dental issues may also not be good candidates for turkey necks, as their compromised teeth make it harder to chew the bones properly. Always closely monitor your senior dog any time bones are fed.
Alternatives to Turkey Necks for Dogs
If you decide turkey necks may not be the best option for your dog, some safer alternatives to consider include:
-
Bully sticks – digestible protein chews that provide chewing satisfaction.
-
Kongs – durable rubber chew toys that can be stuffed with food.
-
Raw meaty bones from pork or lamb – softer bones that are easier to digest.
-
Dental treats and chews – look for VOHC-approved products to reduce tartar.
-
Antlers or horns – hard chews that wear down slowly.
-
Frozen carrots or apples – provide crunch and are low calorie.
-
Cheese sticks – most dogs love these flavorful, low-fat treats.
The healthiest treats are those you can feed liberally without worry. Prioritize options that are low calorie, fully digestible, and carry minimal risks of choking or tooth damage. Treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Summary
Turkey necks can make a tasty, meaty chew that many dogs relish. However, the high bone content does present some risks and they are not appropriate for all dogs. By supervising carefully, introducing slowly, and feeding raw turkey necks in moderation, you’re more likely to have a safer experience. But pet owners should also understand the potential hazards and talk to their vet about whether turkey necks are a good choice for their individual dog.
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
What are Raw Meaty Bones (RMB)?
Dogs and Cats have a nutritional requirement for calcium. Raw edible bone provides this essential mineral in a raw diet. Raw Meaty Bones are all-natural, soft, pliable bones your pet can crunch, tear through and eat. Raw Meaty bones are also rich in phosphorus, amino acids, protein, essential fatty acids, fiber, enzymes, and antioxidants. They’re great for pets with sensitive stomachs and food allergies as a single-ingredient treat. Our signature raw meal blends contain ground-up raw meaty bones mixed in. Some examples include Chicken necks, feet, Pork riblets, and Duck wings.
You can hand-feed RMB using a paper towel to encourage slower eating if necessary. It is perfectly safe and healthy for your pet to enjoy appropriately sized, non-weight-bearing raw bones. In fact, feeding RMBs provides jaw exercise, mental stimulation, and natural teeth cleaning. For teething puppies and kittens, RMBs are a great alternative to furniture and shoes!
Unless your pet has an underlying condition that prevents them from being able to chew bones (missing/fractured teeth, gulper feeding style), whole raw meaty bones are an excellent addition for them regardless of their primary source of food.
General RMB Diet Requirements based on age:
Kitten and Puppies- 17%
*Very small kittens and puppies may require ground bone until their jaws are strong
*Kittens get their adult teeth around 6 months and can move to larger bones
How to Make Turkey Neck Dog Treats – ONLY TWO STEPS! | Raw Feeding Dogs
FAQ
What happens if a dog eats turkey bones?
Which turkey bones are safe for dogs?
Are neck bones good for dogs to eat?
What is turkey neck syndrome in dogs?
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!
Are turkey necks bad for dogs?
Additionally, turkey necks are rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which are both known to support the joint health and mobility of dogs. Turkey necks are also healthy, fully digestible chews, supporting canine gum and dental health. Aren’t Poultry Bones Dangerous for Dogs?
What happens if a dog eats a turkey bone?
Here are some of the potential risks and consequences of a dog eating a turkey bone: Mouth and tongue injuries: Bones can be fairly sharp. They can cut a dog’s mouth, causing bleeding and pain. While this isn’t always serious, it can sometimes lead to infections. Choking: If the bone gets stuck in your dog’s throat, it can cause choking.
What can a dog eat if he has a turkey neck?
Chicken necks: If you have a small-breed dog, these treats offer similar benefits to turkey necks but are smaller in size. Dental chews: If keeping your pup’s teeth is your primary concern, the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VHOC) has an accepted list of products that have been proven to reduce plaque and tartar.