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.
Can a Dog Eat Turkey Necks? A Complete Guide for Dog Owners
Turkey necks have become a popular treat for dogs in recent years. As pet owners seek out more natural and nutritious options for their canine companions, many are wondering – can dogs eat turkey necks?
The short answer is yes both raw and cooked turkey necks can be fed to dogs in moderation. Turkey necks provide a number of nutritional benefits and can be a tasty chew that supports dental health. However, there are also some risks to be aware of when feeding turkey necks to avoid potential choking hazards or gastrointestinal issues.
This complete guide on turkey necks for dogs will cover everything you need to know, including:
- The nutritional benefits of turkey necks
- Are raw or cooked turkey necks safer?
- Potential risks and how to feed safely
- Recommended turkey neck sizes by dog breed
- How much and how often to feed
- Storing and preparing turkey necks
- Alternatives to turkey necks
Let’s explore the pros and cons to determine if turkey necks are the right option for your canine companion.
Nutritional Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs
Turkey necks provide a number of excellent health benefits for dogs:
-
High in protein. Turkey is a lean source of quality protein needed for energy, muscle development, and a healthy immune system.
-
Natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. These compounds support joint health and mobility, especially helpful for senior dogs or breeds prone to joint issues.
-
Good source of calcium and other minerals. Calcium supports bone health while phosphorus, iron, zinc, and B vitamins also provide nutritional value.
-
Promotes dental health. The act of chewing scrapes away tartar and plaque buildup while exercising gums.
-
Provides mental enrichment. Working through a turkey neck keeps dogs engaged and satisfies their natural instinct to chew.
For these reasons, turkey necks are valued in raw food and whole prey model diets as a nutritious supplementary ingredient. The minerals, cartilage, and connective tissue offer health advantages dogs would not receive from plain muscle meat alone.
Raw vs Cooked: Which is Safer for Dogs?
Raw and cooked turkey necks both come with some controversy over safety. Here are the pros and cons of each to help decide which is best for your dog:
Raw Turkey Necks:
Pros:
- Preserves nutrients that may be lost in cooking
- Provides dental benefits from scraping action on teeth
- Appeal to dogs’ natural instincts as would be found in wild prey
Cons:
- Risk of salmonella or other bacteria if handling/storage inadequate
- Potential for gastrointestinal upset in dogs unaccustomed to raw diet
- Can pose greater choking hazard if not chewed thoroughly
Cooked Turkey Necks:
Pros:
- Eliminates risk of salmonella, E. coli, or other foodborne pathogens
- May be tolerated better by dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Cooking softens tissue, potentially reducing choking risk
Cons:
- Cooking denatures proteins and destroys some nutrients
- Can splinter more easily into shards if cooked too long
- Less appealing taste and texture to most dogs
To minimize risks, go with cooked turkey necks for dogs who are inexperienced with raw meaty bones or have sensitivities. For healthy adult dogs accustomed to raw food, raw turkey necks are generally safe if proper food safety protocol is followed.
Potential Risks of Feeding Turkey Necks to Dogs
While turkey necks can make a beneficial addition to a dog’s diet, there are some potential hazards to be aware of as well:
-
Choking hazard – Gulping down large, poorly chewed chunks poses risk of blockage in the throat, esophagus, or intestines. Always monitor dogs when eating.
-
Tooth damage – Aggressive chewers may crack teeth on bones. Avoid giving to dogs with known dental issues.
-
Nutritional imbalance – Too much bone content without balancing with muscle meat can lead to excess calcium.
-
Gastrointestinal injury or blockage – Bones that are too small can become lodged or puncture the GI tract. Sharp fragments may perforate intestines.
-
Diarrhea – Dietary changes can sometimes upset digestion. Transition slowly when introducing turkey necks.
To feed turkey necks safely, follow portion control recommendations based on your dog’s size, inspect necks for appropriate sizes, and supervise chewing time. Stop feeding immediately if you notice any signs of distress.
What Size Turkey Neck is Safe For My Dog?
Turkey necks should be large enough that a dog cannot easily swallow it whole. Size them proportionately to your dog to minimize choking risk. Here are suggested turkey neck sizes by breed category:
Small breed dogs (up to 25 lbs): 2 to 3 inch neck segments
Medium breed dogs (25-50 lbs): 3 to 5 inch neck pieces
Large and giant breed dogs (over 50 lbs): Whole 6 to 8 inch necks
The diameter of the neck bone should be larger than your dog’s mouth to encourage gnawing rather than gulping big chunks. Monitor your dog’s chewing habits and offer gradually longer neck pieces as they demonstrate slow, methodical chewing.
How Much and How Often Can Dogs Eat Turkey Necks?
There are no set guidelines for how much turkey neck to feed dogs. Consider their usual food intake, activity level, age, and health status to determine appropriate portion sizes. Here are some general feeding recommendations:
- Limit turkey necks to 10-15% of the total weekly diet
- Feed larger portions 2-3 times per week rather than daily
- Highly active dogs can handle slightly more; inactive senior dogs may need less
- Adjust quantity based on your dog’s weight, metabolism, and whether they eat kibble or raw food.
