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 Give Turkey Necks to Dogs? A Complete Guide
Turkey necks have become a popular treat for dogs in recent years. As the owner of a dog named Max, I often get asked if turkey necks are safe and healthy for dogs to eat. In this article, I’ll provide a complete guide to feeding turkey necks to your furry friend.
What Are Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are exactly what they sound like – the neck of a turkey. They contain bone, cartilage, muscle meat, and connective tissue. Turkey necks are larger than chicken necks, typically measuring 10-12 inches long. This makes them a better choice for medium, large, and giant breed dogs compared to smaller breeds.
Potential Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs
When served properly, turkey necks can provide the following benefits for dogs:
-
Excellent source of protein – Turkey necks contain high-quality, lean protein which is essential for building strong muscles and a healthy coat. The high protein content makes turkey necks a good occasional treat for active or growing dogs.
-
Promotes dental health – The act of chewing on a turkey neck helps scrape away tartar and plaque buildup on dogs’ teeth. This may help reduce dental disease, but doesn’t replace professional dental cleanings.
-
Provides mental enrichment – Gnawing on turkey necks satisfies dogs’ natural desire to chew. It can provide mental stimulation to relieve boredom and stress.
-
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin – These compounds are found naturally in the cartilage and connective tissue of turkey necks. They may support joint health and mobility in dogs, but the amounts are undetermined.
Potential Risks of Feeding Turkey Necks
However, there are also some potential dangers of feeding dogs turkey necks:
-
Choking hazard – Turkey necks present a choking risk, especially for aggressive chewers who try to swallow large chunks. Supervision is recommended when feeding turkey necks.
-
Gastrointestinal obstruction – Turkey neck bones may cause an intestinal blockage if a large segment is swallowed. This can require emergency surgery.
-
Salmonella/E. coli – Raw or dehydrated turkey necks may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause illness in dogs and humans. Proper food handling is essential.
-
High in fat and calories – Turkey necks are relatively high in fat. This makes them a poor choice for overweight dogs or dogs with pancreatitis.
-
Not suitable for all dogs – Turkey necks are inappropriate for puppies, dogs with dental issues, and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds.
How to Select and Prepare Turkey Necks for Your Dog
If you want to feed your dog turkey necks, follow these tips to reduce risks:
-
Source high-quality products only. Look for turkey necks from reputable USA-based brands that follow food safety protocols. Avoid unknown imports.
-
Choose the right size. Opt for necks proportionate to your dog’s body size. Large breeds can handle full turkey necks, while smaller dogs should get chicken necks.
-
Feed raw or dehydrated only. Cooked bones splinter easily and can puncture the digestive tract. Either feed raw frozen necks thawed to fridge temperature or low-temperature dried necks. Never cook them.
-
Remove seasonings/spices. Avoid turkey necks with any added flavors, herbs, onions, garlic, or salt, which are unhealthy for dogs. Plain necks only.
-
Monitor your dog. When first introducing turkey necks, supervise your dog closely to ensure proper chewing. Don’t allow aggressive swallowing of large chunks.
-
Feed occasionally. Turkey necks are high in calories, so limit to one or two times per week for average-sized dogs. Adjust quantity to maintain a healthy weight.
-
Introduce slowly. Start with small amounts of turkey neck two times per week. Gradually increase over a few weeks to avoid digestive upset.
-
Ensure access to water. Keep fresh water available when feeding turkey necks to support digestion and prevent constipation.
What About Leftover Turkey Necks from Holiday Meals?
During the holidays, many dog owners wonder if they can share leftover turkey necks from their own holiday meals. This is generally not recommended for the following reasons:
-
May contain bones – Bones become brittle when cooked at high heat and can splinter in a dog’s mouth or digestive tract.
-
Often seasoned/spiced – Many holiday turkeys are flavored with onions, garlic, rosemary, pepper, and other spices that are toxic for dogs.
-
High fat content – The skin left on holiday turkey necks is very high in fat, which can cause pancreatitis.
-
Unknown ingredients – Unless you cooked the turkey yourself, you don’t know if potentially dangerous stuffing, gravy, etc was stored inside the neck cavity.
