As you enjoy your delicious holiday meal, your pet looks at you desperately in the corner licking their chops, uncontrollably drooling and panting for a piece of your feast. We know you want them to feel apart of the festivities, why not make them something both scrumptiously tasty and good for their health as well? Here are Thanksgiving recipes for your pet to show them how grateful you are to be apart of their furry lives!
Turkey necks and giblets are often discarded parts of the turkey that many dog owners don’t utilize. However, these parts are chock-full of nutrients and can make an excellent treat or addition to your dog’s diet. In this article, I’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook turkey necks and giblets for your dog to enjoy.
Benefits of Feeding Turkey Necks and Giblets to Dogs
There are many great reasons to feed your dog turkey necks and giblets
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High in protein – Turkey necks and giblets provide lean protein to help build and maintain your dog’s muscles. The protein is easily digestible as well.
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Packed with nutrients – Turkey necks and giblets contain lots of vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium and B vitamins. These support immune health, metabolism and more.
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Promotes dental health – Gnawing on turkey necks helps scrape away tartar and plaque as your dog chews This reduces bacteria in the mouth
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Contains glucosamine – The natural glucosamine in turkey necks supports joint health and mobility in dogs
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Low in fat – Turkey is a leaner protein source compared to beef or chicken with less saturated fat.
Choosing the Right Turkey Necks and Giblets
When selecting turkey necks and giblets, look for:
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Raw, uncooked – Only choose raw, uncooked turkey parts to cook yourself. Pre-cooked or smoked turkey necks/giblets are seasoned.
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Meaty necks – Pick necks with a good amount of meat and less bone. The meat provides the nutrients.
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Fresh giblets – Opt for moist, fresh looking giblets (heart, liver, gizzard). Dried out giblets won’t cook as well.
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Organic, free-range – Higher quality turkey from reputable sources is preferred when possible.
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No added hormones or antibiotics – Try to select turkey labeled hormone and antibiotic-free.
Preparing the Turkey Necks and Giblets
Before cooking, you’ll need to prep the turkey necks and giblets:
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Rinse thoroughly under cool water and pat dry. This removes any dirt or debris.
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Trim off any excess fat, membranes or cartilage around the giblets.
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Separate giblets into pieces if needed. You want to distinguish the heart, liver and gizzard.
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Check necks carefully for any loose small bones. Remove any you find.
Proper prep ensures even cooking and nicely tender giblets once done.
Cooking Methods for Turkey Necks and Giblets
There are a few easy cooking methods you can use to prepare turkey necks and giblets for your pup:
Simmering:
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Place necks and giblets in a pot and cover with water. Use 2 cups water per 1 lb turkey.
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Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low.
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Simmer for 20-30 minutes until fully cooked and fork-tender.
Slow Cooker:
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Put necks and giblets in a slow cooker. Add enough water to just cover.
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Cook on low setting for 4-6 hours until extremely tender.
Oven Baking:
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Preheat oven to 350°F and arrange necks and giblets in a baking dish.
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Bake for approximately 30 minutes until completely cooked through. Monitor to avoid overcooking.
Tips for Serving Turkey Necks and Giblets
Once cooked, follow these tips for serving:
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Let the cooked necks and giblets cool completely before serving. Do not feed warm.
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Shred, finely chop or cut the meat into bite-size pieces for easy eating. Discard any bones.
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Mix a bit of the turkey into your dog’s regular meals. Go slow if it’s their first time trying.
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Add some of the nutrient-rich turkey broth or canned dog food as a tasty topper.
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Refrigerate leftovers in sealed containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before re-serving.
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Adjust portion sizes based on your dog’s size. Too much organ meat can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
With the right prep and cooking method, you can create a nutritious turkey neck and giblet meal your dog will love. Just watch for any signs of digestive issues or allergies as you introduce this new treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed my dog raw turkey necks?
Raw poultry carries a risk of salmonella bacteria. It’s safest to always cook turkey necks first before feeding to dogs.
Is it okay to leave the bone in the turkey necks?
For larger breed dogs, leaving some edible bone in turkey necks is fine for dental health. But remove any loose bone pieces and supervise eating to prevent choking.
How much turkey neck/giblets should I feed my dog?
Start with small amounts and adjust based on your dog’s size. Rough guidelines are 1 oz turkey neck per 10 lbs body weight and 1 tbsp giblets per 25 lbs.
What’s the best way to store leftover turkey necks and giblets?
Cooked turkey necks and giblets keep up to 4 days sealed in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze turkey in an airtight container for 2-3 months.
Can I add spices or seasonings when cooking turkey necks/giblets?
