Turkey necks offer many nutritional benefits to a dog’s diet. They are high in protein, and contain calcium, phosphorous and other important minerals. 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.
Smoked turkey necks have become a popular treat for dogs in recent years. Their enticing smoky aroma and meaty texture makes them an appealing chew. But before giving your dog one of these tasty tidbits, it’s important to understand both the potential benefits and risks. Here is a comprehensive look at whether dogs can eat smoked turkey necks.
What are Smoked Turkey Necks?
Smoked turkey necks are whole turkey necks that have been fully cooked and smoked. The smoking process infuses the meat with delicious flavor. While too hard and chewy for humans to enjoy, they make an ideal long-lasting chew for dogs.
Commercially sold smoked turkey necks are heated to over 165°F during processing. This kills any potential bacteria and makes them safe for dogs to eat. However, some minimal risk of contamination remains from handling after smoking. Reputable suppliers follow strict protocols to minimize this risk.
Potential Benefits of Feeding Smoked Turkey Necks
When served in moderation, smoked turkey necks can provide the following benefits for dogs:
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Excellent Source of Protein – Turkey is a lean high quality protein. The protein supports muscle growth and maintenance.
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Glucosamine and Chondroitin – These compounds found in turkey cartilage and connective tissue help maintain joint health and mobility. Great for senior dogs.
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Nutrient-Rich – Turkey contains iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium and B vitamins. These support immune health, metabolism and energy levels.
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Great Chew – The tough texture provides long-lasting chewing satisfaction. Keeps dogs happily occupied and entertained.
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Dental Health – The chewing action helps scrape tartar and plaque off teeth. Freshens doggy breath too.
So when fed properly, smoked turkey necks can provide nutritional and chewing benefits for dogs.
Potential Risks of Smoked Turkey Necks for Dogs
While smoked turkey necks can make a good occasional treat, there are also some potential risks to consider:
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Choking Hazard – Like any chew, dogs may try to swallow large chunks that could lead to choking. Always monitor dogs when feeding any chews or bones.
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GI Blockage – Indigestible fragments could potentially obstruct or perforate the digestive tract if swallowed Monitor stool and vomiting when feeding
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High in Fat – The skin and dark meat contain a high amount of fat. Too much may cause pancreatitis in obese or sensitive dogs.
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Bacteria Risk – Even when smoked, there is a small chance of salmonella, listeria or other contamination. Source necks from reputable suppliers only.
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May Cause Allergies – Some dogs have sensitivities to turkey proteins. Discontinue feeding if signs of allergy develop.
So while smoked turkey necks can provide benefits, they do come with some inherent risks to dogs. Feeding properly is key to reducing these risks.
Feeding Guidelines for Smoked Turkey Necks
Follow these tips for safely incorporating smoked turkey necks into your dog’s diet:
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Introduce slowly and watch for any digestive upset. Discontinue feeding if diarrhea, vomiting or other symptoms occur.
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Supervise continuously to monitor chewing. Never leave dogs unsupervised with any chews or bones.
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Feed large whole necks only. Cut into pieces if your dog tends to gulp food. Smaller dogs may need size-appropriate pieces.
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Allow 15-20 minutes per neck. Remove when it gets small enough to swallow easily. Discard any leftover portion after the allotted time.
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Limit to one per day at most, and just a few times per week. They are high in calories and fat.
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Refrigerate unused necks for no more than 3-5 days. Discard promptly once the fat starts to spoil.
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Make sure necks come from safe, reputable source. Avoid any with an off odor or slimy appearance.
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Consider alternative chews if your dog seems unable to chew properly or digest necks.
Are Smoked Turkey Necks Cooked?
Yes, commercially sold smoked turkey necks are fully cooked during processing. The length of time and temperature used ensures they are safe for dogs to eat. Raw turkey necks can contain harmful bacteria and should never be fed to dogs.
While smoked turkey necks are cooked, they aren’t necessarily sterile. Some risk of contamination remains from handling, processing and storage after being smoked. Only purchase necks from suppliers following strict food safety protocols to minimize this risk.
Healthier Alternatives to Smoked Turkey Necks
For dogs that don’t tolerate smoked turkey necks well, some healthier chew alternatives to consider include:
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Raw Meaty Bones – Raw chicken necks, wings or turkey necks offer chewing benefits without high fat.
