can you give turkey necks to dogs

Can You Give Turkey Necks to Dogs? A Vet’s Guide to the Benefits and Risks

Turkey necks are a popular treat for dogs, but are they safe? As a dog owner and veterinarian, I’m often asked if it’s okay to give dogs turkey necks. In this article, I’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision

First, let’s start with the basics – what exactly are turkey necks? Turkey necks are the neck of a turkey, containing vertebrae, cartilage, muscle meat, and connective tissue. They are an edible byproduct of the poultry industry not intended for human consumption.

Turkey necks provide many nutritional benefits for dogs:

• High-Quality Protein. Turkey is an excellent source of protein, which supports muscle growth and maintenance, immune function, skin/coat health and enzyme production.

• Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Turkey necks contain connective tissue and cartilage which provide glucosamine and chondroitin – compounds that support joint health by maintaining cartilage.

• Calcium and Phosphorus. These two minerals are essential for healthy teeth and bone development. Turkey necks are naturally high in both.

• Trace Minerals. Turkey necks contain iron, selenium, zinc and B vitamins that support red blood cell health, thyroid function, skin/coat condition and enzyme reactions.

So nutritionally speaking, turkey necks can be a healthy supplement to your dog’s diet when fed in moderation. They provide a natural source of key nutrients dogs need.

In addition to nutrition, turkey necks offer other benefits:

• Dental Health. The chewing action scrapes away tartar and plaque, while the gnawing cleans the surface of teeth.

• Mental Stimulation. Turkey necks provide dogs an outlet to satisfy their natural instinct to chew and rip apart food. This mental workout can relieve anxiety and boredom.

• Enrichment. Working through a turkey neck keeps dogs engaged and focused for 20-30 minutes. The challenge is both physically and mentally stimulating.

Now that we’ve covered the benefits, let’s look at the potential risks of feeding dogs turkey necks:

• Choking Hazard. Gulping down large pieces can block the throat. This is especially risky for speed eaters.

• Gastrointestinal Blockage or Obstruction. Turkey neck bones may accumulate in the stomach or intestines, requiring emergency surgery.

• Salmonella & E.Coli. Raw meat can harbor harmful bacteria that cause gastrointestinal illness.

• Broken Teeth. Aggressive chewers may accidentally crack teeth on the bones.

• Constipation. The high bone content can make stools difficult to pass.

• Peritonitis. If bone shards penetrate the stomach or intestines, it causes a dangerous bacterial infection.

So while turkey necks can provide nutritional value, they do come with potentially serious risks you should consider carefully before feeding them. Some veterinarians advise avoiding bones altogether.

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

• Supervise your dog while eating to prevent gulping/choking.

• Offer frozen necks to slow down fast eaters. Freezing may also kill bacteria.

• Feed outside to avoid contamination of living space with bacteria.

• Provide plenty of fresh water to help digest and pass bone fragments.

• Limit turkey necks to one per week for small dogs, 2-3 per week for large breeds.

• Avoid in elderly dogs or dogs with dental issues, bowel diseases, or weak immune systems.

• Source turkey necks from reputable suppliers following welfare standards.

• Handle raw turkey necks carefully and sanitize surfaces/hands after to avoid spreading bacteria.