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).
Cooking a turkey neck for your dog can be a nutritious way to add variety to their diet. Turkey necks provide protein, minerals like calcium and phosphorus, and other important nutrients.
When preparing a turkey neck for your dog, there are some key steps to follow. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to choose prepare cook, and serve turkey necks to provide your dog with a tasty and healthy treat.
Choosing a Turkey Neck
When selecting a turkey neck for your dog, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind:
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Source Purchase turkey necks from a reputable supplier local butcher, or turkey farm. Avoid raw turkey necks from the grocery store, as these are not regulated for raw consumption.
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Freshness: Select turkey necks that look and smell fresh. Avoid necks with an off-putting odor.
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Size: Choose an appropriate size neck for your dog. Larger breeds can handle a whole neck, while smaller dogs may need a half or quartered neck.
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Bone safety: Only feed turkey necks if your dog is used to eating raw bones. Cooked bones become brittle and can splinter.
Once you’ve selected a fresh, meaty turkey neck, it’s time to prepare it for cooking.
Preparing the Turkey Neck
Before cooking a turkey neck, you’ll need to clean and trim it:
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Rinse: Thoroughly rinse the turkey neck under cool running water to remove any blood, feathers, or debris.
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Trim: Using a sharp knife, trim off any excess fat or skin. Too much fat can upset your dog’s stomach.
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Portion: If needed, cut the neck into an appropriately sized portion based on your dog’s size. Cut across the bones rather than along them.
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Pat Dry: Pat the turkey neck dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps it brown evenly.
Proper preparation removes impurities and customizes the neck for your dog’s needs. Now, it’s ready for cooking.
Cooking the Turkey Neck
When cooking a turkey neck for your dog, there are two easy methods:
Stovetop Simmering
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Place the trimmed, portioned neck in a pot and cover with water by 2-3 inches.
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Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
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Simmer for 30 minutes per pound of neck until the meat is fully cooked.
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Allow the neck to cool in the broth before serving. Reserve broth for adding moisture to your dog’s meals.
Oven Roasting
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Place neck on a baking sheet lined with foil or a baking mat.
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Roast for 15 minutes per pound until completely cooked through. An instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 165°F.
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Allow the neck to rest and cool before handling. The bones will be more brittle after cooking.
These cooking methods make the neck fully safe for your dog to enjoy.
Serving Turkey Necks to Your Dog
Once cooked, turkey necks can be served to your dog in different ways:
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On its own: Offer as a standalone treat or portion of a meal. Let your dog gnaw and nibble the meat off the bone.
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Mixed in: Chop or shred cooked neck meat and mix it into your dog’s regular kibble or wet food.
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With gravy: Pour some of the cooking liquid over the neck or mix it into your dog’s food to add flavor and moisture.
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As training treats: Cut cooked neck meat into bite-size training treats. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Monitor your dog closely the first few times to ensure they can handle turkey necks. Introduce new foods gradually.
Tips for Cooking Turkey Necks
Keep these tips in mind when preparing turkey necks:
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Only feed cooked, not raw, turkey necks to avoid bacteria.
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Roast or simmer fully until the meat reaches 165°F.
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Cool necks completely before cutting or shredding to prevent splintering.
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Always supervise your dog while eating to prevent choking.
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Introduce new foods slowly and in moderation.
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Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.
With proper preparation and cooking, turkey necks can be a tasty and healthy treat your dog will love. The nutritional benefits of turkey necks make them worth the extra effort. Follow this guide for safe and easy turkey neck cooking.
Nutritional Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs
Turkey necks provide a powerhouse of nutrients for dogs, including:
Protein
Turkey is an excellent source of lean, low-fat protein to support muscle growth and maintenance. The meat contains all the essential amino acids dogs require.
Calcium and Phosphorus
The bones in turkey necks provide a natural balance of calcium and phosphorus, important minerals for bone health.
Chondroitin and Glucosamine
These compounds found naturally in turkey bones and cartilage can help support joint health and mobility.
B Vitamins
Turkey contains several important B vitamins including niacin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid to support energy metabolism.
Iron and Zinc
Minerals like iron and zinc found in turkey are vital for oxygen transport in the blood and immune system function.
Healthy Fats
Though low in fat overall, turkey necks contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish skin and coat health.
When fed in moderation as an occasional treat, turkey necks are a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are raw turkey necks safe to feed dogs?
Raw turkey necks may contain harmful bacteria like salmonella. It’s safest to only feed dogs fully cooked turkey necks, not raw.
Should I give a whole turkey neck or cut portion?
For larger dogs, you can serve an appropriately sized whole neck. Small and medium breeds may do better with half or quarter neck portions.
How often can dogs eat turkey necks?
Turkey necks are rich, so limit to one or two small necks per week. Too much can lead to digestive upset or nutritional imbalance.
What if my dog can’t handle bones?
If your dog is unable to safely digest raw bones, you can bake or boil turkey necks to soften them first before feeding.
Can I feed turkey neck bones after cooking?
No, cooked bones become dry and brittle. This increases the risk of splintering and digestive obstruction. Always supervise.
With proper precautions, turkey necks make an excellent occasional treat for dogs. Follow the tips in this guide for safe preparation and cooking. Your dog will enjoy the delicious meat and healthy nutrients in every bite.
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.
Bacterial contamination (including Salmonella and E.coli)
Raw meat and bones may be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E.Coli that can cause illness in dogs, particularly if they have an underlying illness or are immunocompromised (e.g. undergoing chemotherapy). Air-dried treats, like dehydrated turkey necks, still risk contamination with these bacteria.
Even if your dog does not show any signs of illness, bacterial infection can still be transmitted to humans during close contact. Young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised family members are at higher risk of becoming ill. If your pup or your family is considered high-risk, it might be best to avoid feeding turkey necks and look for other alternatives instead.
Otherwise, make sure to follow strict food hygiene practices including washing your hands regularly after handling treats and petting your dog.
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!
If a large piece is swallowed it could become stuck in the oesophagus on the way down to the stomach, or even lodged at the back of the throat. If a small piece of bone makes its way into the trachea (windpipe) this is an emergency as your dog will struggle to breathe. This is an important reason why your pup should be supervised closely when eating any type of chewable treat.
Choosing the right size chew to suit your dog can also help reduce risk, with turkey necks being better suited to medium, large, or giant breed dogs.
Poorly digested bone fragments can cause constipation in dogs which may vary from mild to severe. In severe cases, evacuation may be required and your vet will need to perform an enema under general anaesthetic.
Sharp bone fragments can also cause trauma to the intestines and gastrointestinal tract and even life-threatening perforation, which is why cooked bones should never be fed to dogs as they are more likely to splinter.
In some cases, large pieces of bone may also cause a blockage (obstruction) in the stomach or intestines. This is considered an emergency and requires urgent surgery to remove the obstruction.
- Your dog is overweight as turkey necks are moderate to high in calories. If you think your dog may be overweight, please consult your veterinarian for a weight loss plan.
- Your dog has an underlying illness such as pancreatitis or is currently receiving chemotherapy unless your veterinarian has advised otherwise.
- Your dog has an allergy or sensitivity to turkey products.