can you give dogs turkey necks

Can You Give Dogs Turkey Necks? A Veterinarian’s Guide

Turkey necks have become a popular treat for dogs in recent years. They provide a meaty snack packed with protein, as well as dental and mental enrichment from all that chewing. However, with the high bone content, many vets have concerns over feeding turkey necks to dogs. So should you be giving your dog turkey necks or not? Let’s take a detailed look at the pros and cons.

What Are Turkey Necks?

Turkey necks are exactly what they sound like – the neck of a turkey. They consist of vertebrae muscle meat, cartilage tendons and the trachea. Fresh turkey necks have a high moisture content of around 60-70%. When fed raw they are an edible bone treat.

Turkey necks are also available dried, which removes most of the moisture leaving them very chewy with a jerky-like texture. Dried turkey necks are around 70% protein and 15% fat.

Potential Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs

There are some potential benefits of feeding your dog turkey necks:

• Mental Stimulation – The process of chewing provides mental enrichment. This can help relieve boredom and stress.

• Dental Health – The chewing action may help reduce tartar buildup and keep teeth clean. They are also abrasive enough to scrape plaque off the surface of teeth.

• Nutrition – Turkey necks provide protein, vitamins and minerals including calcium, phosphorus, zinc and B vitamins. The connective tissue is also a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin.

• Weight Management – Dried turkey necks are high in protein and low in carbohydrates. The protein contributes to muscle maintenance and fat burning.

Risks of Feeding Turkey Necks to Dogs

However, there are also some potential risks with feeding turkey necks that you need to be aware of:

• Choking Hazard – Gulping down large pieces of turkey neck can pose a choking risk or cause an intestinal blockage.

• Broken Teeth – Aggressive chewers may crack or break their teeth on the bones.

• Constipation – The high bone content can lead to constipation or obstruction.

• Bacteria – Raw turkey necks may contain salmonella, E. coli and other harmful bacteria.

• Perforations – Bones getting lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines could cause perforations.

• Pancreatitis – The high fat content raises the risk of pancreatitis in prone dogs.

As you can see, there are risks associated with feeding any type of bone to dogs. Some vets recommend avoiding bones altogether, while others say it’s okay in moderation for dogs that chew properly. It’s up to each pet parent to weigh up the pros and cons.

What Dogs Can Eat Turkey Necks?

Turkey necks are only suitable for medium to large breed adult dogs. The size and density of the bones make them inappropriate for small dogs or puppies.

Dogs with good chewing habits do best with turkey necks. They should chew thoroughly rather than attempting to gulp them down. You also need to monitor your dog closely the first few times to see how they handle it.

Dogs with a history of pancreatitis or gastrointestinal issues are not good candidates for turkey necks or any fatty bone treat. The high fat content and bone density may cause problems. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods or treats if your dog has any health conditions.

How to Feed Turkey Necks Safely

If you do choose to feed your dog turkey necks, follow these tips to reduce risks:

• Supervise your dog during chewing and take away the bone once it’s small enough to swallow.

• Feed outside where bacteria is less likely to spread to human living areas.

• Choose raw or dried, never cooked turkey necks. Cooked bones splinter easily.

• Feed larger breeds turkey neck bones. Size down to duck or chicken necks for smaller dogs.

• Introduce slowly and watch for signs of intestinal upset like vomiting or diarrhea.

• Only feed 1-2 times a week to avoid weight gain or constipation from too much bone.

• Prevent rapid eating by putting turkey necks in a food toy, freezing first or holding as your dog chews.

• Avoid turkey necks if your dog is an aggressive chewer or known gulper.

• Don’t substitute for balanced meals. Turkey necks should only be an occasional treat.

Talk to Your Vet First

There are valid arguments on both sides of whether dogs should eat turkey necks or not. Some dogs handle bones just fine while others may encounter problems.

To decide what is right for your individual dog, have a conversation with your vet about the pros, cons and alternatives. They can help you determine if turkey necks will be a safe and appropriate occasional treat.

If your vet gives the go-ahead, start slowly and supervise all chewing sessions. Make sure to discontinue use if you notice any signs of distress like gagging, constipation or vomiting. Reporting any concerns quickly to your vet will allow you to take prompt action to resolve them.

With the right precautions, turkey necks can provide enjoyment and health benefits. However, the risks mean they won’t be the best choice for all dogs. Consider your own dog’s chewing habits, breed size, and health conditions when making a decision. Your vet can provide tailored guidance so you can make an informed choice.