Turkey necks offer many nutritional benefits to a dog’s diet. They are high in protein, and contain calcium, phosphorous and other important minerals. Additionally, turkey necks are rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which are both known to support the joint health and mobility of dogs. Turkey necks are also healthy, fully digestible chews, supporting canine gum and dental health.
Are Raw Turkey Necks Safe for Dogs? A Veterinarian’s Guide
Turkey necks have become a popular raw meaty bone for dogs in recent years. Many pet owners like to feed raw turkey necks as they are a natural source of protein and nutrients. Some proponents of raw feeding claim turkey necks provide dental health benefits for dogs by acting as a natural toothbrush to scrape away tartar and plaque. However, there are also potential risks with feeding raw turkey necks to dogs that need careful consideration. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down whether raw turkey necks are truly safe for your canine companion.
As a veterinarian with over 10 years of experience I always recommend owners do their research before introducing any new food to their dog’s diet. While some dogs may tolerate raw turkey necks without issue, they do pose a higher risk compared to other chews or treats. It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons before making a decision. Here’s what you need to know
Benefits of Raw Turkey Necks for Dogs
There are some proposed benefits of feeding dogs raw turkey necks in moderation. These include
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Natural source of protein and nutrients. Turkey necks provide protein, vitamins, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. These are all beneficial for dogs when consumed in appropriate amounts as part of a balanced diet.
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Promotes chewing and dental health. The act of chewing on any raw meaty bone like a turkey neck may help scrape plaque and tartar off dogs’ teeth. This helps reduce plaque buildup and the risk of dental disease.
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Mental enrichment. Chewing provides mental stimulation and satisfies a natural urge in dogs. This may help relieve anxiety or stress in some dogs.
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Contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin. These compounds are found naturally in cartilage and connective tissues and may support joint health when eaten. But evidence is lacking on the amounts in raw turkey necks.
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Hydration from bone marrow. The bone marrow provides a natural source of fluid and moisture for dogs. This may help increase water consumption in some dogs.
Potential Risks of Raw Turkey Necks for Dogs
While there are some benefits proposed by raw feeding advocates, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks and make your own informed decision. Here are the main dangers with raw turkey necks for dogs:
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Choking hazard. Raw bones can easily fragment or splinter and get stuck in the throat, mouth or intestines. This poses a major choking risk and is life-threatening if obstructing the airway.
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Salmonella or E.coli contamination. Raw poultry can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E.coli that cause gastrointestinal illness. Dogs can also transmit bacteria to humans through stool.
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Gastrointestinal injury or blockage. Sharp bone fragments can damage the lining of the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Large pieces can also cause obstructions requiring emergency surgery.
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Broken teeth or oral trauma. Aggressive chewing or gulping can crack teeth or cut the tongue, gums or mouth.
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Nutritional imbalances. Feeding too many raw bones may lead to an unbalanced diet and excess minerals like calcium or phosphorus, especially in puppies.
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Difficult to digest. Raw bones pass through the stomach and intestines mostly intact. Cooked bones splinter more easily.
As you can see, the list of risks is extensive. While rare, the dangers posed by raw turkey necks can be quite severe and result in expensive vet visits in some cases. Due to the risks, many vets recommend avoiding raw bones altogether, especially for small or aggressive chewers.
Raw Feeding Safety Tips
If you choose to feed raw turkey necks to your dog, here are some tips to reduce (but not eliminate) the risks:
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Supervise your dog closely to monitor chewing and swallowing. Never leave dogs unsupervised with any chew or bone.
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Feed only the appropriate size bone for your dog’s breed and weight. Oversized bones increase choking risk.
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Introduce new foods slowly and watch for signs of gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or diarrhea.
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Remove the bone once it’s small enough to swallow. Discard bones once they become brittle after prolonged chewing.
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Feed raw bones outside, if possible, to avoid contamination of the home. Thoroughly clean any surfaces the bones contact.
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Follow strict hygiene practices like handwashing after handling raw meat. Keep young kids away from raw bones.
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Source raw bones from reputable suppliers that follow safety processes and quality standards. Avoid bones with sharp edges or points.
