Unless you’re using the turkey neck in a tasty gravy, stock, or soup, many of us can’t think of anywhere else to put them besides the trash. It might seem wasteful, but if giblets aren’t your specialty, what’s the point in keeping them?
Well, when you have a dog in the house, you may not have to scrap your scraps just yet. Turkey necks can be offered to your dog. However, feeding your dog bones is controversial and does come with some risks you should be aware of.
If you do not need the giblets after unpacking your Thanksgiving bird, we’ll discuss how and why you can give your dog turkey necks to eat, and the risks to help you decide whether to do this or not.
Raw turkey necks have become an increasingly popular treat and food for dogs. Offering a tasty chew that provides mental stimulation, many pet owners are choosing to add them to their dog’s diet. But are raw turkey necks safe and good for dogs? This comprehensive guide examines the benefits and risks to help you make an informed decision.
What are Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are the neck of a turkey containing the vertebrae trachea, muscle and connective tissue. Ranging from 6-12 inches long, they are well-suited for medium to giant breed dogs.
Turkey necks must always be fed raw, never cooked. Cooking causes the bones to become brittle and prone to splintering, posing a significant choking hazard.
Potential Benefits of Raw Turkey Necks
When fed safely, raw turkey necks can offer the following benefits
Natural Source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin
The cartilage and connective tissue in turkey necks provides natural glucosamine and chondroitin, compounds shown to support joint health in dogs. However, the quantities are unknown. For dogs with arthritis, supplements are a better option.
Promote Dental Health
Chewing on the turkey neck helps scrape away plaque and tartar buildup. However, chewing turkey necks shouldn’t replace regular dental care.
Provide Mental Stimulation
Gnawing on a turkey neck provides dogs with mental enrichment. This helps relieve boredom and anxiety.
Promote Physical Activity
Fixing and holding the turkey neck promotes physical activity as dogs use their neck, legs and back muscles.
Add Variety to the Diet
Turkey necks offer something new and appealing to eat, adding variety to a dog’s diet.
Potential Risks of Raw Turkey Necks
While the benefits are enticing, there are also several potential risks to consider when feeding raw turkey necks:
Bacterial Contamination
Salmonella, E. coli and other dangerous bacteria may be present. This can lead to gastrointestinal illness. Strict hygiene is essential, especially for high-risk individuals.
Choking and Blockages
Gulping rather than chewing raises the risk of choking on bones. Bone fragments can also cause intestinal blockages requiring emergency surgery.
Dental Fractures
Aggressive chewers may fracture teeth on the hard bones. Supervision is key to prevent excessive chewing.
Nutritional Imbalances
Too many turkey necks may lead to an unbalanced diet high in fat and phosphorus. This can negatively impact health.
Inconsistent Sourcing
As a byproduct, turkey necks are not produced for pet consumption. Welfare standards may vary.
Safe Feeding Guidelines
To safely feed raw turkey necks, follow these tips:
-
Choose products with ethical sourcing and animal welfare standards.
-
Wash hands and disinfect surfaces after handling raw meat.
-
Supervise your dog during chewing. Avoid gulping large fragments.
-
Introduce slowly, starting with small amounts 1-2 times per week.
-
Adjust daily calorie intake to account for the high fat content.
-
Ensure access to fresh water to support digestion.
-
Monitor stool consistency and dental health. Discontinue use if problems arise.
-
Avoid in puppies, seniors and dogs with dental disease, obesity or medical conditions. Consult your vet if unsure.
Healthier Alternatives to Turkey Necks
If the risks outweigh the benefits for your dog, safer alternatives include:
-
VOHC approved dental chews
-
Bully sticks
-
Raw chicken necks (smaller)
-
Antlers and hooves
-
Food puzzle toys
While raw turkey necks can provide benefits, the risks mean they may not be suitable for all dogs. By understanding the pros and cons, you can make the right choice for your pet’s health and safety. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding recommendations.
Offer Frozen Turkey Necks to Slow Your Dog’s Feeding
If your dog is a gulper or you want them to slow down when wolfing down a turkey neck, try freezing the neck before giving it to your dog. By freezing your turkey necks, you’ll turn what may take your dog only a few minutes to rip through into a 20–30-minute affair.
The firmer neck will require more chewing meaning more dental benefits and more enrichment.
How to Feed Your Dog Turkey Necks
If you decide to feed turkey necks despite the risks, you should follow these guidelines. You can feed turkey neck bones to your dog in raw or dehydrated form. Freezing before feeding may help kill some pathogens.
A turkey neck can replace an entire meal, so you must watch your dog’s daily calories and give turkey necks sparingly to maintain balanced nutrition and healthy body weight.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey Necks?
FAQ
Is it safe to give my dog raw turkey neck?
Turkey necks can be given to canines of all ages, but when feeding to a senior dog, or one who has compromised tooth health, be especially diligent in making …May 14, 2019
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.
Are raw neck bones safe for dogs?
It’s important to understand what bones your dogs can eat (based on their size) and how much they can eat. Necks. Dogs and cats of all sizes can eat chicken necks. Duck necks are better for medium-sized dogs, while turkey necks are best for larger pups.
Are raw turkey bones safe for dogs?
Select raw turkey bones that are large enough to prevent choking. Larger, raw bones are less likely to splinter and can be safely chewed by your dog.