As you enjoy your delicious holiday meal, your pet looks at you desperately in the corner licking their chops, uncontrollably drooling and panting for a piece of your feast. We know you want them to feel apart of the festivities, why not make them something both scrumptiously tasty and good for their health as well? Here are Thanksgiving recipes for your pet to show them how grateful you are to be apart of their furry lives!
As a dog owner you want to provide your furry friend with tasty, nutritious meals. So when the holidays roll around, don’t throw away the turkey neck and giblets – cook them up for your pup! Turkey neck and giblets are full of protein vitamins, and minerals that are great for your dog’s health.
In this article I’ll walk you through exactly how to cook turkey neck and giblets to make a delicious meal your dog will love. We’ll cover
- Benefits of Feeding Turkey Neck and Giblets
- Choosing the Right Turkey Parts
- Prepping the Turkey Neck and Giblets
- Cooking Methods
- Serving Suggestions
- Storing and Reheating Tips
So let’s get cooking! Follow these steps and your dog will be begging for turkey neck and giblets all year long.
Benefits of Feeding Turkey Neck and Giblets to Your Dog
Turkey necks and giblets provide great nutritional value for your dog. Here are some of the key benefits:
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High in Protein – Turkey is a lean, low-fat source of protein which helps maintain and build your dog’s muscles. The neck and giblets are especially protein-rich.
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Packed with Vitamins and Minerals – Turkey neck and giblets contain lots of beneficial nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamins B6 and B12. These support your dog’s immune system, metabolism, skin health and more.
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Promotes Dental Health – Gnawing on a turkey neck helps scrape away tartar and plaque as your dog chews. This helps reduce bacteria and improves overall dental hygiene.
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Supports Digestion – The natural glucosamine in turkey neck and giblets helps support digestive tract health and nutrient absorption.
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Low in Calories – Turkey is a slimmer protein option compared to beef or pork, so you can feed turkey neck and giblets without weight gain worries.
With all these great benefits. it’s easy to see why cooking up turkey neck and giblets can be a healthy treat for your pup!
Choosing Turkey Neck and Giblets for Your Dog
When selecting turkey parts to cook for your dog, look for:
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Raw turkey necks – Choose necks with lots of meat and avoid ones that are mostly bone. Meaty necks provide more edible nutrition for your dog.
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Fresh, raw giblets – This includes the heart, liver and gizzard. Make sure they look moist and are not dried out.
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Unseasoned – Do not use turkey necks or giblets that have been pre-seasoned or smoked. Stick to plain, raw turkey.
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Organic or free-range – Opt for turkey from organic, free-range or pasture-raised sources when possible for higher quality nutrition.
For a medium size dog, about 1 pound of turkey necks and 1 cup of giblets is a good starting amount. Adjust quantities based on your dog’s size and appetite.
Preparing Turkey Necks and Giblets for Cooking
Before cooking, prep the turkey neck and giblets:
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Rinse – Thoroughly rinse the turkey neck and giblets under cool water to remove any dirt or debris.
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Trim – Use a knife to trim off any excess fat or membranes around the giblets.
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Separate – Cut the giblets into separate pieces if needed. You want the heart, liver and gizzard all visible.
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Check for bones – Carefully check the neck for any loose bones. Remove any you find to prevent choking hazards.
Proper prep ensures the turkey neck cooks evenly and the giblets become tender. Now let’s look at cooking methods.
How to Cook Turkey Necks and Giblets for Your Dog
There are a few different ways to cook turkey necks and giblets to make them safe and palatable for your dog.
Stovetop Simmering
Simmering on the stovetop is an easy cooking method. Here’s how:
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Place turkey neck and giblets in a pot and cover with water. Use roughly 2 cups water per 1 pound of turkey.
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Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low.
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Let the turkey neck and giblets simmer for 20-30 minutes until fully cooked. Make sure there is no pink color left.
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Drain and set aside to cool before serving.
Simmering gently cooks the turkey while keeping it moist and tender. The low heat helps extract more gelatin and flavor as well.
Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is another hands-off cooking option:
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Place prepared turkey necks and giblets in the slow cooker.
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Fill with enough water to just cover the turkey. About 2 cups per pound.
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Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours.
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When done, drain and allow to cool before feeding to your dog.
The long cook time ensures the turkey is fall-off-the-bone tender.
Oven Baked
For a crunchier texture, try baking the turkey:
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Place turkey necks and giblets in an oven-safe baking dish.
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Bake for 30-40 minutes until fully cooked.
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Let cool before serving. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
Baking gives the turkey a nice caramelized exterior while keeping the interior moist.
No matter which hands-off cooking method you choose, always check that the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures any bacteria is killed before feeding it to your dog.
Serving and Storing Cooked Turkey Neck and Giblets
Once cooked, here are some serving tips:
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Cool – Allow the cooked turkey to cool completely before feeding to your dog. Do not serve warm.
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Shred – Shred or chop the turkey neck meat into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
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Mix In – You can mix a bit of cooked turkey into your dog’s regular kibble or wet food.
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Top Off – For a tasty topping, spoon turkey gravy, broth or canned food over your dog’s meal.
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Portion – Start with small portions to avoid stomach upset when introducing.
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Refrigerate – Store any leftovers sealed in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Reheat – Leftover turkey can be quickly reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop before reserving.