Even with precautions taken, risks cannot be completely avoided with any raw meat product. Many vets feel the dangers outweigh any limited benefits. My professional recommendation is to opt for safer chews and dental treats. But if you do choose to feed raw turkey necks, do so infrequently and with great care. Monitor your dog closely and contact your vet with any concerns. Your dog’s health and safety always comes first.
Mental and Overall Health Benefits
Dog trainers often recommend the use of Kong toys stuffed with cream cheese or peanut butter to occupy a “busy” dog who finds too many undesirable things to do around the house. Turkey necks are fun for your dog to chew on, and a great alternative option to provide entertainment for a busy dog.
Canines who are eating a large turkey neck will often plant their front feet on the bone to fix it to the ground. This makes gnawing down a turkey neck a physical exercise involving not only their jaw muscles, but also their neck, legs, shoulders and back.
Lastly, turkey necks are an easy way to add variety to the so often monotone diet of our canines.
Aren’t Poultry Bones Dangerous for Dogs?
Most of us have been given the advice to never give poultry bones to a dog. Despite its prevalence, this well intended advice is only partially correct. It is true that the bones of cooked, boiled or fried chicken, turkey or other poultry should never be given to a dog. The high cooking temperatures turn poultry bones into hard, glass like structures, which then breaks into sharp and pointy splinters if dogs chew on them. These splinters can cause serious injuries.
Raw, freeze-dried or dehydrated poultry bones are considered safe treats for dogs. In contrast to cooked poultry bones, their texture is rather soft and brittle. When chewed, they will crush, but not break into pointy objects. This is especially true for whole poultry parts, where the bones are still surrounded by connective tissue and meat. Examples include: chicken feet, chicken necks, duck feet, duck necks, or turkey necks. These parts make healthy, nutritious and fully digestible dog chews, and can even substitute for parts of your canine’s diet.
Dog Eating a Dehydrated Turkey Neck
Top Tips: Turkey Necks for Dogs | Dr. Alex Crow | PetHealthGuru | Dog Food | Veterinarian Tips |
FAQ
Can dogs have turkey necks raw?
Turkey Necks are Soft and Pliable One of the reasons why they’re so safe to eat is because they’re soft and pliable. Dogs have a very acidic stomach environment that’s designed to digest raw meat, including soft, raw bones, without a problem.
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.
Can you give dogs raw neck bones?
Small dogs should have smaller bones that they can manage like: Raw Chicken Necks: Chicken necks are small and soft enough for most small dogs to chew safely.
What is turkey neck syndrome in dogs?
It’s a connective tissue disease where the skin is exceedingly extensible, causing visible sagging around the neck, shoulder, and back area, along with other signs such as joint laxity and ocular abnormalities.
Can dogs eat frozen turkey necks?
If your dog eats one of those splinters, it can cause severe injuries to its throat and stomach. The same goes for frozen turkey necks, which are a lot harder. As a result, you should always thaw them properly before offering them to your pet. Raw turkey necks have many benefits that can improve your dog’s health.
Can dogs eat turkey necks raw?
Turkey necks should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent spoilage. If feeding them raw, make sure to thaw them completely before feeding them to your dog. In conclusion, dogs can eat turkey necks, both raw and cooked, as long as they are fed in moderation and prepared properly.
Are turkey necks safe for dogs?
Allergy-friendly trend: Turkey necks are a great option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, as they are a simple and natural protein source. If your dog has allergies to other proteins, turkey necks may be a safe alternative for them. 7.
Are raw turkey necks good for You?
Raw turkey necks are full of beneficial nutrients. For example, they have a high protein content, which benefits animals’ health in many different ways. It improves their muscle development, gives them healthy skin, and regulates hormones’ production, to name a few.
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?
Can dogs eat raw turkey heads?
Yes, you can safely offer raw turkey heads to your dog. Whether you have dry, freeze-dried, or normal raw heads, they’re a safe treat for your pet. This is because their texture is still soft, so when your furry friend chews them, they’ll crush gently without breaking into splinters.