Are Raw Turkey Necks Good For Dogs?

Turkey necks have become a popular treat for dogs in recent years. Many pet owners like to feed raw turkey necks as part of a raw diet or as an occasional chew treat. But are raw turkey necks really safe and healthy for dogs? There are pros and cons to feeding any raw meaty bone to dogs that need careful consideration. This article provides a detailed guide to the benefits and risks of feeding raw turkey necks to help you make an informed decision.

What are Raw Turkey Necks?

Raw turkey necks are the whole neck of a turkey including the vertebrae, connective tissue, cartilage, lean meat, skin, and soft bone Turkey necks are larger than chicken necks and so are often better suited to medium, large, and giant breed dogs

Raw turkey necks can be purchased fresh from butchers, frozen from supermarkets, or online. It’s important turkey necks are always fed raw and never cooked Cooking turkey necks makes the bones brittle and more likely to splinter, posing a serious health hazard

Potential Benefits of Feeding Raw Turkey Necks

There are several potential benefits associated with giving dogs raw turkey necks:

Natural Source of Protein

Turkey necks provide dogs with a natural source of high-quality protein. Protein supports healthy muscle growth and maintenance in dogs of all life stages. The amino acids in protein are also essential for metabolic function.

Promotes Dental Health

The act of chewing on raw turkey necks may help reduce plaque and tartar build-up. This provides a natural way to care for your dog’s teeth. Always supervise chewing to avoid swallowed bones.

Provides Mental Enrichment

Chewing turkey necks provides mental stimulation which many dogs enjoy. It allows them to exhibit natural chewing behaviors. This is especially beneficial for dogs prone to boredom.

Natural Source of Chondroitin and Glucosamine

Turkey necks contain natural chondroitin and glucosamine, compounds found in joint supplements. This may support joint health, but levels are likely too low to treat arthritis.

Promotes Satiety

The protein, fat and chewing action may help dogs feel more satisfied compared to other treats. This enables turkey necks to be used for enriching food-dispensing toys.

Potential Risks of Feeding Raw Turkey Necks

However, there are also some potential risks to be aware of when feeding raw turkey necks to dogs:

Choking Hazard

Bones pose a choking risk, especially for aggressive chewers. Always supervise your dog when providing any chew with bone content. Don’t provide turkey necks if your dog is a gulper.

Can Cause Obstructions

Raw bones can cause obstructions or perforations if they splinter and puncture the gastrointestinal tract. This requires emergency surgery. Monitor stools for bone fragments.

Contaminated with Bacteria

Raw turkey may contain pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. This poses a risk to dogs (and humans). Handle raw food safely and supervise chewing.

High in Calories

Turkey necks are relatively high in calories. Limit portions to avoid weight gain in predisposed dogs. They are too high calorie as a daily treat.

Can Cause Digestive Upset

Any new food can cause diarrhea or vomiting in sensitive dogs. Introduce slowly. Don’t feed turkey necks if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Not Suitable for All Dogs

Turkry necks are inappropriate for puppies and small dogs. They are also risky for aggressive chewers and dogs with metabolic conditions.

Feeding Guidelines for Raw Turkey Necks

If you do choose to feed your dog raw turkey necks, follow these tips:

• Introduce slowly. Start with a small portion to monitor for any digestive upset.
• Only feed raw, never cooked. Cooked bones splinter, causing internal punctures.
• Supervise at all times. This prevents hazardous situations like choking. Remove when the bone is small.
• Avoid small, sharp fragments. These can lodge in your dog’s mouth or puncture internally.
• Feed appropriate sizes for your dog. A good size match prevents choking.
• Feed outside only. Raw turkey necks can be messy. Don’t allow indoor chewing.
• Limit to one or two necks per week for dental benefits. More may cause weight gain.
• Keep other chews like bully sticks available. Variety prevents boredom.
• Monitor stool consistency. Constipation or bone fragments indicate too much bone content.
• Handle safely to prevent bacterial risks. Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.

Can Puppies Eat Turkey Necks?

Turkey necks are not suitable or safe for puppies. The size, bone content, and bacterial risks make them inappropriate for growing dogs. Wait until your puppy is fully grown before introducing turkey necks.

Puppies have very specific nutritional requirements. Feeding turkey necks may lead to an imbalance in calcium and phosphorus ratios. This can negatively impact bone and joint development.

The small, sharp turkey bone fragments also pose a choking risk and internal puncture hazard for puppies. Their gastrointestinal tracts are much more delicate than adult dogs.

For puppies, stick with an age-appropriate commercial or raw diet. Only introduce turkey necks once your dog reaches adulthood, usually between 12-18 months.

Alternatives to Raw Turkey Necks for Dogs

If you decide raw turkey necks are not suitable for your dog, consider these safer alternatives:

• Dehydrated turkey necks – Still provide dental benefits without the raw meat risks.
• Raw chicken necks – Smaller and softer bones. Better for smaller dogs.
• Bully sticks – Digestible chews that promote chewing. Avoid if your dog gulps treats.
• Antlers or horns – Naturally shed antlers provide long-lasting chewing.
• Cow ears – Contain minimal bone and are easier to digest than turkey necks.
• Dental chews – Look for VOHC-approved products clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar.
• Food-dispensing toys – Provide mental stimulation without dietary risks.

While some dogs can benefit from the dental cleaning and mental enrichment of raw turkey necks, they do come with some inherent risks. Make sure to supervise chewing at all times and introduce slowly to monitor for digestive upset. Only feed raw turkey necks occasionally and be very selective about which dogs these chews are appropriate for. When in doubt, safer chew alternatives are widely available.