Can Dogs Eat Turkey Necks? Benefits and Safety Tips

Around the holidays, many dog owners wonder if they can toss their pooch a tasty turkey neck from the feast. Turkey necks can make a nutritious treat or chew for dogs. However, there are some safety precautions to follow when feeding turkey necks to avoid potential choking hazards or digestive upsets. Let’s explore the benefits of turkey necks for dogs and best practices for safe feeding.

Nutritional Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs

Turkey necks provide dogs with many nutritional benefits

Protein – Turkey is a high quality source of lean protein to support muscle growth and maintenance, The neck area in particular provides plenty of muscle meat,
Chondroitin and Glucosamine – These compounds support joint health and are found naturally in the cartilage and connective tissues of the neck
Minerals – Turkey necks provide iron, zinc, selenium, phosphorus and other minerals dogs need.
Dental Health – Gnawing cleans teeth and massages gums.
Mental Stimulation – Working on a turkey neck prevents boredom.

So turkey necks can be a healthy way to supplement your dog’s diet while providing enjoyment. But there are some safety considerations.

Safety Tips for Feeding Turkey Necks to Dogs

To safely feed turkey necks:

Monitor chewing and remove when the neck gets small enough to swallow.
Cut the neck into smaller pieces if your dog gulps food.
Avoid feeding raw necks which carry a risk of salmonella. Cook thoroughly.
Introduce new treats slowly in case they cause an upset stomach.
Supervise pets when giving any chew treats to prevent choking.
Don’t feed turkey bones which can splinter and puncture internal organs. Only feed the meat and cartilage of the neck.

Best Candidates for Turkey Necks

Turkey necks are great for:

Puppies – Good for teething young dogs to relieve sore gums.
Small/medium breeds – The right size for smaller jaws.
Powerful chewers – Large, muscular dogs can demolish turkey necks safely.
Active dogs – The high protein supports energetic dogs.

Dogs with the following conditions should avoid turkey necks:

Aggressive chewers – Gulping chunks poses a choking risk.
Seniors with dental issues – Difficulty chewing makes necks unsafe.
Obesity – Turkey necks are high calorie.
Food allergies – Some dogs are allergic to poultry.

How Much Turkey Neck to Feed Dogs

There’s no set formula for how much turkey neck to feed dogs. Start with a quarter or half neck and adjust amounts based on your dog’s size, appetite, and ability to chew properly. Monitor your dog to ensure the size of the pieces they bite or tear off are safe to swallow.

For dogs that wolf down food, slice necks before serving into pieces too large to be swallowed whole. Avoid overfeeding to prevent gastrointestinal issues. Introduce turkey necks gradually along with your dog’s regular diet.

Delicious and Nutritious Holiday Treat

When shared safely and in moderation, turkey necks can provide dogs with a tasty source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and natural joint supplements. Be sure to monitor your pet anytime you give chew treats like turkey necks and ask your veterinarian if they are appropriate for your dog. With some care and common sense, turkey necks can be a nutritious holiday bonus.

can a dog eat the turkey neck

How should I add Raw Meaty Bones to my dog’s diet?

For Adult dogs and cats, you can offer raw meaty bones as an occasional treat in addition to their regular meals. We recommend starting with 1-2x per week.

If you have a puppy or kitten, we recommend booking a consultation to work out a custom feeding plan on how many and which bones to add to our signature meals on a daily basis.

Where do you source from?

We partner with local farmers and distributors in California and pride ourselves on using meats, bones, and organs raised on pasture and grass-fed. Well never subject these fresh ingredients to HPP or pasteurization.

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

FAQ

What part of turkey can dogs not eat?

Remove turkey skin: Too much fat (from the skin itself, plus whatever butter or oil was used for roasting or frying) and seasonings are dangerous for dogs. High fat content can cause pancreatitis, while all the extra spices and seasonings can irritate your dog’s stomach.

Is turkey neck safe to eat?

If you’ve ever had turkey necks before, you’ll know that they can sometimes be a little bit tough if you don’t cook them correctly. If you deep fry them, then it’s usually no problem and they’ll be delicious! However, if you stew, or braise them, then the key is a long cooking time with lots of liquid.

Can dogs eat neck bone meat?

Beef neck bones are generally safe for dogs to eat, as long as they are properly cooked and served in appropriate portions. Cooking the bones helps soften them and reduces the risk of splintering, which can be harmful to dogs.

What is turkey neck syndrome in dogs?

This rare genetic disorder is known as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome but is also known as cutaneous asthenia. It’s a connective tissue disease where the skin is exceedingly extensible, causing visible sagging around the neck, shoulder, and back area, along with other signs such as joint laxity and ocular abnormalities.

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 necks on Thanksgiving?

To cook turkey necks for your dog, you can boil them in water for about 30 minutes or until they are fully cooked. Make sure to remove any excess fat or skin before feeding them to your dog. Can Dogs Eat People Food, Like Turkey Necks on Thanksgiving?

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 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.