Unless you’re using the turkey neck in a tasty gravy, stock, or soup, many of us can’t think of anywhere else to put them besides the trash. It might seem wasteful, but if giblets aren’t your specialty, what’s the point in keeping them?
Well, when you have a dog in the house, you may not have to scrap your scraps just yet. Turkey necks can be offered to your dog. However, feeding your dog bones is controversial and does come with some risks you should be aware of.
If you do not need the giblets after unpacking your Thanksgiving bird, we’ll discuss how and why you can give your dog turkey necks to eat, and the risks to help you decide whether to do this or not.
Turkey necks are a popular treat for dogs, offering a meaty bone that provides dental benefits. However the risks of feeding turkey necks have left many owners wondering – can a dog eat a turkey neck bone safely? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons to make an informed decision.
An Overview of Turkey Neck Bones
Turkey necks are the neck vertebrae of a turkey, usually including some muscle, fat, and cartilage. They make an enticing chew for dogs thanks to their meaty flavor and texture.
Turkey necks offer some potential benefits:
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They provide mental stimulation and satisfy dogs’ urge to chew,
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The natural abrasiveness may help clean tartar off teeth.
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They contain chondroitin and glucosamine, compounds thought to support joint health.
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Turkey is a lean, low-fat protein source.
However, there are also some notable risks with feeding turkey necks:
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Bones can fracture into sharp shards that damage the mouth or internally. Cooked bones tend to be more brittle.
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Large chunks could present a choking hazard.
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Turkey bones are prone to splintering compared to beef or lamb bones.
So are the benefits worth the risks? Let’s break it down further.
Dangers of Turkey Neck Bones
While any bone has the potential to cause problems, turkey bones are especially prone to splintering and fragmentation.
The vet clinic I work at sees frequent cases of dogs injured by turkey bones. Most common are:
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Fractured teeth and damaged gums from biting down on the bone shards.
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Painful obstructions or perforations in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines from swallowing splinters.
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Infections from bone pieces lodging in the mouth or gut.
Small dogs tend to be at greater risk as turkey necks are often too large for them to chew safely. However, incidents can occur even in medium or large dogs.
Veterinarians almost universally recommend against feeding turkey bones or any poultry bones. The risks simply outweigh any potential perks.
Safer Alternatives for Dogs to Chew
The good news is there are many safer alternatives to satisfy your dog’s desire to chew and gnaw. Here are some to consider:
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Raw meaty beef or lamb bones (knuckle or neck bones are a good size for average dogs). Always supervise.
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Higher-quality dental chews made from natural ingredients like bully sticks.
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Rubber or nylon chew toys (watch for chewing pieces off).
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Recreational raw bone products specifically formulated for safety.
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Frozen carrots or apples for a refreshing crunch.
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Stuffed Kongs or puzzle toys to engage the mind and mouth.
While no chew is 100% without risk, the above options certainly pose less danger than turkey bones. Talk to your veterinarian for specific chew recommendations based on your dog’s size, chewing habits, and dental needs.
Can Any Dog Eat Turkey Necks Safely?
For most dogs, the risks outweigh potential benefits of turkey necks. However, there are a few exceptions where they may be appropriate:
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Some raw food advocates do choose to feed turkey necks to their dogs. If going this route, select necks in proportion to your dog’s size, always supervise, and be vigilant for signs of problems.
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Certain larger breeds with a gentler chewing style may be able to consume them without issue. But proceed cautiously.
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Try offering just the cartilage end, not the bony vertebrae. The softer gristle may pose less risk.
Even then, be very selective and highly attentive during feeding. Personally, I don’t recommend turkey bones for the vast majority of dogs given the dangers. There are far safer options for canine enjoyment and health.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Turkey Bones
If your dog accidentally consumes turkey bones, don’t panic. Follow these steps:
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Check your dog’s mouth for any cuts or embedded bone pieces.
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Monitor for the next 4-5 days for signs of distress like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain.
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Feel along their belly gently to check for any tenderness or obstructions.
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Schedule a vet visit even if your dog seems fine. X-rays can check for bone fragments.
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Feed a bland diet of rice and boiled chicken until stools return to normal.
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Avoid exercise to give the GI tract rest.
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Call the vet immediately if you notice lethargy, continued vomiting, bloody stools, or other concerning symptoms. Bones can cause serious damage but early treatment greatly improves the prognosis.
While most dogs pass turkey bones without issue, it’s always smart to have your vet double check for peace of mind. And of course, try prevent access to turkey bones in the first place.
The Bottom Line: Avoid Turkey Necks
Only Feed Raw or Dehydrated Turkey Necks
Never feed your dog cooked bones. Cooking causes bones to become brittle, potentially splintering into sharp shards that could damage your dog’s mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
When left uncooked, turkey neck bones are safer to consume and retain nutrients, although as mentioned they can contain bacteria and parasites.
How to Feed Your Dog Turkey Necks
If you decide to feed turkey necks despite the risks, you should follow these guidelines. You can feed turkey neck bones to your dog in raw or dehydrated form. Freezing before feeding may help kill some pathogens.
A turkey neck can replace an entire meal, so you must watch your dog’s daily calories and give turkey necks sparingly to maintain balanced nutrition and healthy body weight.
Top Tips: Turkey Necks for Dogs | Dr. Alex Crow | PetHealthGuru | Dog Food | Veterinarian Tips |
FAQ
Can dogs eat turkey neck bone?
Yes, turkey giblets are safe for dogs when fed in moderation. They are a great source of protein and offer many other nutritional benefits.Dec 24, 2023
What happens if a dog eats turkey bones?
A dog that has ingested turkey bones may be at risk for blockages, tears in the digestive tract, and internal bleeding.
Can dogs eat cooked neck bones?
- Raw bones are generally safer than cooked bones: Cooking can make bones brittle and more likely to splinter.
- Risk of choking and intestinal damage: Small pieces of bone can get lodged in a dog’s throat or intestines, causing serious complications.
- Consider the dog’s size and chewing habits: Even if you choose to give your dog a bone, make sure it is large enough for them to not swallow whole and that they are a strong chewer.
What part of turkey can dogs not eat?
Avoid feeding your dog the neck, though, as the bones inside could be dangerous.Nov 14, 2022