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?
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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 for dogs. Their crunchy texture provides dental benefits along with mental stimulation. But with any bone treat, there are potential risks like choking and intestinal blockages. So should you be feeding turkey neck bones to your pup? Let’s dive into the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.
What are Turkey Neck Bones?
Turkey necks contain vertebrae, cartilage, muscle meat, connective tissue and the trachea. They come from the neck area of a turkey, after the head, skin and crop have been removed.
Turkey necks can measure around 10-12 inches long so are well-suited for medium to large breed dogs. Smaller breeds may struggle with the size. The bones are considered edible and fully digestible for dogs.
Benefits of Feeding Turkey Neck Bones
There are several potential benefits associated with giving your dog turkey neck bones:
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Dental health – The hardness and crunchy texture helps scrape away tartar and plaque as the dog chews This may help reduce the risk of periodontal disease
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Mental enrichment – Gnawing provides enjoyment and relieves boredom. The treat keeps your dog busy for 20-30 minutes.
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Natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine – Supports joint health The cartilage contains these compounds to support mobility,
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Contains calcium and phosphorus – Important for bone health. Helps strengthen teeth.
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High in protein and fat – Provides energy. Supports lean muscle. Better for active dogs.
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Nutrient-rich – Great source of B vitamins, zinc, iron, copper and selenium. Supports immune health.
As you can see, turkey necks offer a number of potential nutritional and health benefits for dogs beyond just being a tasty chew.
Possible Risks of Feeding Turkey Bones
However, there are some potential risks to consider:
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Choking hazard – Dogs may gulp pieces down too quickly or try to swallow large chunks. Supervision is a must.
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Tooth damage or fractured teeth – Aggressive chewers and power chewers risk cracking teeth on the hard bones.
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Constipation or obstruction – Bone fragments can clump together in the intestines or cause an impaction.
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Internal injury – Sharp bone pieces may puncture or lacerate the throat, stomach or intestinal tract.
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Contamination – Raw turkey necks risk bacterial contamination with salmonella or e.coli.
While the risks may seem alarming, most dogs can eat turkey necks safely with proper portion size and supervision. But dogs with a tendency to gulp food may be better off with an alternative chew.
Answering Key Questions on Turkey Neck Bones
To help you make the decision, here are answers to some common questions:
Are turkey neck bones safe for puppies?
No, turkey necks are unsafe for puppies. The small bones pose a significant choking threat. And growing puppies have strict calcium ratios that turkey bones can unbalance. Only feed turkey necks to dogs over 1 year old.
Can small dogs eat turkey necks?
Smaller breeds can eat turkey necks but the size may be inappropriate. Opt for chicken necks instead which are smaller. And supervise carefully since little dogs are more prone to choking.
Should you cook turkey necks for dogs?
Never cook turkey necks. High heat causes the bones to splinter which can severely damage the throat and stomach. Only feed raw or dehydrated turkey necks.
How often can dogs eat turkey necks?
Turkey necks are high in fat and calories, so limit to one or two per week as an occasional treat. Watch your dog’s weight and reduce frequency if gaining.
What about frozen turkey necks?
You can feed frozen turkey necks after thawing them first. The frozen hard bones could damage teeth. Thaw in the refrigerator until pliable but still cool.
By supervising your dog and following basic safety precautions, you can safely feed turkey neck bones in moderation. They make a nutritious raw meaty bone treat packed with nutrition. Just be cautious with aggressive chewers prone to gulping. Alternatives like bully sticks reduce choking risk. Discuss any diet changes with your veterinarian, especially for dogs with health conditions.
Other FAQs about Feeding Dogs Turkey Necks
Here are answers to some other common questions about feeding dogs turkey necks:
Can dogs eat raw turkey necks?
Yes, dogs can eat raw turkey necks as long as basic food safety precautions are followed. Raw bones are softer and less likely to splinter. Cooked bones splinter easily and are dangerous.
Is it safe to microwave turkey necks for dogs?
No, microwaving is not recommended. The uneven heating can cause the bones to partially cook, becoming brittle and more likely to fracture.
How do I thaw turkey necks safely?
Keep turkey necks frozen until ready to serve. Thaw in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours per pound. Submerge in cold water for faster thawing, changing the water every 30 minutes.
Where can I buy turkey necks for dogs?
Check with local butchers, raw pet food suppliers, or order online. Look for free-range, organic brands with animal welfare certification where possible.
Can I feed my dog a whole raw turkey neck?
A whole neck may be too much bone content in one sitting. Try portioning or cutting larger necks into smaller pieces first for safety.
Are dehydrated turkey necks safe?
Air-dried turkey necks are another good option. Avoid necks dried at high heat as the bones become brittle and prone to splintering.
The Verdict on Turkey Neck Bones
Turkey necks can make a nutritious, low-cost addition to your dog’s diet when fed responsibly. The benefits of chewing satisfaction, dental health, nutrition and enrichment often outweigh the low risks.
Supervise your dog when eating any raw bone product. Avoid overly aggressive chewers. Seek veterinary advice for dogs with medical conditions prior to feeding turkey necks.
With some basic precautions, turkey neck bones are a safe way to provide your dog with natural nutrition along with chewing entertainment. Monitor your individual dog’s eating habits and adjust as needed. Overall, turkey necks can be a healthy component of your dog’s diet when fed in moderation.
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.
Vitamins, Minerals & Compounds
Turkey necks contain calcium and phosphorus which are essential structural components of teeth and bones. Calcium is also responsible for many other vital bodily functions including hormone secretion, muscle contractions, and normal constriction and dilation of blood vessels. Turkey necks also contain high levels of B vitamins, especially vitamin B12, which is involved in the production of essential proteins and red blood cells and is also required for the reaction of several enzymes.
They also contain essential trace minerals such as iron, copper, selenium, and zinc. Zinc supports a healthy immune system and is important for maintaining healthy skin and coat. Copper aids the absorption of iron, both of which are essential for normal red blood cell function. Selenium is an antioxidant that also plays a role in thyroid function and metabolism, as well as the production of DNA. Selenium may also play a protective role in helping to prevent certain types of cancer, with preliminary studies suggesting some benefit in cases of canine prostate cancer.
Because turkey necks contain connective tissue and cartilage, they will also contain glucosamine and chondroitin, the building blocks that make up healthy cartilage. Supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin has been clinically proven to reduce the impact of osteoarthritis in affected dogs, however, their levels cannot be accurately established in turkey necks and other natural chews. If your pup is suffering from osteoarthritis, joint supplements with an established therapeutic dose of these ingredients is a better option. Joint problems including osteoarthritis need to be correctly diagnosed by a veterinarian who will then recommend a suitable treatment plan.
Turkey necks are moderate to high in calories, with dehydrated chews higher in calories per kilogram than fresh turkey necks. Expect approximately 130 calories per dehydrated turkey neck chew, which for reference would be nearly 25% of the expected daily calorie requirement for a 30lb dog!
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. If your dog has any underlying health issues like pancreatitis, diabetes, or kidney disease, it’s always best to speak to a veterinarian before changing their diet or adding in new treats.