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Beef Marrow Bones – These edible bones provide long-lasting chewing satisfaction.
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Tendons or Hooves – naturally tough options dogs love to gnaw.
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Bully Sticks – A classic dog chew made from beef tendon.
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Antlers or Hooves – Durable, long-lasting natural chews.
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Dental Chews – Special treats formulated to clean teeth and freshen breath.
The Bottom Line: Should Dogs Have Smoked Turkey Necks?
Pet owners need to weigh the potential benefits and risks carefully. When fed in moderation alongside a nutritious dog food, smoked turkey necks can be part of a varied, balanced canine diet. But they shouldn’t become a regular meal substitute. Follow the feeding tips provided to minimize risks. And as always, check with your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice tailored to your dog’s needs.
Mental and Overall Health Benefits
Dog trainers often recommend the use of Kong toys stuffed with cream cheese or peanut butter to occupy a “busy” dog who finds too many undesirable things to do around the house. Turkey necks are fun for your dog to chew on, and a great alternative option to provide entertainment for a busy dog.
Canines who are eating a large turkey neck will often plant their front feet on the bone to fix it to the ground. This makes gnawing down a turkey neck a physical exercise involving not only their jaw muscles, but also their neck, legs, shoulders and back.
Lastly, turkey necks are an easy way to add variety to the so often monotone diet of our canines.
Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs
Raw or dehydrated turkey necks are not only safe for your dogs to eat, but they also offer many nutritional benefits to your canine’s diet, including:
- High quality protein
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
- Calcium, phosphorous, and other trace minerals
Top Tips: Turkey Necks for Dogs | Dr. Alex Crow | PetHealthGuru | Dog Food | Veterinarian Tips |
FAQ
Are smoked turkey necks good for dogs?
Feeding a cooked turkey neck to your dog can be detrimental to its health. Cooked bones, including turkey necks, can splinter and pose a choking hazard or cause internal injuries. These splinters can lead to serious issues such as: Choking: Small pieces can get lodged in the throat.
Can I give smoked turkey to my dog?
Dogs should never eat deli turkey or smoked turkey. There are a few reasons why smoked turkey and deli turkey meat are not safe for dogs to eat. First, turkey lunch meat and smoked turkey are packed full of sodium and other seasonings that, while delicious, are harmful to dogs.
Can dogs eat smoked neck bones?
Generally, yes. Smoked bones are a great addition to your dog’s diet.
Are smoked turkey necks cooked?
Are smoked turkey necks already cooked? Good question. If you buy already smoked turkey necks, then yes, they are cooked. For this recipe, you need raw turkey necks, and you’ll do the smoking to cook them.
Can dogs eat turkey necks?
Your dog has an allergy or sensitivity to turkey products. Turkey necks are not suitable for puppies due to their large size and high quantities of bone. Growing puppies have very strict requirements for calcium and phosphorus and should be fed a high-quality commercial diet that meets these standards.
Are smoked turkey necks bad for dogs?
Like smoked turkey meat, smoked turkey necks may also contain ingredients like salt, spices, and seasonings that can negatively affect your dog’s health. So it might be best to skip it and switch to better and healthier options.
Can you give a dog smoked turkey?
When giving them smoked turkey, remove the skin and bones. The bones can splinter and cause internal damage, while the skin is high in fat which can lead to different health issues. It is better to avoid feeding them smoked turkey entirely.
What happens if a dog eats smoked turkey?
Smoked turkey often goes into a brining process, which uses lots of salt for flavor and preservation. Smoked turkey and other processed deli meats like ham, bacon, sausages, or bratwurst, contain high amounts of salt, among other ingredients. When your dogs consume a large amount of salt, they can quickly become dehydrated.
Can dogs eat turkey neck splinters?
There are other risks of dogs swallowing small turkey neck splinters. If the bone fragments cut your dog’s stomach, it could cause harmful bacteria to cause an infection in their digestive tracts. You shouldn’t give your dog smoked, fried, baked, or boiled turkey necks. Yes, dogs can eat raw turkey necks.
How many turkey necks can you give a dog?
Turkey necks can be given to canines of all ages, but when feeding to a senior dog, or one who has compromised tooth health, be especially diligent in making sure they can handle the bone well. There is no specific formula how many turkey necks you can give to your dog.