Pay attention to your dog’s body condition and stool quality. Increase or decrease turkey neck amounts gradually to find the right balance. Both inadequate and excessive bone consumption could lead to nutritional imbalances long-term.
Raw Turkey Neck Storage, Preparation and Serving Tips
Follow food safety basics when storing, handling, and preparing raw turkey necks:
- Choose fresh necks and use within 2-3 days or freeze up to 3 months
- Thaw frozen necks gradually in the refrigerator 1-2 days before feeding
- Wash necks in cold water before serving and scrub hands/surfaces contacting raw meat
- Disinfect bowls immediately after use to avoid cross-contamination
- Refrigerate promptly after mealtime; discard any leftovers after 20 minutes
Cooked necks have a refrigerator shelf life of 3-4 days. Cook to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Whether raw or cooked, always serve turkey necks at room temperature – not frozen.
Place necks on a dog-safe surface or slow feeder bowl rather than the floor to facilitate clean-up. Supervise during mealtime and remove when finished to prevent protective chewing behaviors.
Healthy Alternatives to Turkey Necks for Dogs
While most dogs relish gnawing on a meaty turkey neck, they aren’t for every pup. Consider these alternatives if your dog did not tolerate turkey necks well or you want to mix up their chew treats:
- Other raw meaty bones: chicken necks, lamb necks, pork necks
- Large raw chicken wings or chicken feet
- Beef tracheas or gullets
- Dried beef gullets or pizzles
- Antlers, horns, and hooves
- Bully sticks or paddywack sticks
- Dental chews formulated for plaque removal
Be sure to size any edible chews appropriately and supervise your dog during chewing activity. Rotate different types to keep things interesting and prevent boredom.
The Verdict: Are Turkey Necks Safe and Healthy for Dogs?
Overall, turkey necks can offer valuable nutritional benefits as part of a balanced raw or homecooked diet for dogs. With proper sizing, portion control, and monitoring during mealtime, turkey necks present minimal risk and can provide healthy chewing activity.
Talk to your veterinarian about whether turkey necks are suitable for your individual dog based on their breed, size, activity level, and overall health. Supervise closely, especially when first introducing. While turkey necks can enhance a dog’s diet with highly bioavailable cartilage and minerals, the risks must also be managed responsibly. Employ safety practices and good judgement when feeding turkey necks to dogs to enjoy the advantages without issues.
Only Feed Raw or Dehydrated Turkey Necks
Never feed your dog cooked bones. Cooking causes bones to become brittle, potentially splintering into sharp shards that could damage your dog’s mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
When left uncooked, turkey neck bones are safer to consume and retain nutrients, although as mentioned they can contain bacteria and parasites.
What Kind of Dogs Can Eat Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks can be fairly large, and some measure 10–12 inches and weigh over a pound. Large dogs are well-suited for these necks because their teeth and digestive systems will be able to better cope with the bones.
You can try turkey hen necks, about half the weight of a male’s if you have small to medium-sized dogs. You may even try sizing down to duck or chicken necks for the smallest toy breeds.
Top Tips: Turkey Necks for Dogs | Dr. Alex Crow | PetHealthGuru | Dog Food | Veterinarian Tips |
FAQ
Can dogs eat cooked turkey necks?
- Choking risk: The biggest concern with turkey necks is the potential for choking due to small, sharp bones.
- Proper cooking: Always cook turkey necks thoroughly before feeding them to your dog.
- Monitor your dog: Supervise your dog when they are chewing on a turkey neck and be aware of any signs of discomfort or difficulty swallowing.
- Consider dog size: Larger dogs can usually handle turkey necks better than smaller dogs.
- Consult your vet: If your dog has any dental issues or health concerns, talk to your vet before giving them turkey necks.
Are neck bones safe for dogs?
-
Raw is best:Cooked bones are more likely to splinter and cause harm, so always opt for raw neck bones.
-
Size matters:Choose neck bones that are large enough for your dog to chew on without swallowing whole.
-
Monitor closely:Always supervise your dog when they are chewing on bones to ensure they are not choking or swallowing large pieces.
-
Consider your dog’s chewing ability:Some dogs may have weaker jaws and could struggle with larger neck bones.
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.
Are raw turkey necks good for dogs’ teeth?
Dogs chewing on turkey necks can help remove plaque and tartar from their teeth and gums as the soft bones and cartilage scrape them off gently. Consistent brushing of teeth alongside this practice can help prevent periodontal diseases, which are common in dogs. Benefits: turkey necks support strong bones and joints.
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.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
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 happens if a dog eats a turkey neck?
Turkey necks can be difficult for some dogs to chew and swallow, leading to choking or blockage in the throat or intestines. Another potential risk is intestinal obstruction. If your dog swallows a large piece of turkey neck, it can become stuck in the intestines and cause a blockage.
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!
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.