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?
USA Recommendation: Northwest Naturals sourced their turkey from a USDA inspected and passed human facility in the US. Buy their freeze dried turkey necks here on Amazon >>
UK Recommendation: Anco source all their meat from the UK and Europe. Buy their turkey necks on their website >>
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).
Can You Feed Dogs Raw Turkey Necks? A Detailed Guide for Dog Owners
Turkey necks are a popular treat for dogs, offering a natural source of protein, nutrients, and a satisfying chewing experience. However, there are important factors to consider before feeding raw turkey necks to your canine companion. This detailed guide examines the benefits and potential risks of raw turkey necks for dogs, proper preparation methods, portion sizes, and tips for safe feeding.
Benefits of Raw Turkey NecksRaw turkey necks provide several nutritional and health benefits for dogs when fed properly
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Excellent Source of Protein – Turkey is a lean low-fat source of high-quality protein which helps maintain and repair muscle tissue. The amino acids in protein are essential for growth and development.
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Natural Source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin – Turkey necks contain natural amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin, which supports joint health and mobility by reducing inflammation. This makes it beneficial for dogs suffering from arthritis.
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Promotes Dental Health – The act of chewing provides abrasion to reduce tartar and plaque buildup while massaging gums. Turkey necks are a natural and edible chew.
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Provides Mental Stimulation – Gnawing and chewing a turkey neck provides physical and mental stimulation. This satisfies a dog’s natural urge to chew while preventing destructive behaviors.
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Supports Overall Health – Turkey necks provide a nutritious whole food source of protein, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and more without artificial additives or preservatives. Variety in diet improves overall health.
Potential Risks of Raw Turkey Necks
While benefits exist, there are also potential risks to consider when feeding raw turkey necks:
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Choking Hazards – Turkey necks can present a choking risk, especially for aggressive chewers and smaller dogs. It’s important to supervise your dog while eating and choose an appropriate size.
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Digestive Upset – Eating too much may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Turkey bones are high in fat so portion control is key. Introduce slowly to allow adjustment.
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Salmonella – Raw meat has potential for bacteria including Salmonella. Proper handling and storage is crucial. Dogs have a higher resistance but it still poses a risk.
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Tooth Fractures – Aggressive chewing or attempted swallowing of larger pieces could potentially fracture teeth. Inspect necks for any sharp edges or bone shards.
Proper Handling and Preparation
To minimize risks when feeding raw turkey necks:
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Source turkey necks from a reputable supplier, avoiding pre-stuffed or chemically treated products. Human grade, antibiotic-free is ideal.
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Rinse under cool water to remove debris and reduce bacteria. Pat dry.
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Visually inspect for any cracks, sharp edges, or bone fragments. Discard any questionable pieces.
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Use immediately or freeze for later use. Refrigerate thawed necks for no more than 2-3 days.
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Portion pieces appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing ability. Feed larger breeds bigger sections.
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Supervise your dog during consumption. This will prevent gulping of larger pieces.
Recommended Feeding Guidelines
The following tips will help provide raw turkey necks safely:
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Introduce slowly, starting with small amounts a couple times a week. As their tolerance increases you can feed more frequently.
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Feed larger breeds bigger sections while small breeds should be monitored closely or given less meaty areas like the thin ends.
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Limit portions to 1-2 pieces per day for a large dog. Small dogs should be fed turtle-sized portions cut from the thin vertebrae end.
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Choose pieces approximately 1 inch thick for medium dogs. The diameter should be larger than your dog’s mouth.
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Always supervise your dog while eating any chew or bone product including turkey necks.
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Discontinue feeding if you notice any vomiting, constipation, or other reactions.
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Let your veterinarian know you feed raw turkey necks so they can ensure your dog is tolerating it well.
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.
Nutritional Information for Turkey Necks
Note: The percentages don’t add up to 100% as they are averages from several data sources. Ranges are given when there is a wide variation between products. Find out more about how we calculate nutritional information >>
Turkey necks are high in protein which is essential for muscle development, healthy skin and coat, and the production of hormones and enzymes – just to name a few of its many functions! Growing puppies naturally have a higher requirement for protein than adult dogs, though highly active dogs may also benefit from extra protein in their diet. Whilst most healthy dogs will tolerate high protein treats, they are best avoided in dogs with underlying kidney or liver disease.
Turkey necks are also relatively high in fat which can be an excellent source of energy, especially for active dogs. Fat also helps to absorb and utilise fat-soluble vitamins and is a source of essential fatty acids which contribute to healthy skin and coat and reduce inflammation. Turkey necks and other high fat treats should be avoided in overweight dogs or those with pancreatitis, diabetes or gastrointestinal problems.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey Necks?
FAQ
What parts of a raw turkey can a dog eat?
While both white and dark meat portions of a turkey are safe for a dog to eat, white meat tends to be a better protein source. If you want to feed your dog a small amount of turkey to satisfy their craving without giving them too many extra calories, stick to the white meat pieces.
Can dogs eat raw necks?
Due to this information, we are recommending to all our clients not to feed any form of raw chicken, especially raw chicken necks.
Can you give dogs raw turkey bones?
Offer raw turkey bones as an occasional treat rather to help prevent potential health issues related to excessive bone consumption, such as constipation or …
Can a dog eat raw turkey necks?
If you choose to feed your dog a raw diet, you can give them raw turkey necks. However, if you prefer to feed your dog cooked food, you should fully cook the turkey necks before feeding them to your dog. To cook turkey necks for your dog, you can boil them in water for about 30 minutes or until they are fully cooked.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
What can a dog eat if he has a turkey neck?
Chicken necks: If you have a small-breed dog, these treats offer similar benefits to turkey necks but are smaller in size. Dental chews: If keeping your pup’s teeth is your primary concern, the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VHOC) has an accepted list of products that have been proven to reduce plaque and tartar.
Are turkey necks good for dogs?
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.
Can dogs eat frozen turkey necks?
If your dog eats one of those splinters, it can cause severe injuries to its throat and stomach. The same goes for frozen turkey necks, which are a lot harder. As a result, you should always thaw them properly before offering them to your pet. Raw turkey necks have many benefits that can improve your dog’s health.
Can dogs eat turkey neck bones?
Turkey necks contain small pieces of bone which are a possible choking hazard in dogs. Though turkey neck bones tend to be softer and crumble when chewed properly, some dogs will gulp them down quickly and have even been known to swallow them whole!