Turkey necks have become a popular treat for dogs in recent years. Many pet owners choose to feed raw or dehydrated turkey necks as an occasional chew or as part of a raw diet. But is this safe for our canine companions? This comprehensive guide will examine the benefits and risks of feeding turkey necks to help you make an informed decision.
What are Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are the whole neck of a turkey, including the vertebrae, muscle, connective tissue, and cartilage Fresh turkey necks are sold raw, either refrigerated or frozen You can also find turkey necks that have been slow air-dried to create a dehydrated chew treat.
Turkey necks can measure up to 10-12 inches long so are best suited for medium, large, and giant breed dogs. Due to their large size, turkey necks are not appropriate treats for small dogs or puppies.
Potential Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs
There are several potential benefits associated with giving your dog turkey necks
Natural Source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin
The cartilage and connective tissue in turkey necks contain glucosamine and chondroitin – compounds known to support joint health. While the quantities in turkey necks are unregulated, they can provide a natural source of these ingredients.
Promotes Dental Health
Chewing on turkey necks may help scrape away plaque and tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth The bone acts as a natural toothbrush to keep their teeth clean
Provides Mental Stimulation
Turkey necks offer dogs an engaging chew toy. Chewing satisfies their natural instinct while providing mental enrichment. This may help deter undesirable behavior caused by boredom.
Promotes Physical Activity
To fully gnaw down a turkey neck, dogs will grip it firmly with their front paws while chewing. This provides physical exercise for their neck, shoulders, and jaw.
Adds Variety to Diet
Turkey necks present a novel and appealing flavor for dogs. It gives variety beyond the standard dry kibble diet.
Potential Risks of Feeding Turkey Necks to Dogs
While turkey necks can offer benefits, there are also some risks to consider:
Can Cause Choking or Blockages
Turkey necks contain small bone fragments that can pose a choking hazard or lead to intestinal blockages or constipation if swallowed. Always supervise your dog when feeding any chew with bone.
Risk of Bacterial Contamination
Raw meat and bones may harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E.coli. While rare, these bacteria can be transmitted to humans. Always wash hands and disinfect surfaces after handling.
High in Calories
Turkey necks are relatively high in fat and calories. This can cause weight gain in dogs prone to obesity. Turkey necks are best reserved as an occasional treat.
Not Suitable for Puppies
Turkey necks are inappropriate for puppies under 1 year old. The bones can lead to nutritional imbalances in growing dogs.
May Contain Sharp Splinters
Cooked bones tend to splinter and should never be fed. While rare in raw turkey necks, splinters can damage the mouth, throat, and intestines.
Quality Varies
Not all turkey neck products are created equal. Origin, processing methods, and ingredients can vary greatly between brands.
Are Turkey Necks Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Based on the potential benefits and risks, the answer lies somewhere in the middle. When used responsibly, turkey necks can be a healthy treat for dogs. However, pet owners need to be aware of the dangers. Here are some tips for safe feeding:
- Supervise your dog at all times when eating turkey necks
- Avoid turkey necks cooked at high temperatures
- Feed appropriate sizes for your dog’s breed
- Introduce slowly and watch for signs of digestive upset
- Practice good food hygiene and wash hands after handling
- Reserve turkey necks for occasional treating, not daily meals
- Consult your vet if your dog has any underlying health conditions
The risks associated with turkey necks mean they may not be suitable for all dogs. Talk to your veterinarian about what’s appropriate for your individual dog. They can help you determine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
What to Look for When Buying Turkey Necks
When shopping for turkey necks, look for products that are:
- From a reputable brand and trusted source
- Sourced from turkeys raised humanely in good farming conditions
- Free from additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors
- Labeled as naturally air-dried at low temperatures (for dehydrated)
- Packaged in food-safe materials and clearly labeled
The best turkey necks follow high standards for quality and safety from farm to finished product. This helps reduce risks to your pet.
Alternatives to Turkey Necks for Dogs
If you decide turkey necks may not be suitable, consider these safer alternatives:
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Bully sticks – Long-lasting, fully digestible chews made from bull pizzles.
