Turkey necks for dogs have become a popular chew, with many pet owners choosing to feed them as a treat or part of a raw diet. So, what are turkey necks? What are the benefits of feeding them and are they safe for dogs?
USA Recommendation: Northwest Naturals sourced their turkey from a USDA inspected and passed human facility in the US. Buy their freeze dried turkey necks here on Amazon >>
UK Recommendation: Anco source all their meat from the UK and Europe. Buy their turkey necks on their website >>
This article will help you to understand the pros and cons of feeding turkey necks so you can make an informed decision before choosing to feed them to your dog.
Turkey Necks are moderate to high in calories and should be fed occasionally as a treat.
There are several risks associated with feeding Turkey Necks including bacterial contamination, intestinal blockages, constipation, and choking.
Turkey necks are a by-product of the meat industry, where welfare standards may vary so try to buy free-range products with animal welfare accreditation (RSPCA, Red Tractor, Soil Association).
Turkey necks have become a popular treat and chew for dogs They provide mental stimulation, dental benefits, and nutrition However, there are also potential risks to be aware of when feeding turkey necks to dogs. This article provides a complete guide to the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision about whether turkey necks are suitable for your canine companion.
What are Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are the neck of a turkey, including the vertebrae, cartilage, connective tissue and some meat. They are considered a byproduct of the poultry industry and not intended for human consumption. Turkey necks are usually 10-12 inches long and larger than chicken necks, making them better suited for medium to giant breed dogs.
Turkey necks can be fed raw, dehydrated, frozen or freeze-dried. Many pet owners choose to feed them occasionally as a treat, chew, or as part of a raw food diet.
Potential Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs
There are several potential benefits associated with feeding dogs turkey necks
-
Dental Health – The chewing action may help remove tartar and plaque. However, turkey necks should not replace regular dental care.
-
Mental Stimulation – Turkey necks provide dogs with something enjoyable to chew, which can relieve boredom and stress.
-
Nutrition – Turkey necks provide protein, calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, chondroitin, and other nutrients.
-
Joint Health – Glucosamine and chondroitin may support joint health, but therapeutic supplements are better for dogs with arthritis.
-
Weight Management – Turkey necks can be fed in place of some regular food to prevent overeating.
Potential Risks of Turkey Necks for Dogs
While turkey necks can provide benefits, there are also potential risks:
-
Choking Hazard – Dogs may gulp pieces of bone, leading to choking. Supervision is required.
-
Bacterial Contamination – Raw turkey necks risk Salmonella, E. Coli and other bacteria. Cooked is safer.
-
Gastrointestinal Upset – Too much bone can cause constipation or blockages. Limit turkey necks to occasional treats.
-
High Calorie – Turkey necks are high in fat and calories. Avoid overfeeding.
-
Tooth Fractures – Aggressive chewers may crack teeth on turkey necks. Supervise chewing.
-
Pancreatitis – The high fat content may cause pancreatitis in susceptible dogs.
-
Allergies – Some dogs may be allergic or intolerant to turkey. Monitor for symptoms.
Safe Feeding Guidelines
If feeding your dog turkey necks, follow these tips:
-
Provide the appropriate size neck for your dog’s breed. Avoid giving to puppies.
-
Supervise closely to monitor chewing and prevent rapid eating.
-
Feed turkey necks raw or dehydrated only. Never give cooked bones.
-
Introduce slowly if your dog is not used to raw food or bones.
-
Avoid seasoned turkey necks or those with added ingredients.
-
Feed turkey necks occasionally, not daily. Limit to 1-2 necks per week.
-
Monitor stool for constipation and discontinue use if issues arise.
-
Never leave dogs unsupervised with any chews or bones.
Alternatives to Turkey Necks
If you decide turkey necks may not be suitable, some alternatives to consider include:
-
Raw chicken necks for smaller dogs
-
Bully sticks for chewing and dental benefits
-
VOHC approved dental chews
-
Stuffed Kongs or puzzle toys for mental stimulation
-
Low-fat training treats for occasional rewards
Turkey necks can provide nutritional, dental, and mental enrichment benefits for dogs. However, they do carry risks around choking and bacterial contamination. By supervising consumption, feeding them raw or dehydrated only, and limiting to occasional treats, turkey necks can be fed safely to most healthy adult dogs. Consider your individual dog’s breed, chewing habits, and health before deciding if turkey necks are a good option.
