Can You Feed Dogs Raw Turkey Necks?

Raw turkey necks have become a popular treat and addition to raw diets for dogs. But are raw turkey necks safe for dogs to eat? Let’s take a closer look at the potential benefits and risks of feeding raw turkey necks to dogs.

What are Raw Turkey Necks?

Raw turkey necks are the entire neck of a turkey, including the vertebrae, cartilage, muscle meat, and connective tissue. They are an unprocessed meat product that comes straight from the poultry processing facility.

Raw turkey necks are not cooked or processed in any way. This differs from dried, smoked, or cooked turkey necks which have undergone processing methods to preserve them or alter their structure.

Raw turkey necks for dogs are typically sold fresh or frozen and can be purchased from various raw dog food suppliers, butchers, and sometimes even supermarkets. They may come straight from the turkey processing plant or be segmented into smaller portions beforehand.

Potential Benefits of Raw Turkey Necks

When fed appropriately raw turkey necks can provide some potential nutritional and health benefits for dogs

• High-quality protein source – Turkey is an excellent source of complete, highly bioavailable protein that provides amino acids dogs need for cellular repair and maintenance. The protein in raw turkey necks may be better absorbed than cooked formulations.

• Glucosamine and chondroitin – Turkey necks contain natural levels of glucosamine and chondroitin which are compounds vital for healthy cartilage. This may support joint health when fed regularly.

• Calcium and phosphorus – Turkey bones are an appropriate ratio of calcium to phosphorus for healthy bone development and maintenance.

• Dental health – Chewing raw turkey necks may help scrape plaque and tartar off teeth and exercise jaw muscles,

• Mental enrichment – Working through a raw turkey neck provides mental stimulation and satisfies dogs’ natural desire to chew.

• Natural source of nutrients – Raw turkey contains omega fatty acids, B vitamins, iron, zinc, magnesium and other trace minerals.

So when fed properly and safely, raw turkey necks can be a beneficial occasional addition to most dogs’ diets, providing nutritional variety and enrichment.

Are There Any Risks With Raw Turkey Necks?

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

• Choking hazard – Turkey necks present a choking risk, especially for aggressive chewers. Pieces may break off and become stuck. Supervision is imperative.

• GI obstruction – Swallowed bones could potentially cause an intestinal blockage or perforation.

• Bacterial contamination – Raw meat carries risks of salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria that can cause illness in dogs and humans. Proper food handling is crucial.

• High fat content – The high fat content of turkey skin and meat could cause pancreatitis in prone dogs. Remove skin before feeding.

• Nutritional imbalance – Feeding too many turkey necks could lead to an imbalance of calcium, phosphorus, or other nutrients in the overall diet.

So while raw turkey necks can make an excellent occasional treat or addition to a complete and balanced raw diet, there are some risks to consider. Being aware of these risks and taking precautions can help make raw turkey necks a safe choice.

Are Raw Turkey Necks Safe for Puppies?

Most experts recommend waiting until puppies are at least 6 months to 1 year before introducing raw turkey necks.

The reasons raw turkey necks may not be suitable for puppies include:

• Their developing teeth and jaws may not be strong enough to properly chew and consume raw turkey necks.

• The size of even cut-up necks may pose a significant choking hazard.

• Growing puppies have precise nutritional requirements and the high bone content of turkey necks could lead to an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus ratios.

• Their developing immune systems may be more susceptible to bacteria present on raw meat.

For puppies, an appropriate sized raw meaty bone, such as a chicken neck or wing, would be safer to start with under supervision. Otherwise, it’s best to wait until they are older before introducing turkey necks.

How to Feed Raw Turkey Necks Safely

If you do choose to feed raw turkey necks, follow these tips for safe preparation and feeding:

• Carefully inspect each neck for any bone splinters or pieces that could cause injury. Rinse well.

• Feed necks partially frozen or semi-thawed to prevent aggressive gulping and choking. Never feed when fully frozen.

• Hold the neck steady for your dog while they start chewing to prevent choking.

• Supervise continuously while your dog eats to monitor chewing and avoid gulping large pieces.

• introduce necks gradually starting with softer bones like chicken if your dog is inexperienced with raw meaty bones.

• Feed outside or in an easy-to-sanitize area to prevent bacteria exposure. Disinfect surfaces after feeding.

• Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling raw turkey necks to prevent bacterial transmission.

• Remove turkey skin before feeding to reduce fat content and risk of pancreatitis.

Following basic raw food handling safety guidelines and supervising carefully can allow you to feed raw turkey necks while minimizing risks. But they may not be appropriate for all dogs, especially puppies or dogs prone to aggression and gulping food.

How Often Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey Necks?

It’s recommended to limit raw turkey necks to no more than one or two times per week for most adult dogs. Puppies should not be fed turkey necks until at least 6-12 months old depending on breed size.

Here are some general raw turkey neck feeding guidelines:

• Small breed dogs: Feed half a turkey neck 1-2 times weekly.

• Medium breed dogs: Feed 1 turkey neck 1-2 times weekly.

• Large breed dogs: Feed 1-2 turkey necks 1-2 times weekly.

• Limit to 1 neck per day for all size dogs.

• Do not feed turkey necks two days consecutively. Space out feedings.

• Avoid feeding turkey necks more than 2 times per week total.

• Do not replace balanced meals with turkey necks. Only feed as a snack, enrichment, or part of a complete raw diet.

Monitor your individual dog’s tolerance, chewing habits, and stool quality when first introducing turkey necks to determine the optimal feeding frequency for them. Then stick to a consistent routine for the best results.

Signs Your Dog Shouldn’t Have Turkey Necks

While many dogs enjoy raw turkey necks without issue, they are not appropriate for all dogs. Avoid feeding raw turkey necks if your dog has:

• Experienced vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation after eating turkey necks in the past.

• Passed a turkey neck partially digested or whole in stool.

• Previous instances of attempting to gulp down turkey necks without chewing.

• Ever had an intestinal obstruction, perforation, or major gastrointestinal surgery.

• Problems with aggression around food or high prey drive that may lead to gulping hazard.

• Known intolerance to poultry or turkey.

• Sensitive stomach that is prone to pancreatitis or other issues.

• History of illness from raw meat in the past.

If your dog has any of these issues, it’s better to avoid raw turkey necks entirely. There are many other alternatives to provide enrichment and nutrition without the risks.

Alternatives to Raw Turkey Necks

Some safer alternatives to raw turkey necks for dogs include:

• Raw meaty bones from softer, edible bone sources like chicken, duck, or rabbit.

• Dehydrated turkey necks – provide chewing benefits without the same choking and bacterial risks.

• Dental chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for plaque and tartar reduction.

• Antlers, horns, hooves, and other harder chews for powerful chewers.

• Food puzzle toys stuffed with kibble or treats to provide mental stimulation at mealtimes.

• Raw or cooked boneless turkey meat without skin to reduce fat while still providing protein benefits.

• Play sessions, walks, training classes and other forms of exercise and mental enrichment.

There are many options that can provide similar benefits to raw turkey necks for dogs without some of the more serious risks involved. Focus on each individual dog’s needs to determine the best alternatives.

When fed properly, raw turkey necks can provide nutritional variety and enrichment for many dogs as an occasional treat. But the risks of choking, illness from bacteria, and nutritional imbalance mean raw turkey necks may not be suitable for all dogs, especially puppies. By supervising closely, following food safety guidelines, and monitoring your dog’s individual tolerance, raw turkey necks may be able to be fed safely in moderation to most healthy adult dogs. But pet owners should consider the alternatives and consult their vet if unsure about feeding raw turkey necks to their dog.