Can You Give a Dog a Turkey Neck?

Turkey necks can make a tasty treat for your dog, but there are some important things to consider before feeding them This article will cover everything you need to know about giving your dog turkey necks, including the benefits, risks, and feeding guidelines

What Are Turkey Necks?

Turkey necks are the neck of a turkey, consisting of vertebrae cartilage, connective tissue, muscle meat, trachea and esophagus. They typically measure around 10-12 inches long and weigh upwards of 1 pound.

Turkey necks are considered a byproduct of the poultry industry, as the necks are removed during processing and not used for human consumption. This makes them readily available and affordable as a nutritious pet treat.

Potential Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs

There are several reasons why turkey necks appeal to dog owners:

• Natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin: The cartilage and connective tissue provide these compounds that support joint health. The levels are not therapeutic, but may provide mild benefits.

• Promote dental health: The meat and tissue satisfy a dog’s urge to chew. The abrasive action may help remove plaque and tartar as the dog gnaws and crunches the neck.

• Mental enrichment: Working through a turkey neck keeps dogs engaged and satisfies their natural instinct to chew. It provides enjoyment and prevents boredom.

• High in protein: Turkey is an excellent source of protein for building and repairing muscles. The neck is packed with protein-rich muscle meat.

• Nutrient-dense: Turkey necks provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals like zinc, iron, selenium, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

Potential Risks of Feeding Turkey Necks

While turkey necks can make an appealing chew, there are some potential risks to consider:

• Choking hazard: Gulping or failing to adequately chew turkey neck pieces can pose a choking risk and cause airway obstruction.

• GI obstruction: Swallowed turkey neck pieces may fail to digest and accumulate in the intestines, causing a potentially serious blockage.

• Constipation: The high bone content can lead to firmer stools that are difficult to pass.

• Contamination: Raw turkey may harbor Salmonella, E. coli, or other harmful bacteria. This poses a risk to dogs if consumed and humans if handled.

• Perforation: Sharp bone fragments can potentially puncture or perforate the GI tract during digestion.

• Nutritional imbalance: Too much bone content alters the calcium-phosphorus ratio and may negatively impact bone health if given excessively.

• Pancreatitis: The high fat content may induce pancreatitis in susceptible dogs.

• Calorie overload: Turkey necks are high in calories and can quickly lead to weight gain if overfed.

Feeding Guidelines

If you want to try feeding your dog turkey necks, follow these tips to minimize risks:

• Only feed raw, never cooked. Cooking makes bones brittle and prone to splintering.

• Select an appropriate size neck. Choose hen necks for small breeds. Larger breeds can handle tom necks.

• Feed outside if possible. This contains the inevitable mess and saves your floors.

• Wash hands and disinfect surfaces. Follow food safety protocol to prevent bacterial spread after handling raw turkey necks.

• Give large necks frozen. Freezing makes the neck harder and encourages more focused chewing.

• Supervise your dog. Monitor them to ensure the neck is adequately chewed before swallowing.

• Avoid gulpers. Dogs that swallow food whole should not be given turkey necks due to obstruction risks.

• Introduce slowly. Start with small amounts of turkey neck to avoid digestive upset.

• Limit to one neck 2-3 times per week. This prevents nutritional imbalance.

• Adjust daily calories. Reduce their regular food on days when turkey necks are fed since they are high in calories.

• Never substitute regular meals. Turkey necks do not constitute balanced nutrition.

Suitable Dogs

Almost any dog can eat turkey necks with proper precautions. However, some dogs are better candidates:

• Adult dogs only. The bone content is inappropriate for growing puppies.

• Medium, large, and giant breeds. The size of a turkey neck suits these dogs best.

• Eager chewers. Dogs that will gnaw and chomp deliberately do best with bony chews.

• Healthy dogs. Those with GI issues, pancreatitis, kidney disease, etc. should avoid.

• Non-gulpers. Dogs that swallow food whole are at high risk for choking and obstruction.

Alternatives to Turkey Necks

If you decide turkey necks are not the best option for your dog, consider these safer alternatives:

• Bully sticks. Long-lasting, fully digestible beef chews.

• Antlers or hooves. Naturally shed antlers and hooves are very hard and long-lasting.

• Rawhide. Look for large chunks that require chewing and are indigestible.

• Dental chews. Look for VOHC-accepted products clinically proven to reduce tartar.

• Recreational bones. Try hollow, edible bones that dogs can consume safely.

• Stuffed Kongs. Fill a Kong with peanut butter or treats to occupy your dog for hours.

The Bottom Line

Turkey necks can supplement a dog’s diet with protein, minerals, and other nutrients. With proper precautions, many dogs can safely enjoy them as an occasional treat. However, the risks should not be taken lightly. Always use caution, select appropriate dogs, and follow feeding guidelines if offering turkey necks. For some dogs, a safer chew toy is the better choice to avoid potential choking and intestinal obstruction hazards.