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Dental chews – Special treats formulated to reduce tartar and clean teeth. Look for VOHC-accepted products.
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Chicken necks – Similar benefits as turkey necks but smaller in size for little dogs.
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Beef trachea – A natural chew that scrapes plaque and provides enzymes.
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Tendons – Dense, flexible tendons from cattle or pigs make long-lasting chews.
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Hard rubber chew toys – Non-consumable toys designed for vigorous chewing.
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Recreational bones – Hollow sterilized bones that can be stuffed with peanut butter or treats.
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Frozen carrots or apples – Provides a healthy teeth-cleaning crunch.
Remember to introduce any new chew or treat slowly and supervise your dog. This helps avoid overindulgence that may lead to an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Turkey necks can offer nutritional variety along with dental and mental stimulation for dogs. However, the risks mean they may not be suitable for all pups. Pet owners should stay informed of both benefits and dangers. When sourced and handled safely under supervision, turkey necks can be an appropriate occasional snack. But they should never fully replace a vet-recommended diet. Consider your own dog’s size, disposition, and health before introducing this controversial treat.
Is Pure Life Raw made with human-grade ingredients?
We always source the best quality human-grade ingredients. Seriously, our pets eat better than us.
Check out our comprehensive FAQ here.
We partner with local farmers and distributors in California and pride ourselves on using meats, bones, and organs raised on pasture and grass-fed. Well never subject these fresh ingredients to HPP or pasteurization.
What are Raw Meaty Bones (RMB)?
Dogs and Cats have a nutritional requirement for calcium. Raw edible bone provides this essential mineral in a raw diet. Raw Meaty Bones are all-natural, soft, pliable bones your pet can crunch, tear through and eat. Raw Meaty bones are also rich in phosphorus, amino acids, protein, essential fatty acids, fiber, enzymes, and antioxidants. They’re great for pets with sensitive stomachs and food allergies as a single-ingredient treat. Our signature raw meal blends contain ground-up raw meaty bones mixed in. Some examples include Chicken necks, feet, Pork riblets, and Duck wings.
You can hand-feed RMB using a paper towel to encourage slower eating if necessary. It is perfectly safe and healthy for your pet to enjoy appropriately sized, non-weight-bearing raw bones. In fact, feeding RMBs provides jaw exercise, mental stimulation, and natural teeth cleaning. For teething puppies and kittens, RMBs are a great alternative to furniture and shoes!
Unless your pet has an underlying condition that prevents them from being able to chew bones (missing/fractured teeth, gulper feeding style), whole raw meaty bones are an excellent addition for them regardless of their primary source of food.
General RMB Diet Requirements based on age:
Kitten and Puppies- 17%
*Very small kittens and puppies may require ground bone until their jaws are strong
*Kittens get their adult teeth around 6 months and can move to larger bones
Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey Necks?
FAQ
Can dogs eat the turkey neck?
Can dogs eat turkey bones safely?
Is it safe to give dogs neck bones?
What is turkey neck syndrome in dogs?
Are turkey necks bad for dogs?
Additionally, turkey necks are rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which are both known to support the joint health and mobility of dogs. Turkey necks are also healthy, fully digestible chews, supporting canine gum and dental health. Aren’t Poultry Bones Dangerous for Dogs?
What meat should I never feed my dog if they have dementia?
A dog can be fed with any kind of fresh meat like chicken, pork, beef, fish or turkey. It is not advisable to feed processed meat to dogs because there are scientific studies that claim that these processed meat can increase the risk of developing dementia.
Can dogs eat raw turkey necks?
Frozen – Frozen raw turkey neck bites are good for smaller dogs. Dehydrated – This is another safe way to give this treat to dogs. Freeze Dried – This is as safe as dehydrating. Smoked – This process weakens bones and isn’t good for dogs. If your dog is used to raw feeding, raw necks don’t pose as much risk.
Can dogs eat turkey necks on Thanksgiving?
To cook turkey necks for your dog, you can boil them in water for about 30 minutes or until they are fully cooked. Make sure to remove any excess fat or skin before feeding them to your dog. Can Dogs Eat People Food, Like Turkey Necks on Thanksgiving?