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).
Can Dogs Have Turkey Necks? A Vet’s Guide to the Benefits and Risks
Turkey necks are a popular treat for dogs, prized for their meaty texture and high protein content However, there are some risks associated with feeding turkey necks to dogs that owners should be aware of. In this article, I’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the pros and cons of giving your dog turkey necks so you can make an informed decision about whether they are appropriate for your pup
What are the Potential Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs?
There are several reasons why turkey necks have become such a common treat for dogs:
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High in Protein. Turkey necks are loaded with protein, which is essential for building and maintaining lean muscle mass. The amino acids in turkey meat support your dog’s muscle growth and development.
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Promotes Dental Health The fibrous texture and cartilage of turkey necks provide a natural abrasive surface that scrapes away plaque and tartar as your dog chews, This helps reduce the risk of periodontal disease
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Satisfies Chewing Instinct. Dogs have a natural desire to chew, which keeps their jaws strong and their teeth clean. The meaty texture and density of turkey necks satisfies this urge to chew while preventing destructive chewing behaviors.
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Provides Mental Stimulation. Working through a turkey neck keeps your dog engaged and provides mental enrichment. The challenge of gnawing through the meat and cartilage is mentally stimulating.
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Supports Joint Health. Turkey necks are a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, compounds that help maintain healthy joints and prevent arthritis. The collagen in turkey necks also supports joint health.
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Good for Allergies. For dogs with chicken or beef allergies, turkey may be a hypoallergenic alternative protein source. Always consult your vet before changing your dog’s diet.
Potential Risks of Feeding Turkey Necks to Dogs
While turkey necks can provide valuable nutrition and health benefits, there are some potential risks to consider:
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Choking Hazard. Turkey necks present a choking risk, especially for aggressive chewers. Always supervise your dog while they eat any chew or bone treat.
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Digestive Upset. Too much fat or too many turkey necks may cause vomiting or diarrhea. Introduce new treats slowly and in moderation.
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Broken Teeth. Aggressive chewing of the dense turkey neck bones could potentially crack teeth. Inspect your dog’s mouth after eating.
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Salmonella. Raw turkey may contain Salmonella bacteria, which can make dogs sick. Cook turkey necks thoroughly to kill bacteria.
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Obstruction. Swallowed turkey neck bones could obstruct or perforate your dog’s digestive tract. Monitor your dog closely when eating.
Tips for Safely Feeding Turkey Necks to Dogs
If you want to give your dog turkey necks, here are some tips to reduce risks and feed them as safely as possible:
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Select an Appropriate Size. Choose a turkey neck that is an appropriate size for your dog’s breed and chewing capacity. Avoid pieces that are too large.
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Supervise Mealtime. Stay nearby and pay attention while your dog eats to monitor chewing and intervene if any issues arise.
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Remove Excess Fat. Trim off excess skin and fat, which could cause pancreatitis if consumed in large amounts. The lean meat provides the healthy benefits.
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Portion Control. Only feed one turkey neck per day, and consider them an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple. Too much can upset the stomach.
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Cook Thoroughly. Cooking turkey necks kills any potential Salmonella bacteria. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
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Prevent Resource Guarding. To avoid food aggression, provide the treat in a separate area from other dogs. Remove it if your dog exhibits guarding behaviors.
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Brush Teeth After. Brushing your dog’s teeth after they eat a turkey neck will help remove any remaining bits caught between teeth.
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Inspect Stools. Monitor your dog’s stools for signs of obstruction, like inability to pass stool. Contact your vet if you notice any issues.
Talk to Your Vet About Turkey Necks for Your Dog
While turkey necks can provide valuable nutrition and enrichment for dogs, they do come with some inherent risks. I recommend discussing the pros and cons with your veterinarian before introducing turkey necks into your dog’s diet. Together you can determine if turkey necks are appropriate for your individual dog based on their size, chewing habits, digestive health, and other factors. With proper precautions and monitoring, most dogs can safely and enjoyably snack on the occasional turkey neck. Just be sure to feed them in moderation and under supervision to reduce any choking hazards or digestive issues. Your dog will benefit from the dense protein and nutrients while getting to satisfy their primal urge to gnaw and chew!
Turkey Necks for Puppies
Turkey necks are not suitable for puppies due to their large size and high quantities of bone. Growing puppies have very strict requirements for calcium and phosphorus and should be fed a high-quality commercial diet that meets these standards. Adding in treats containing bone risks unbalancing this important ratio and puts your pup at risk of developing problems bone and joint problems. Turkey necks are also a choking hazard for puppies that may struggle to chew them and are best fed to adult dogs.
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.
Top Tips: Turkey Necks for Dogs | Dr. Alex Crow | PetHealthGuru | Dog Food | Veterinarian Tips |
FAQ
Can I give my dog a 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
Can dogs eat neck bone meat?
The general rule that people follow is that they won’t feed weight bearing bones as part of the diet. Necks, wings, spines and ribs are better used if being fed as part of the diet – the dogs can more easily chew these bones up and they are less likely to break or crack their teeth on them.
Why does my dog suddenly have turkey neck?
Sudden flab and sagging skin around your dog’s midsection may be cause for concern if it shows up with no explanation. One possibility is hormonal changes (heat cycles), while another possibility is Cushing’s disease, which affects muscle tone and may lead to hair loss as well as a lack of control over muscles.
Which turkey bones are safe for dogs?
RAW (please note I mean raw as in uncooked) poultry bones, chicken, turkey, duck, goose etc are perfectly safe for dogs as they are soft and are very good for their teeth, as being bones they can scrape tartar off the dog’s teeth. However COOKED poultry bones must NEVER NEVER be given to dogs.
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!
Are turkey necks bad for dogs?
Some dogs may have difficulty digesting bones, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Additionally, turkey necks are high in sodium and can contain preservatives, which can be harmful to dogs in large amounts.
Should I give my dog turkey neck?
This is especially important when giving them freeze-dried or dehydrated turkey necks. If your dog is not used to a raw diet or dehydrated bones, we suggest that you start slow. Giving small amounts of turkey neck twice per week will allow them to adjust to the new, healthy addition to their diet.
Can a dog eat raw turkey necks?
If you choose to feed your dog a raw diet, you can give them raw turkey necks. However, if you prefer to feed your dog cooked food, you should fully cook the turkey necks before feeding them to your dog. To cook turkey necks for your dog, you can boil them in water for about 30 minutes or until they are fully cooked.
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?
What can a dog eat if he has a turkey neck?
Chicken necks: If you have a small-breed dog, these treats offer similar benefits to turkey necks but are smaller in size. Dental chews: If keeping your pup’s teeth is your primary concern, the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VHOC) has an accepted list of products that have been proven to reduce plaque and tartar.