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 and delicious way to supplement their diet. Turkey necks provide protein, vitamins, minerals, glucosamine, and other beneficial nutrients. When cooked properly, they make an excellent occasional treat or addition to your dog’s regular meals.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking turkey necks for dogs, including:
Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs
There are many excellent reasons to cook turkey necks for your furry friend:
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High in Protein – Turkey is an excellent source of lean, low-fat protein to help maintain your dog’s muscles and energy levels. The neck contains lots of protein-rich meat.
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Nutrient-Packed – Turkey necks provide a variety of vitamins and minerals like zinc, iron, vitamins B6 and B12 to support overall health.
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Promotes Dental Health – Gnawing on a turkey neck helps scrape away plaque and tartar as your dog chews This reduces bacteria and improves dental hygiene
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Supports Joints – The natural glucosamine in turkey meat and cartilage helps maintain healthy joints and treat arthritis.
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Aids Digestion – The collagen in turkey necks promotes good digestive health and nutrient absorption.
With all these great benefits it’s easy to see why cooked turkey necks make an excellent addition to your dog’s diet.
Choosing the Right Turkey Necks
When selecting turkey necks to cook for your dog look for
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Raw, fresh turkey necks – avoid pre-cooked or smoked necks.
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Meaty necks with minimal bone – too much bone can splinter.
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Necks from organic, free-range or pasture-raised turkeys when possible for quality.
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1 pound provides a good meal for a medium dog – adjust for your dog’s size.
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No seasonings or enhancements – stick to plain raw turkey necks.
Inspect the necks thoroughly and remove any loose bones or cartilage bits to prevent choking hazards.
Preparing Turkey Necks for Cooking
Before cooking your turkey necks, you’ll want to clean and prep them:
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Rinse under cool water and pat dry.
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Trim off any excess fat or skin.
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Cut necks into smaller pieces if needed based on your dog’s size.
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Check for any small loose bone fragments and remove.
Proper prep helps the turkey neck cook evenly and safely. Now let’s look at cooking methods.
How to Cook Turkey Necks for Dogs
Turkey necks should always be thoroughly cooked for safety. Here are two easy cooking methods:
Stovetop Simmering
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Place necks in a pot, cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
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Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30-45 minutes until tender.
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Drain and let cool before serving.
Slow Cooker
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Put necks in a slow cooker and add enough water to cover.
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Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours.
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Drain liquid then cool before serving.
The low, moist heat helps extract collagen and nutrients from the necks in both methods. Cook times will vary based on size of necks.
Tips for Serving Turkey Necks
Once cooked, be sure to let turkey necks cool completely before serving. Here are some serving tips:
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Shred or chop the cooked meat into bite-sized pieces.
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Mix a little turkey neck meat into your dog’s regular meals.
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Serve necks 2-3 times per week as an occasional treat.
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Introduce new foods slowly to avoid digestive upset.
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Store cooked necks in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Monitor your dog closely when first feeding to be sure they can tolerate turkey necks. Adjust serving sizes appropriately for your individual dog.
Answers to Common Questions
Cooking turkey necks for dogs is easy and beneficial, but you may still have some questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Can dogs eat raw turkey necks? No, raw poultry carries a risk of salmonella. Always cook turkey necks first.
Should I remove the bone? For small dogs, remove bone. Large breeds can chew and digest bone safely. Monitor closely.
How often can I feed turkey necks? 2-3 times per week is a good frequency for most dogs. Adjust as needed.
How long do cooked turkey necks last? Store cooked necks for 3-4 days in the fridge or several months in the freezer.
Can I season turkey necks when cooking? Avoid onions, garlic, or salt. Light herbs are ok but not necessary. Cook plain for safety.
What if my dog has an upset stomach after eating a turkey neck? Discontinue feeding and see your vet if any vomiting, diarrhea or other reaction occurs.
Conclusion
With the right prep and cooking methods, incorporating turkey necks into your dog’s diet can provide substantial nutritional benefits. These nutrient-packed neck pieces promote joint health, support digestion, and improve oral hygiene. Just be sure to introduce them gradually and choose necks that work for your dog’s size and chewing abilities. Follow these tips for cooking delicious turkey necks your dog will love!
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.