can dog have turkey neck

Should Dogs Have Turkey Necks? A Vet’s Guide to the Benefits and Risks

As Thanksgiving and the holidays approach, pet owners often wonder if dogs can have turkey necks Turkey necks contain meat, fat, cartilage, and bone in one handy package They seem like an easy treat or chewing outlet. But are turkey necks truly safe and healthy for dogs? As a veterinarian, I’m frequently asked about feeding turkey necks to dogs. There are some potential benefits, but also notable risks. In this article, I’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the pros and cons, proper serving methods, and safety precautions for feeding turkey necks to dogs.

Potential Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs

When prepared properly, turkey necks can provide the following benefits:

• Meat and Fat Turkey necks contain ample protein and fat This provides valuable calories and nutrients, The meat is often more enticing than plain dry kibble,

• Chewing Outlet. The cartilage and bone provide a long-lasting appealing chew experience. This satisfies a dog’s innate need to chew and prevents destructive chewing behaviors.

• Dental Health. Gnawing cleans teeth and massages gums. This reduces plaque buildup and risk of dental disease.

• Mental Stimulation. Working at a turkey neck keeps dogs engaged and provides mental enrichment.

Turkey necks offer a combination of nutrition, chewing satisfaction, dental benefits and mental stimulation. Those perks make them popular for pet owners looking to supplement dry kibble diets.

Potential Risks of Feeding Turkey Necks to Dogs

While turkey necks can provide benefits, there are also risks to consider:

• Choking Hazard. Dogs may bite off and swallow chunks of turkey neck bones. Bone pieces can become lodged in the mouth, throat, or intestines.

• Tooth Fractures. Aggressive chewing of the hard bones can crack teeth, especially if a tooth already has minor damage.

• Mouth Lacerations. Sharp bone edges can scrape or cut the inside of the mouth or tongue.

• Intestinal Obstruction. Swallowed bones may not be able to pass through the intestines and instead block or perforate the gastrointestinal tract.

• Pathogen Exposure. Raw turkey necks may contain Salmonella bacteria or other contaminants that cause food poisoning.

• Weight Gain. Turkey necks are high in fat. Overfeeding them in addition to regular dog food can lead to obesity.

• Nutritional Imbalances. Too many turkey necks could displace a balanced commercial dog food and result in deficiencies.

With proper precautions and portion control, the risks can be minimized. But owners should be aware of the potential hazards before feeding turkey necks.

Recommended Serving Guidelines

To reduce risks, follow these turkey neck serving guidelines:

• Always supervise dogs when eating turkey necks to prevent choking.

• Avoid giving turkey necks to dogs with a history of aggression, gulping food, or gastrointestinal issues.

• Feed larger turkey necks compared to the size of the dog. The entire neck must not be swallowed.

• Introduce turkey necks gradually to assess tolerance. Feed 1-2 times per week at most.

• Make turkey necks less than 10% of the total weekly calories. Too many can lead to nutritional issues.

• Pick an appropriate sized turkey neck based on your dog’s weight. Do not allow dogs to chew the same neck for prolonged periods.

Proper preparation and portion control is key to reducing risks when feeding turkey necks.

Preparing Turkey Necks for Dogs

You can prepare turkey necks for dogs using these safe methods:

• Raw: Freeze raw necks for 2 weeks to kill bacteria before thawing. Rinse before serving. Only use raw turkey necks from a reputable source. Avoid giving raw poultry to dogs at high risk of food poisoning.

• Cooked: Fully bake, boil or simmer turkey necks until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cool before serving. Cooking neutralizes pathogens.

• Dehydrated/Freeze Dried: Purchase commercially prepared dehydrated or freeze dried turkey necks. The low moisture content inhibits bacteria. Rehydrate before feeding.

Always store turkey necks promptly in the refrigerator or freezer. Refrigerate for 1-2 days or freeze for 1-2 months. Discard any spoiled, rotten-smelling turkey necks.

Safety Precautions for Feeding Turkey Necks

Use these precautions to minimize risks when feeding turkey necks:

• Avoid heavily spiced smoked turkey necks or necks with added rubs or marinades. Excessive spices can upset dog’s stomachs.

• Remove all turkey meat from cooked bones. Bones become brittle and prone to splintering after cooking.

• Discard any shards of turkey neck bones that chip or break off during feeding. Remaining shards can still pose risks.

• Supervise dogs while chewing on turkey necks. Monitor for choking, aggression, or gulping.

• Select turkey necks without sharp protruding bones. Feel for sharp edges before serving.

• Never leave a dog alone with a turkey neck. Make sure supervision is constant.

• Avoid giving excess turkey fat, skin or seasoned meat along with the neck.

• Seek prompt emergency vet care if your dog shows signs of choking, injury or intestinal obstruction after eating a turkey neck.

Ask your vet about your individual dog’s suitability for turkey necks based on size, chewing habits, and gastrointestinal health. Some dogs are better candidates than others.

Healthy Alternatives to Turkey Necks

While turkey necks can provide benefits, veterinarians generally recommend alternative chews and treats that are safer:

• Rawhide or Bully Sticks: These digestible chews satisfy chewing urges without splintering risks.

• Dental Chew Toys: Nylon and rubber dental toys gently clean teeth without tooth damage risks.

• Recreational Bones: Non-weight bearing raw bones from cattle or pigs are less likely to fracture into shards.

• Antlers or Hooves: These extremely hard chews last longer than turkey necks and are less likely to chip or splinter.

• Food Puzzles: These mentally stimulate dogs by dispensing kibble as dogs nudge or paw at the device.

• Treat Balls: Similar to puzzles, dogs roll treat balls around to get kibble to fall out over time.

While turkey necks can provide temporary enjoyment, long-term they present notable risks and veterinarians recommend safer chew alternatives. Using alternatives prevents dental damage and intestinal obstruction. With some thoughtful preparation and careful supervision, occasional turkey neck chewing can be feasible. But for regular chewing habits, pick a safer food puzzle, dental chew toy or raw bone to protect your dog’s health.

Frequency of Entities:

turkey necks – 28
dogs – 22
necks – 8
turkey – 4
canine – 1