Can I Give Raw Turkey Neck to My Dog?

Raw or dehydrated turkey necks are popular dog treats that offer many benefits. But some dog owners wonder, can I give raw turkey neck to my dog safely? The short answer is yes, with some precautions. This article will explain the benefits and potential risks of feeding raw turkey necks to dogs.

Why Give Raw Turkey Necks to Dogs

There are several reasons why raw turkey necks make a healthy treat for dogs

Nutrition

Raw turkey necks provide high-quality protein, an essential nutrient for dogs. The meat is nutrient dense, providing glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, phosphorus and other minerals dogs need. This supports bone, joint, dental and immune health.

Natural Chew

Dogs have an instinctual need to chew Turkey necks satisfy this urge while cleaning teeth and massaging gums The chewing action scrapes away plaque and tartar naturally. This helps maintain good dental health.

Mental Stimulation

Working through a large, meaty bone occupies dogs mentally and physically. This provides mental stimulation to alleviate boredom and anxiety. The long-lasting chew is a great boredom buster.

Weight Management

Despite their size, turkey necks are low in fat and calories compared to many commercial dog treats. The high protein content provides lasting satiety so dogs feel full. This makes turkey necks a healthy option for overweight dogs.

Safety Precautions

While turkey necks can make a tasty, nutritious treat, there are some safety guidelines to follow:

Supervise your dog while they enjoy turkey necks to prevent choking. Select an appropriate size neck for your dog’s breed.
Feed raw necks frozen or partially frozen. This forces dogs to chew slowly rather than gulping large chunks. Fully thaw before feeding dehydrated necks.
Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw turkey due to bacteria risks. Keep young kids away while your dog eats.
Introduce new treats slowly to avoid digestive upset. Limit turkey necks to one or two times per week for dogs new to raw foods.
Avoid in puppies under one year since bones may be too hard on developing teeth and jaws. Also avoid in senior dogs with dental issues.

With proper precautions, most healthy adult dogs can enjoy raw turkey necks safely. Monitor your dog’s stools and appetite when first introducing them. Discontinue use if you notice any issues.

Purchasing Quality Raw Turkey Necks

When selecting raw turkey necks, look for the following:

From a reputable source: Purchase from pet stores or online retailers that source from quality producers with high safety standards. Avoid non-pet turkey necks.
Human grade: Opt for necks approved for human consumption to ensure safety and clean processing.
Free range and antibiotic free: Choose free-range, antibiotic-free turkey when possible for optimal nutrition.
Fresh or air-dried: Select raw frozen necks or high-quality air-dried necks. Avoid smoked or cooked necks.

Checking labels for safety assurances like “USDA Inspected” can provide peace of mind. Reputable brands like Pure Life Raw source high-quality raw turkey necks specifically for pet consumption.

Selecting the Right Size

Choosing an appropriate size neck matters for your dog’s safety and enjoyment. Check package weight ranges and consider these general size guidelines:

Small breeds: Opt for necks under 1 pound, about 5-7 inches long.
Medium breeds: Choose necks 1-2 pounds and 7-9 inches long.
Large/giant breeds: Select necks over 2 pounds and 10+ inches long.

Bigger is not necessarily better. Oversized necks are more likely to cause choking. Pick a size your dog can finish comfortably. Adjust up or down based on your dog’s chewing habits.

Alternatives to Raw Turkey Necks

While raw turkey necks provide dental and mental stimulation, some dogs don’t tolerate them well. Safer alternatives provide similar benefits, including:

Chicken necks for smaller dogs
Bully sticks for moderate chewers
Antlers for aggressive chewers
Dental chews approved by VOHC
Kongs filled with wet food or peanut butter
Recreational bones like femurs and knuckles

Talk to your vet if your dog experiences vomiting, constipation or other issues after eating turkey necks. They can suggest other suitable chews or treats for your dog’s needs.

The Verdict: Yes, with Care!

The bottom line is raw turkey necks can make a healthy, natural treat for most dogs. Their meaty texture provides enjoyment along with nutritional benefits when fed properly. Take care to select an appropriate size for your dog and supervise them during chewing sessions. Introduce raw necks slowly and stick to one or two times per week. Follow basic food handling safety, and avoid giving necks to puppies or dogs with medical conditions. Overall, adding raw turkey necks to your dog’s diet in moderation offers more benefits than risks. Just use common sense to keep your dog happy and healthy while indulging their primal chewing instincts.

can i give raw turkey neck to my dog

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

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.

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

FAQ

What parts of a raw turkey can a dog eat?

The giblets (or the liver, kidneys, heart, and gizzard) are also safe for pups to eat, just make sure to cut them up into easily chewable pieces. Avoid feeding your dog the neck, though, as the bones inside could be dangerous.

Can dogs eat a raw chicken neck?

Most dogs can safely eat raw chicken necks. These raw meaty bones can be an excellent snack to keep dogs busy, clean their teeth, and prevent boredom. Plus, they’re an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus.

Can you give dogs raw neck bones?

Pork rib bones and pigtails are good raw meaty bones. For recreational bones, large bones like pork shoulder bone, pelvic bones or necks will provide plenty of chewing and teeth-cleaning fun for your dog. Caution: If you give pork necks, make sure they’re whole or in big pieces.