With a few easy tips, you can easily incorporate healthy cooked turkey neck and giblets into your dog’s diet. Soon they’ll be licking their bowl clean!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions? Here are answers to some common queries:
Are raw turkey necks safe to feed my dog?
Raw poultry can contain salmonella and other harmful bacteria. Always cook turkey necks thoroughly before feeding to kill any potential bacteria.
Should I remove the bone from the turkey neck?
The bones help provide dental benefits. As long as you monitor your dog, the bone is okay for mostly large breeds. For small dogs, remove the bone to avoid choking risks.
What’s the best way to store cooked turkey neck and giblets?
Refrigerate cooked turkey in a sealed container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze turkey for longer storage. Defrost fully in the refrigerator before re-serving.
How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge?
Cooked turkey neck and giblets will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Discard any turkey that looks or smells spoiled after that time, even if sealed.
Can I season the turkey with herbs or spices when cooking?
Avoid seasoning with onions, garlic or salt, as these can be unhealthy for dogs. Light herbs like parsley or rosemary are okay but not necessary. Cook plain for safety.
What if my dog has an upset stomach or diarrhea after eating turkey?
Stop feeding turkey immediately and contact your veterinarian if your dog has any vomiting, diarrhea or other reaction after consuming turkey neck or giblets.
How often can I feed turkey neck and giblets to my dog?
Turkey necks and giblets can be served 1-2 times per week as a tasty, healthy treat. But monitor your dog for any digestive issues or weight gain and adjust quantities accordingly.
Probiotic Pumpkin Pies
Pumpkin is excellent for your dogs digestion. These probiotic pumpkin pies will be put to good use, especially if you aren’t the only one tempted to feed your pooch Thanksgiving table food this year! Use 16 ounces plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling), ½ of a banana, ¾ cup gluten free flour, ½ cup gluten free oatmeal, ½ cup plain low-fat yogurt, ¼ to ½ cup of water and 1-2 scoops of pre + probiotic powder for dogs. You will need a cupcake / muffin tin with liners.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit. Mix flour and oatmeal in a bowl. Slowly add water to the mixture. Be sure to add it slowly because you want the consistency of the dough to be both firm and soft enough to be pliable. Line the cupcake tin with liners. Take pieces of the dough and press into the liners. The dough should be about ½ inch thick per liner. Bake for about 8 minutes until lightly brown. Remove the crusts from the tin and allow to cool on a rack. In a separate bowl, combine the banana, yogurt, canned pumpkin and pre + probiotic powder for dogs. Mix together well. Fill each tiny crust with the probiotic pumpkin mixture. You can freeze or serve as is! We don’t recommend giving them more than 2 probiotic pumpkin pies in a day. They contain a healthy chunk of fiber to help ease digestion!
We don’t recommend feeding your cat or dog food made for humans all of the time. This can instill some bad habits. However, for the holiday, you can indulge them for the day. When preparing a turkey, there is that part which makes even the best chefs a little squeamish. The giblets are what we pull out from the turkey cavity before preparing the turkey to bake. The giblets contain the liver, kidneys, heart, gizzard and neck. Instead of just tossing them, we can turn them into a healthy treat for our pet!
Remove the turkey giblets from the turkey cavity. Be sure to not include the neck as it contains bones. If the giblets are in packaging, remove them from the packaging. Rinse the giblets thoroughly. For cats and smaller dogs, chop them into small pieces. Place the giblets in a small pot and cover with water. Bring the pot to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cook for 5 to 10 minutes. You want to be sure they are cooked through. Transfer them to a separate bowl to cool down. Mix the giblets with the recommended dosage (based on weight) of salmon + hemp oil. This natural salmon + hemp oil for pets combination contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are exceptional ingredients to reduce inflammation, boost a healthy heart and provide a shiny coat.
Immune-boosting Turkey Meatballs
Use that leftover turkey to make your pet a delicious treat! About 1 lb of leftover turkey meat will work for this recipe. Be sure to remove all of the skin and bones. Turkey skin contains too much sodium, which isn’t healthy for your cat or dog to consume. Use ½ cup rolled oats, 2 eggs, 2 tbsps plain low-fat yogurt, ¼ cup fresh parsley, 1 cup mixed veggies (carrots, peas or green beans) and 1 scoop of pre + probiotic for cats or 1 scoop of pre + probiotic powder for dogs. The powder depends on whether or not you are giving to a cat or a dog. Be sure to not give a probiotic powder made for cats to dogs and vice versa.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit. Add the leftover turkey to a food processor or blender to chop up the meat. Add rolled oats and blend together the ingredients. Next, add the eggs, yogurt and probiotic powder. Be sure they mix well enough to hold together. Transfer to a separate bowl. Mix in your veggies and parsley by hand. Roll them into 1 inch balls. Place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes. You want to be sure they are golden around the edges. Be sure they cool down before serving to your furry friends. They can last up to 5 days in the fridge. For cats and smaller dogs, you will want to cut them into smaller pieces once they are finished baking! These make the perfect immune-boosting turkey balls for your beloved pet!
We know you may be tempted to discreetly give your pet a couple of hand-outs underneath the Thanksgiving dinner table. Don’t do it! Instead utilize those leftovers or make them something special for the holiday. They will thank you for it!