FAQs
Are turkey necks safe for dogs?
Turkey necks can be safe for dogs but do carry some risks. Supervised feeding of raw or dehydrated necks is recommended. Avoid giving cooked turkey necks.
What nutrients are in turkey necks?
Turkey necks provide protein, calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, chondroitin, B vitamins, iron, zinc, and selenium. They are also moderately high in fat and calories.
Can puppies have turkey necks?
Turkey necks are not recommended for puppies as they present a choking risk and can lead to an imbalance in calcium and phosphorus intake.
How often can dogs eat turkey necks?
Turkey necks should only be fed occasionally, around 1-2 times per week at most. They are quite fatty and high in calories.
Are dehydrated turkey necks safe?
Dehydrated or freeze-dried turkey necks are safer options than raw. Ensure they are air-dried at low temperatures and not cooked, which makes the bones brittle.
Can small dogs have turkey necks?
Chicken necks are safer for small breed dogs. Even dehydrated turkey necks may be too large and dense for small dogs, presenting a choking risk.
By understanding the benefits and risks, you can make an informed decision about incorporating turkey necks into your dog’s diet. Focus on safe feeding practices and moderation when giving turkey necks to dogs.
Nutritional Information for Turkey Necks
Note: The percentages don’t add up to 100% as they are averages from several data sources. Ranges are given when there is a wide variation between products. Find out more about how we calculate nutritional information >>
Turkey necks are high in protein which is essential for muscle development, healthy skin and coat, and the production of hormones and enzymes – just to name a few of its many functions! Growing puppies naturally have a higher requirement for protein than adult dogs, though highly active dogs may also benefit from extra protein in their diet. Whilst most healthy dogs will tolerate high protein treats, they are best avoided in dogs with underlying kidney or liver disease.
Turkey necks are also relatively high in fat which can be an excellent source of energy, especially for active dogs. Fat also helps to absorb and utilise fat-soluble vitamins and is a source of essential fatty acids which contribute to healthy skin and coat and reduce inflammation. Turkey necks and other high fat treats should be avoided in overweight dogs or those with pancreatitis, diabetes or gastrointestinal problems.
What Are Turkey Necks?
As the name suggests, turkey necks refer to the entire neck of the turkey, without the head, skin, or crop (a muscular pouch that stores food). The neck contains the spine (including the bones or vertebrae), the trachea (windpipe), muscle, and connective tissue.
Turkey necks can measure up to 10-12 inches or so in length, are larger than both duck and chicken necks, and may be better suited to medium, large, or giant breed dogs.
There are five countries responsible for 80% of turkey meat production across the EU — the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Poland. Turkey meat produced in the UK, including turkey necks, is usually clearly labelled or can be easily traced to its source. Turkey necks are considered a by-product of the poultry meat industry and are not intended for human consumption.
When purchasing turkey necks or turkey meat products, try to look out for farms that are free-range with a high standard of animal welfare. These products will have received accreditations from organisations like the RSPCA, Red Tractor and the Soil Association, meaning they meet strict farming and animal welfare standards.
There are two main types of turkey necks available as treats for dogs, dehydrated and raw. Dehydrated turkey neck products are usually slowly air-dried, but make sure to check the processing method before you buy. Products that have been dried at high temperatures should be avoided as this can make the bones more brittle and prone to shattering, risking serious injury to your dog’s mouth, throat, and gut. Dehydrated turkey necks can be purchased both from pet stores and online retailers.
Raw turkey necks are available fresh or frozen from butchers, supermarkets, and even online from raw pet food websites. As with any raw meat product, it’s essential to follow strict hygiene and food safety practices. Fresh turkey necks should only be fed raw and never cooked, as cooking increases the risk of the bones shattering and can cause serious injury, as previously discussed.
Some pet owners choose to feed raw turkey necks to their dogs as treats or as part of a raw diet. This article is not designed to discuss raw feeding in-depth, only the use of these products as an occasional treat.
However, pet owners that choose to feed raw need to be aware of the risk of contamination with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E.coli. E.coli has been linked to severe illness and even death in humans, and immunocompromised family members and children are considered to be at higher risk.
The following links contain more information on raw food safety and answers to frequently asked questions about raw feeding dogs.