Avoid using onions, garlic, salt or heavily spiced flavorings. Light herbs like parsley are okay. Go easy on any seasonings until you know your dog’s tolerance.
What if my dog has an upset stomach after eating turkey necks or giblets?
Stop feeding immediately and call your vet if your dog experiences vomiting, diarrhea or other concerning symptoms after eating turkey. It may indicate an allergy or intolerance.
How often can I give my dog turkey necks and giblets?
Turkey necks and giblets can be fed 1 to 2 times per week as an occasional treat. Monitor your dog’s health and adjust frequency accordingly. Too much organ meat can cause gastrointestinal issues.
With the proper precautions, cooking turkey necks and giblets can provide your dog with a nutritious, protein-packed treat. Follow the tips above for preparing a flavorful and healthy homemade meal your pup will love. Just be sure to introduce new foods slowly and keep an eye on any possible allergic reactions. Happy cooking!
Probiotic Pumpkin Pies
Pumpkin is excellent for your dogs digestion. These probiotic pumpkin pies will be put to good use, especially if you aren’t the only one tempted to feed your pooch Thanksgiving table food this year! Use 16 ounces plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling), ½ of a banana, ¾ cup gluten free flour, ½ cup gluten free oatmeal, ½ cup plain low-fat yogurt, ¼ to ½ cup of water and 1-2 scoops of pre + probiotic powder for dogs. You will need a cupcake / muffin tin with liners.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit. Mix flour and oatmeal in a bowl. Slowly add water to the mixture. Be sure to add it slowly because you want the consistency of the dough to be both firm and soft enough to be pliable. Line the cupcake tin with liners. Take pieces of the dough and press into the liners. The dough should be about ½ inch thick per liner. Bake for about 8 minutes until lightly brown. Remove the crusts from the tin and allow to cool on a rack. In a separate bowl, combine the banana, yogurt, canned pumpkin and pre + probiotic powder for dogs. Mix together well. Fill each tiny crust with the probiotic pumpkin mixture. You can freeze or serve as is! We don’t recommend giving them more than 2 probiotic pumpkin pies in a day. They contain a healthy chunk of fiber to help ease digestion!
We don’t recommend feeding your cat or dog food made for humans all of the time. This can instill some bad habits. However, for the holiday, you can indulge them for the day. When preparing a turkey, there is that part which makes even the best chefs a little squeamish. The giblets are what we pull out from the turkey cavity before preparing the turkey to bake. The giblets contain the liver, kidneys, heart, gizzard and neck. Instead of just tossing them, we can turn them into a healthy treat for our pet!
Remove the turkey giblets from the turkey cavity. Be sure to not include the neck as it contains bones. If the giblets are in packaging, remove them from the packaging. Rinse the giblets thoroughly. For cats and smaller dogs, chop them into small pieces. Place the giblets in a small pot and cover with water. Bring the pot to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cook for 5 to 10 minutes. You want to be sure they are cooked through. Transfer them to a separate bowl to cool down. Mix the giblets with the recommended dosage (based on weight) of salmon + hemp oil. This natural salmon + hemp oil for pets combination contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are exceptional ingredients to reduce inflammation, boost a healthy heart and provide a shiny coat.
Immune-boosting Turkey Meatballs
Use that leftover turkey to make your pet a delicious treat! About 1 lb of leftover turkey meat will work for this recipe. Be sure to remove all of the skin and bones. Turkey skin contains too much sodium, which isn’t healthy for your cat or dog to consume. Use ½ cup rolled oats, 2 eggs, 2 tbsps plain low-fat yogurt, ¼ cup fresh parsley, 1 cup mixed veggies (carrots, peas or green beans) and 1 scoop of pre + probiotic for cats or 1 scoop of pre + probiotic powder for dogs. The powder depends on whether or not you are giving to a cat or a dog. Be sure to not give a probiotic powder made for cats to dogs and vice versa.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit. Add the leftover turkey to a food processor or blender to chop up the meat. Add rolled oats and blend together the ingredients. Next, add the eggs, yogurt and probiotic powder. Be sure they mix well enough to hold together. Transfer to a separate bowl. Mix in your veggies and parsley by hand. Roll them into 1 inch balls. Place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes. You want to be sure they are golden around the edges. Be sure they cool down before serving to your furry friends. They can last up to 5 days in the fridge. For cats and smaller dogs, you will want to cut them into smaller pieces once they are finished baking! These make the perfect immune-boosting turkey balls for your beloved pet!
We know you may be tempted to discreetly give your pet a couple of hand-outs underneath the Thanksgiving dinner table. Don’t do it! Instead utilize those leftovers or make them something special for the holiday. They will thank you for it!