can dogs have turkey wings

Can Dogs Have Turkey Wings? A Detailed Guide for Pet Owners

Turkey wings are a popular treat around the holidays, but is it safe to share some with your canine companion? Many pet owners wonder, can dogs have turkey wings or will they cause harm? This meaty snack has some benefits but also comes with certain risks. Read on for a complete guide to feeding turkey wings to dogs.

What Are Turkey Wings?

Turkey wings are the actual wing portions from a turkey. They consist of bones, cartilage, skin, and meat. Turkey wings are considered a dark meat and contain more fat than white breast meat. However, the fat content is still lower than many other protein sources.

The bones in turkey wings are relatively small but very dense. The cartilage can be quite tough and rubbery. So while wings provide meat, they can present a choking hazard.

Potential Benefits of Turkey Wings for Dogs

When given properly, turkey wings can provide some benefits for dogs:

• Lean Protein Source – Turkey supplies high-quality protein needed for energy, muscle maintenance, and tissue repair. The protein in turkey is more digestible for dogs than red meats.

• Natural Glucosamine – Cartilage contains compounds like glucosamine and chondroitin that support joint health and mobility. This can aid dogs with arthritis.

• Promotes Dental Health – Gnawing meat from bones helps scrape away plaque and tartar buildup on teeth. This reduces bacteria and improves gum health.

• Enjoyable Chew – Turkey wings provide a tasty, satisfying chew. This caters to a dog’s natural desire to chew and promotes dental health.

• Low-Calorie – The white meat of turkey wings is lower in fat and calories than many other protein and meat sources. This makes it a smart choice for overweight dogs.

Potential Risks of Turkey Wings for Dogs

However, there are some potential risks and dangers associated with feeding dogs turkey wings:

• Choking Hazard – Gulping large chunks of meat or bones can lead to choking, throat obstruction and gagging. The bones increase this risk.

• Gastrointestinal Blockages or Obstructions – Turkey bones may become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestinal tract. This can require emergency surgery.

• Bone Splinters – Cooked bones tend to splinter or fracture into sharp pieces that can damage the throat, stomach or intestines.

• Internal Organ Perforations – Bones could potentially puncture or perforate the esophagus, stomach wall or intestinal lining.

• Pancreatitis – An extremely high fat content could trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. This is painful inflammation of the pancreas.

So while turkey wings can provide nutritional value, the bones pose a clear and serious choking, obstruction and injury risk. Proper preparation and portion control are imperative.

Tips for Safely Feeding Turkey Wings to Dogs

If you do wish to occasionally feed your dog turkey wings, follow these tips to reduce risks:

• Hold the wing securely and let your dog nibble off small pieces of meat. Don’t allow them to gulp large chunks.

• Remove the skin and any excess fat before feeding. Too much fat may cause pancreatitis.

• Cook turkey wings very thoroughly until the meat is extremely tender and bones are soft. This reduces splintering risks.

• Supervise closely while your dog is eating to monitor for choking, gagging or distress.

• Avoid giving turkey wings to dogs who gobble food or are aggressive chewers. Select an alternative chew treat instead.

• Only feed turkey wings occasionally, no more than once or twice a month.

• Consider deboning wings and only feeding the meat if your dog is an aggressive chewer.

• Ask your vet about the appropriate portion size for your dog’s size. Don’t exceed this.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Turkey Wing Bone

If your dog accidentally swallows a turkey wing bone:

• Stay calm. Many bones may pass through the digestive system without issue.

• Monitor your dog closely for signs of choking, pain or distress.

• Check their stool over the next 3-4 days to see if the bone passes through.

• Do not induce vomiting as the bone could further injure the throat and esophagus.

• Call your veterinarian if you notice any symptoms of obstruction or discomfort.

• Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if your dog is in extreme pain, choking or has black, tarry stools.

Signs of Trouble After Eating Turkey Wings

After consuming turkey wings, watch for these signs of potentially serious issues:

• Excessive drooling, gagging or repeated swallowing
• Whining, anxiousness or lethargy
• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
• Vomiting or dry heaving
• Blood in stool or black, tarry stool
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal pain, bloating or enlargement

Any of these symptoms, especially within 24 hours of eating turkey wings, warrant an immediate trip to the veterinarian. Time is critical with a potential obstruction or perforation.

Better and Safer Alternatives to Turkey Wings

While an occasional boneless, well-cooked turkey wing under supervision may be fine for some dogs, there are many safer chew treats and protein options including:

• Deboned turkey or chicken meat
• Turkey necks, tails or feet
• Bully sticks or tendons
• Antlers or raw bones too large to be fully ingested
• Kongs stuffed with food or peanut butter
• Dental chew toys

Talk to your veterinarian about healthier treats and chews for your unique dog. They can provide tailored recommendations based on your dog’s chewing habits, age, breed size and overall health.

The Bottom Line on Dogs and Turkey Wings