The safest approach is to avoid feeding your dog any turkey meat, bones, or skin left over from holiday meals. The unknown ingredients and preparation methods make them too much of a risk. Talk to your vet if you have any other questions about holiday foods.
Downsides & Risks of Turkey Necks for Dogs
Turkey necks, even when dehydrated, carry the risk of contamination with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E.coli. Safe food hygiene practices, such as careful cleaning of surfaces and handwashing after handling these products are essential. Turkey necks, like any product containing bone, are also a potential choking hazard and may cause other complications including constipation and intestinal blockages.
Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs
Cleans TeethEncourage chewing may help remove plaque and tartar.
Mental Enrichment Provides mental stimulation and may help relieve stress.
The belief that chews like turkey necks help to keep our pup’s teeth clean is just one of the reasons these treats are so popular. Certainly, the action of chewing something hard may help to reduce plaque and tartar, however, there aren’t currently any studies that prove these benefits. So, though they may be of some benefit in helping to keep your dog’s teeth clean, turkey necks should not replace routine dental care and regular vet checks. Any possible benefits would also be reduced in dogs that swallow these treats quickly, with little chewing!
Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs and is both fun and stimulating for your pup. Providing an appropriate item for your dog to chew on also helps keep them away from inappropriate objects, like your shoes! Chewing can also help reduce boredom and is even believed to relieve stress. Turkey necks generally last for around 20-30 minutes, but may be less if your pup is a speedy chewer!
The cartilage and connective tissue found in natural chews, like turkey necks, contains chondroitin and glucosamine, the building blocks of cartilage. These ingredients are commonly found in supplements designed to promote joint health in dogs with osteoarthritis.
Though these ingredients may have a positive effect, there is currently no evidence available to determine the quantities present in turkey necks and whether this is clinically beneficial to dogs with joint disease. If your dog is suffering from joint problems, they require a diagnosis and treatment plan from a veterinarian.
Top Tips: Turkey Necks for Dogs | Dr. Alex Crow | PetHealthGuru | Dog Food | Veterinarian Tips |
FAQ
Can you give dogs turkey neck?
… are high in protein and offer nutritional benefits, raw turkey necks contain harmful bacterial like salmonella and can cause food poisoning in dogs when eatenSep 23, 2024
What part of turkey can dogs not eat?
Avoid feeding your dog the neck, though, as the bones inside could be dangerous.Nov 14, 2022
Can you give dogs raw neck bones?
Comments Section Raw ONLY. Raw is fine, but cooked bones can splinter. Go for it! If it’s your dog’s first time with a raw meaty bone, I’d definitely supervise the entire time your dog’s eating it. Choking is a real risk once the bone gets small enough that they think they can swallow, but they actually can’t.
What is turkey neck treat for dogs?
BJ’s Turkey Necks are not just chews, they’re a natural dental floss for your dog, helping to scrape away plaque and tartar and promoting good oral hygiene. It’s a treat that also serves as a healthy addition to a balanced meal, making it a versatile choice for your pet.
Can dogs eat turkey necks raw?
Turkey necks should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent spoilage. If feeding them raw, make sure to thaw them completely before feeding them to your dog. In conclusion, dogs can eat turkey necks, both raw and cooked, as long as they are fed in moderation and prepared properly.
Should I Feed my dog turkey necks?
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 available raw or dehydrated (air-dried). Turkey Necks provide excellent mental stimulation through chewing and may also help with dental health.
Are turkey necks safe for dogs?
Allergy-friendly trend: Turkey necks are a great option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, as they are a simple and natural protein source. If your dog has allergies to other proteins, turkey necks may be a safe alternative for them. 7.
Can dogs eat turkey necks on Thanksgiving?
To cook turkey necks for your dog, you can boil them in water for about 30 minutes or until they are fully cooked. Make sure to remove any excess fat or skin before feeding them to your dog. Can Dogs Eat People Food, Like Turkey Necks on Thanksgiving?
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!
Why do dogs eat turkey necks?
Dental health trend: Chewing on turkey necks can help keep your dog ‘s teeth clean and healthy. The act of chewing helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay. 4.