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.
As a dog owner, you likely enjoy pampering your furry friend with tasty treats and chews. And around the holidays, turkey necks may catch your eye as an appetizing snack for Fido. But can dogs eat turkey neck bones safely? Let’s explore the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
What Exactly Are Turkey Neck Bones?
Turkey necks contain bones, cartilage, muscle meat and connective tissue. They come from the neck area of a turkey, once the head, skin and crop have been removed.
On average, turkey necks measure 10-12 inches long So they are best suited for medium to large breed adult dogs Small dogs may struggle with the size.
Turkey neck bones are edible, fully digestible and considered a raw meaty bone for dogs.
Potential Benefits of Feeding Dogs Turkey Neck Bones
There are several potential benefits linked to feeding your dog turkey neck bones in moderation:
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Dental Health: The crunchy texture helps scrape away tartar and plaque as your dog chews. This may reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
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Mental Stimulation: Gnawing provides your dog with enjoyment and relieves boredom. It keeps them happily occupied for 20-30 minutes.
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Joint Health: Turkey necks provide natural chondroitin and glucosamine to support mobility and joint function.
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Bone Health: The bones contain calcium and phosphorus, important for strengthening teeth and bones.
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Lean Protein Source: Turkey necks offer high-quality, lean protein to support muscle and satisfy hunger.
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Nutrient-Rich: Turkey necks provide B vitamins, zinc, iron, copper and selenium to support immune health.
So in addition to being a tasty treat, turkey necks provide nutritional and health benefits for dogs. But there are some risks to consider as well.
Potential Risks of Feeding Dogs Turkey Neck Bones
While turkey necks can make a healthy treat, there are some possible risks:
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Choking Hazard: Dogs may gulp pieces too quickly or try swallowing large chunks. Supervision is a must.
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Tooth Fractures: Aggressive chewers risk cracking teeth on the hard bones.
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Intestinal Blockage or Constipation: Bone fragments could clump in the intestines.
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Internal Injury: Sharp bones may puncture or lacerate the digestive tract.
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Bacterial Contamination: Raw turkey necks can harbor salmonella, e coli or other bacteria.
With proper precautions, most dogs can eat turkey necks safely. But dogs prone to gulping should avoid them.
Answering Key Questions About Feeding Dogs Turkey Necks
To help you decide if turkey necks are appropriate for your dog, here are answers to some common questions:
Are turkey necks safe for puppies?
No. The small bones pose a significant choking hazard for puppies. And growing puppies require specific calcium ratios. Only feed turkey necks to dogs over 1 year old.
Can small dogs eat turkey necks?
Smaller breeds can eat turkey necks but the size may be inappropriate. Chicken necks are a better choice. And supervise carefully since little dogs are prone to choking.
Should you cook turkey necks for dogs?
Never cook turkey necks, as cooking causes splintering. Only feed raw or dehydrated turkey necks.
How often can I feed turkey necks?
Limit turkey necks to one or two times per week, as the fat and calories can quickly add up. Adjust frequency based on your dog’s weight and activity level.
Can I feed frozen turkey necks?
Yes, but thaw frozen turkey necks first in the refrigerator until pliable but still cool. The frozen hard bones could damage teeth.
By taking basic precautions, you can safely feed turkey necks to your dog occasionally. But aggressive chewers prone to gulping may do better with an alternative chew. Discuss any diet changes with your vet, especially for dogs with health conditions.
Weighing the Potential Benefits and Risks of Turkey Necks
When fed responsibly, the benefits of turkey neck bones often outweigh the minimal risks for most dogs. Chewing satisfaction, dental health, mental enrichment and nutrition make them a healthy, low-cost supplemental treat.
But supervise your dog closely when eating any raw bone product. Avoid turkey necks for aggressive chewers. And get veterinary approval for dogs with medical issues before feeding.
Overall, turkey necks can be a safe part of a balanced diet when precautions are taken. Monitor your individual dog’s eating habits, and adjust the treat frequency as needed. For dogs that enjoy chewing, turkey necks offer nutritional benefits beyond just being a tasty snack.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Neck Bones for Dogs
Here are answers to some other common turkey neck questions:
Can I feed a whole raw turkey neck?
One whole neck may be too much bone content in one sitting. Consider cutting larger necks into more manageable portions.
Where can I buy turkey necks for dogs?
Check local butchers, raw pet food suppliers or order online. Look for organic, free-range options when possible.
Are dehydrated turkey necks safe?
Yes, air-dried turkey necks are a good option, provided they are not dried at high temperatures which makes bones brittle.
How do I thaw turkey necks safely?
Keep frozen until ready to serve. Thaw in the fridge for 24 hours per pound. For quicker thawing, submerge in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes.
Can I microwave turkey necks?
No. Microwaving can partly cook the bones, making them prone to splintering.
What about pre-cooked smoked turkey necks?
Avoid smoked, roasted or cooked turkey necks, as the heat causes brittle, dangerous bones. Only choose raw or dehydrated.
Is it okay if my dog swallows turkey neck bone fragments?
As long as the fragments are small, they should safely pass through the digestive tract. But large, sharp pieces can potentially puncture or block the intestines.
The Bottom Line: Can Dogs Eat Turkey Neck Bones?
In moderate amounts, raw turkey necks can be a healthy supplemental treat for most dogs along with a nutritious balanced diet. They provide chewing satisfaction, nutrition, dental benefits and mental enrichment.
But supervise your dog since gulping can lead to choking. Avoid aggressive chewers prone to tooth fractures. And never feed cooked turkey bones that easily splinter.
Talk to your vet before introducing turkey necks, especially for dogs with health conditions. Overall, turkey neck bones can be fed safely to dogs in moderation with some basic precautions. Monitor your individual dog, and enjoy the turkey necks as an occasional protein-packed chew.
Feed Turkey Necks Outside
Raw turkey necks can spread dangerous bacteria around whatever surface your dog eats on. You never want to feed your dog on the carpet, and if you let them dine on a hard floor, you’ll have to thoroughly clean and sanitize it.
To make life as easy as possible, let your dog munch on their turkey neck outside.
Feed By Hand If You Have a Gulper
Turkey necks are perfect for dogs that like to chew. Gulpers won’t get all the incredible dental benefits and will face a higher choking, obstruction, and constipation risk. If you’re not confident that your dog will pace themselves as they gnaw on their turkey neck, you should take extra care in feeding them.
When feeding, hold the turkey neck in your hand to control how your dog eats it. Have them chew it thoroughly, letting them gnaw off small, manageable bits.