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).
Giving your furry companion a raw turkey neck to chew on seems like a natural treat. After all, dogs are descended from wolves who ate whole prey. However, the idea of feeding raw turkey necks is controversial. While some pet owners and vets argue they provide health benefits, others warn of the risks. So what’s the verdict – should you give your dog a raw turkey neck or not? Let’s take an in-depth look at the pros and cons.
An Overview of Raw Turkey Necks
A raw turkey neck is simply the neck of a turkey without the head, skin, or crop attached. Turkey necks for dogs are usually about 10-12 inches long – larger than chicken necks and better suited for medium to giant breeds.
Raw turkey necks can be purchased fresh or frozen from grocery stores, butchers, and raw food suppliers. You can also find dried, air-dried turkey necks from some pet stores and chew retailers.
Proponents of raw feeding suggest rotating proteins is optimal so turkey necks offer variety alongside other raw meaty bones like chicken necks or pork ribs.
Potential Benefits of Raw Turkey Necks for Dogs
Promotes Dental Health
Chewing on a raw turkey neck could help scrape off plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth. The bones are soft enough not to damage enamel but still provide a scrubbing action
Of course, chewing turkey necks shouldn’t replace regular dental care and vet checks. And any benefits will be reduced if your dog gulps it down without much chewing! Still, raw turkey necks may provide some dental advantages.
Provides Mental Enrichment
Chewing satisfies a natural instinct for dogs and provides enrichment. Having an appropriate chew outlet can prevent destructive chewing behaviors. Turkey necks provide a long-lasting chew, occupying your dog for around 20-30 minutes. The chewing action may also help relieve boredom and stress.
Supports Joint Health
Turkey necks contain natural glucosamine and chondroitin from cartilage and connective tissue – the same ingredients found in joint supplements.
While the amounts in turkey necks aren’t standardized, these compounds may have a positive effect on joint health. But dogs with arthritis require prescribed treatments, not just nutritional support.
Nutrient-Rich Treat
Raw turkey necks provide a healthy dose of protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals like zinc, iron, selenium. So they can make a nutrient-dense addition to your dog’s diet.
Concerns and Potential Risks of Raw Turkey Necks
However, there are some important downsides and risks to consider before feeding raw turkey necks:
Risk of Harmful Bacteria
Raw meat carries a risk of Salmonella, E. coli and other harmful bacteria. Dried turkey necks also pose a contamination risk.
Proper food handling is crucial, especially if you have children or immunocompromised family members who are more vulnerable to illness.
Choking and Blockage Hazards
Turkey necks contain small, brittle bones that can pose choking risks or blockages in the throat, stomach or intestines. Always supervise your dog when feeding any chews.
High in Calories
Turkey necks are relatively high in calories. Too many can quickly lead to weight gain in dogs prone to obesity. They should be fed in moderation.
Not Ideal for All Dogs
Turkey necks may not be appropriate for puppies, small breeds, or dogs with digestive issues. Consult your vet before introducing them, especially if your dog has any health conditions.
Can Cause Constipation
Some dogs may experience constipation or upset stomach after eating turkey necks due to the bone content. Monitor your dog for any digestive issues.
Safety Tips When Feeding Your Dog a Raw Turkey Neck
If you want to offer your dog raw turkey necks, follow these tips to minimize risks:
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Select turkey necks sourced from reputable suppliers and approved facilities.
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Handle raw turkey necks safely using gloves and wash hands/surfaces afterwards. Defrost in sealed containers.
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Supervise your dog closely when eating to prevent choking or gulping.
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Introduce slowly and watch for any signs of digestive upset.
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Feed appropriate sizes for your dog – not too small or large.
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Only feed 1-2 necks per week as an occasional treat, not daily meals.
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Avoid in puppies, senior dogs, small breeds, or dogs with health conditions.
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Monitor stool consistency and check for constipation after feeding.
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Never feed cooked turkey necks as the bones become brittle and prone to splintering.
Alternatives to Raw Turkey Necks
If you decide raw turkey necks may not be suitable, consider these alternatives:
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Dehydrated turkey necks – lower bacterial risks
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Raw chicken necks for smaller dogs
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VOHC approved dental chews
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Bully sticks for longer-lasting chews
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Stuffable chew toys with kibble or treats
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Antlers or Himalayan chews
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Food puzzle games for mental stimulation
While some owners passionately defend feeding raw turkey necks, significant risks and downsides persist. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision after evaluating your own dog’s health, diet, and chewing habits. For dogs prone to gulping food, small breeds, puppies, or dogs with health issues, turkey necks are likely best avoided.
However, as an occasional chew for dogs that chew cautiously under supervision, raw turkey necks can offer enrichment and dental benefits. When sourced safely and fed judiciously, they may be a healthy supplemental treat in some circumstances. But a balanced commercial diet should still provide your dog’s primary nutrition. Work closely with your vet and monitor your dog’s response before making raw turkey necks a regular part of their diet.
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.
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.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey Necks?
FAQ
Can you give dogs raw turkey neck?
Dogs can eat the entire neck, but it is best to feed in moderation to avoid digestive upset. Each bag is made from approximately 15 oz of raw turkey neck.
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 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.
Can my dog eat raw turkey neck reddit?
Dogs do eat raw turkey necks. Guess you have to monitor and see how fast she eats it. If it’s too fast, then you aren’t getting the teeth cleaning you want and if you feed too often, your dog will gain weight. There are other kinds of raw bones you can try.