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.
As a dog owner, you likely enjoy pampering your pup with tasty treats. You may have wondered – can a dog eat turkey necks? Turkey necks can provide protein, dental benefits, and mental enrichment. But they also pose some risks. This guide covers everything you need to know about feeding turkey necks to help you make an informed decision for your dog’s health and safety.
What are Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are the entire neck of a turkey without the head skin or crop. They contain bones, cartilage, muscle meat, and connective tissue. Turkey necks are larger than chicken necks, so better suited for medium, large, and giant breed dogs.
Many advocates of raw feeding believe turkey necks are a nutritious, natural chew But others have concerns over potential choking hazards and bacterial contamination risks
Potential Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs
What are the proposed benefits of turkey necks for dogs?
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Excellent source of protein to support muscle growth and development
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Contain natural glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health
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Chewing action may help clean teeth and reduce plaque and tartar
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Mental enrichment from gnawing provides stress relief and entertainment
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Supports digestion as a source of natural enzymes
So turkey necks can offer some nutritional and behavioral upsides. But what about the risks?
Potential Dangers of Feeding Turkey Necks
Turkey necks also come with several possible health risks:
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Choking hazard from bones getting lodged in the throat
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Can cause intestinal blockages or constipation if large pieces are ingested
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Tooth fractures or enamel damage from aggressive chewing
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May contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella due to raw meat
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Nutrient imbalances from too much bone
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High in fat and calories leading to weight gain
So turkey necks do require caution. Let’s look at vet recommendations.
Veterinarian Perspectives on Feeding Turkey Necks
Due to the potential dangers, most veterinary organizations and vets advise against feeding raw turkey necks. Some expert opinions include:
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“I don’t recommend turkey necks for dogs because risks like choking and bacteria outweigh any dental or mental enrichment benefits.”
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“In moderation, turkey necks may be safe for some dogs. But careful monitoring is a must.”
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“Dogs fed turkey necks require strict supervision and hygiene practices to prevent bacterial transmission to humans.”
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“Safer chew alternatives exist offering similar benefits without the significant risks.”
So while some vets condone turkey necks in limited quantities, the general consensus is to use extreme care and consider safer options.
Healthier Alternatives to Turkey Necks
Here are some safer alternatives to provide dogs similar benefits to turkey necks:
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Dehydrated turkey neck treats – Lower bacteria risk
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Bully sticks – Long-lasting chewing
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Antlers or raw bones from beef/lamb – Less likely to splinter
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Dental chews – Reduce plaque without choking danger
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Padded food toys – Provide mental stimulation
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Joint supplements – Deliver chondroitin/glucosamine without bacteria exposure
At the end of the day, while turkey necks offer some benefits, the substantial risks warrant very careful consideration. From a safety standpoint, most vets recommend avoiding turkey necks altogether. However, some dogs may be able to eat them in moderation with proper precautions and supervision. Be sure to consult your individual vet. And if in doubt, many safer chew alternatives can deliver similar benefits for your dog’s health and happiness. Consider all factors carefully before deciding if turkey necks are appropriate for your canine companion.
Esophageal or Intestinal Foreign Body
If your dog tends to gulp their turkey neck’s whole, there is a chance it could get lodged in the esophagus. If it gets stuck here, your dog won’t be able to eat properly and they will regurgitate their food. Esophageal foreign bodies generally need a special procedure called endoscopy to retrieve them. Assuming the bones make their way into the stomach, they are not very digestible meaning they will pass through the digestive system relatively unchanged. The small bones in turkey necks can aggregate and form an intestinal blockage, which can be life-threatening, cause intestinal damage, and septicemia, and will need surgery to resolve.
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 cooked turkey necks?
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Safety first:Always cook turkey necks thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria like salmonella.
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Choking hazard:Due to the small bones, turkey necks can be a choking hazard, so ensure your dog is large enough to handle them and cut them into manageable pieces if necessary.
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Monitor while eating:Keep an eye on your dog while they are chewing on the turkey neck to intervene if needed.
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Consider your dog’s health:If your dog has dental issues or is a senior, they may not be able to chew turkey necks properly.
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Consult your vet:If you have any concerns about feeding turkey necks to your dog, always consult your veterinarian.
Which turkey bones are safe for dogs?
RAW (please note I mean raw as in uncooked) poultry bones, chicken, turkey, duck, goose etc are perfectly safe for dogs as they are soft and are very good for their teeth, as being bones they can scrape tartar off the dog’s teeth. However COOKED poultry bones must NEVER NEVER be given to dogs.
Are neck bones safe for dogs?
- Beef neck bones: Can be eaten as a meal or snack, and are suitable for large and small dogs
- Chicken necks: Good for small dogs and puppies
- Lamb neck pieces: Good for medium and large dogs
- Turkey necks: Can be eaten by large and extra large dogs, but raw turkey necks can contain salmonella
Can dogs eat necks?
They’re packed with protein and calcium, they’re crunchy and delicious, and they’re healthy for your dog.Aug 2, 2022
Can dogs eat turkey necks?
Turkey necks are a good option for dogs with allergies to other proteins such as chicken or beef. They are a simple and natural protein source that can be easily digested by dogs with food sensitivities. 6. How should turkey necks be prepared for dogs? Turkey necks can be fed raw or cooked to dogs.
Can a turkey neck be eaten raw?
Turkey necks must always be fed raw as cooked bones may splinter and cause serious problems. Unfortunately, raw meat can be contaminated with parasites and bacteria like E. Coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. Your dog could become unwell from eating raw meat.
How often should a dog eat a turkey neck?
Due to their moderate to high calorie content, turkey necks should only be given as an occasional treat to avoid unwanted weight gain. Feeding one dehydrated turkey neck 1 to 2 times a week is more than enough for a medium-sized dog. Turkey necks should not replace a complete and balanced diet and are best avoided in overweight dogs.
Are turkey necks safe to eat?
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).
What happens if you eat a turkey neck?
The small bones in turkey necks can aggregate and form an intestinal blockage, which can be life-threatening, cause intestinal damage, and septicemia, and will need surgery to resolve. Turkey necks must always be fed raw as cooked bones may splinter and cause serious problems.
Are turkey neck bones digestible?
Assuming the bones make their way into the stomach, they are not very digestible meaning they will pass through the digestive system relatively unchanged. The small bones in turkey necks can aggregate and form an intestinal blockage, which can be life-threatening, cause intestinal damage, and septicemia, and will need surgery to resolve.