Turkey necks have become a popular treat for dogs in recent years. Many pet owners are choosing to feed raw turkey necks as part of a raw diet or as an occasional chew. But are raw turkey necks safe for dogs to eat? What are the benefits and risks of feeding raw turkey necks to your canine companion? This article will cover everything you need to know about feeding raw turkey necks to dogs.
What Are Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are the whole neck of a turkey, containing the vertebrae, connective tissue, muscle meat, trachea, and esophagus. Raw turkey necks are an uncooked byproduct of the poultry industry not intended for human consumption.
Turkey necks are larger than chicken or duck necks, typically measuring around 10-12 inches long. They are best suited for medium to large breed adult dogs due to their size and high bone content.
Nutritional Benefits of Raw Turkey Necks
Raw turkey necks provide a number of nutritional benefits that make them a healthy supplement to your dog’s diet.
High-Quality Protein
Turkey necks are an excellent source of protein for dogs. Protein contains essential amino acids that support your dog’s muscles, organs, hormones, enzymes, immune system, and more. Growing puppies and active, working dogs have higher protein requirements that turkey necks can help meet.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Turkey necks contain natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, found in the cartilage and connective tissues. These compounds are known to support joint health and mobility in dogs. They may benefit dogs with arthritis or other joint problems when given regularly.
Calcium and Other Minerals
Turkey necks provide calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals like zinc, iron, copper, and selenium. Calcium and phosphorus support bone health. The trace minerals support immune system function, metabolism, enzyme production, and antioxidant status.
Vitamin B12
Turkey contains high levels of vitamin B12. This B vitamin is essential for proper cell function and energy metabolism in dogs B12 is also required for red blood cell formation
Dental Health
The chewing action on the raw turkey neck helps clean tartar and plaque off of a dog’s teeth. This provides a natural way to support your dog’s dental health.
Risks and Downsides of Raw Turkey Necks
While nutritious, some risks and downsides come with feeding raw turkey necks to dogs
Bacterial Contamination
Like any raw meat, raw turkey necks have potential for bacterial contamination from salmonella, E. coli, or other pathogenic bacteria. Proper food handling and storage is essential to reduce this risk. Dogs with compromised immune systems are most at risk of becoming sick from contaminated raw turkey necks.
Choking Hazard
The size of turkey necks combined with their bone content makes them a potential choking hazard for dogs. Supervise your dog when feeding turkey necks. Don’t allow them to swallow large chunks that could get lodged in their throat. This risk is highest for small breed dogs.
GI Obstruction
Raw bones can sometimes splinter and cause obstructions or perforations if they do not digest properly. This risk is low but possible with turkey necks bones. Monitor your dog’s stool after feeding raw turkey necks.
High Calorie
Turkey necks are relatively high in fat and calories. Too many can lead to weight gain in dogs. They are best reserved for occasional treating.
Not for Puppies
Turkey necks are unsafe for puppies under one year old. The bone content is too high for growing puppies, putting them at risk of skeletal issues. Stick with a complete and balanced puppy food.
Feeding Guidelines for Raw Turkey Necks
Follow these tips for safely feeding raw turkey necks to adult dogs:
- Introduce slowly, one at a time, to monitor for signs of digestive upset.
- Feed turkey necks frozen or partially frozen to encourage chewing before swallowing.
- Select an appropriate size neck for your dog’s breed size.
- Supervise your dog during eating to monitor chewing and prevent choking.
- Limit to one turkey neck 1-2 times per week at most as an occasional treat.
- Store uneaten necks sealed in the refrigerator for no more than 2-3 days; discard after that.
- Wash hands and prep area thoroughly after handling raw turkey necks.
Alternatives to Raw Turkey Necks
If you decide raw turkey necks are not the best option for your dog, consider these alternatives:
- Dehydrated turkey necks – Reduced bacteria risk
- Raw chicken necks – Smaller size for small dogs
- Dental chews – No choking hazard
- Recreational bones – Safer than weight-bearing bones
- Frozen chicken feet – Natural source of glucosamine/chondroitin
- Bully sticks – Digestible chewing option
While raw turkey necks provide nutritional benefits, they do come with some risks to dogs. Weigh the pros and cons carefully for your own dog. Supervise closely and feed safely if you choose to offer raw turkey necks occasionally. For higher risk dogs, safer chew alternatives are likely the better choice. Moderation and safety are key when feeding any raw meaty bones like raw turkey necks to dogs.
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.
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.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey Necks?
FAQ
Are raw turkey bones safe for dogs?
Can dogs have raw neck bones?
Are turkey necks better than chicken necks for dogs?
Are turkey necks safe?
Can dogs eat turkey necks?
Your dog has an allergy or sensitivity to turkey products. Turkey necks are not suitable for puppies due to their large size and high quantities of bone. Growing puppies have very strict requirements for calcium and phosphorus and should be fed a high-quality commercial diet that meets these standards.
Are raw turkey necks good for dogs?
Raw turkey necks have many benefits that can improve your dog’s health. Here’s a brief roundup about them. Raw turkey necks are full of beneficial nutrients. For example, they have a high protein content, which benefits animals’ health in many different ways.
Do turkey necks make up 10 percent of Raw Dog Food?
Although raw meaty bones like turkey necks only make up 10% of raw dog food, they’re an essential component of it. Without them, raw dog food would not be balanced and would cause nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional Benefits of Raw Turkey Necks
Can dogs eat turkey skin?
Turkey skin isn’t good for dogs to eat. They will love how it tastes, but it’s full of calories and could contribute to unhealthy weight gain. Turkey wings have bones that splinter and could be choking hazards. Yes, turkey necks are generally safe for dogs to eat as long as they are prepared correctly.