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 Dogs Eat Turkey Neck Bones? The Surprising Truth, Benefits and Risks ExplainedAs a dog owner you likely want to provide your furry friend with treats and foods that are not only tasty, but also healthy. Turkey necks have become a popular treat for dogs due to their crunchy texture and nutritional content. However there are some important factors to consider before feeding your dog turkey necks. In this detailed guide, we will explore whether dogs can eat turkey neck bones, the potential benefits, and the possible risks and precautions to take.
What Exactly Are Turkey Neck Bones?Turkey neck bones come from the neck of a turkey, after the head skin and crop have been removed. Turkey necks contain vertebrae, cartilage muscle meat, connective tissue and the trachea. They typically measure around 10-12 inches long, so are well-suited for medium to large breed dogs. Smaller breeds may struggle with the size.
The bones are considered edible and fully digestible for most dogs. However, it’s important to only feed raw turkey necks, not cooked. High heat from cooking causes the bones to splinter, creating a choking hazard.
Potential Benefits of Feeding Dogs Turkey Neck Bones
There are several potential benefits to feeding your dog raw turkey neck bones in moderation:
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Dental Health: The hardness and crunchy texture can help scrape away tartar and plaque as the dog chews. This may reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
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Mental Enrichment: Gnawing provides enjoyment and relieves boredom. It keeps your dog busy and entertained for around 20-30 minutes.
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Natural Source of Glucosamine & Chondroitin: The cartilage contains these compounds to support joint health and mobility.
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Calcium & Phosphorus: Important minerals for bone health and strengthening teeth.
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Protein & Fat: Provides energy and supports lean muscle, especially good for active dogs.
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Nutrient-Rich: Great source of B vitamins, zinc, iron, copper and selenium to support immune health.
As you can see, turkey necks offer some nutritional and health benefits beyond just being a tasty chew treat.
Potential Risks of Feeding Dogs Turkey Neck Bones
However, there are some potential risks and precautions to consider before feeding your dog turkey necks:
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Choking Hazard: Dogs may gulp pieces down too quickly or try to swallow large chunks whole. Supervision is a must.
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Tooth Damage: Hard bones may crack teeth for aggressive chewers. Opt for softer chews if your dog is a power chewer.
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Gastrointestinal Obstruction: Bone fragments can clump together and cause an intestinal blockage.
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Internal Injury: Sharp bone pieces may puncture or lacerate the throat, stomach or intestines. Monitor your dog closely when eating.
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Contamination: Raw turkey necks can contain salmonella, e.coli and other bacteria. Proper handling and storage is essential.
While the risks may seem concerning, most dogs can eat turkey necks safely with proper portion size, supervision and precautions. But dogs prone to gulping food rapidly may be better off with an alternative chew.
Key Questions Answered About Feeding Dogs Turkey Necks
To help you decide if turkey necks are appropriate for your dog, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Are turkey neck bones safe for puppies?
No, turkey necks are unsafe for puppies under 1 year old. The small bones pose a significant choking hazard. And growing puppies have strict calcium needs that turkey bones can unbalance.
Can small dogs eat turkey necks?
Small breeds can eat turkey necks but the size may be inappropriate. Chicken necks are a better option. Supervise carefully since little dogs are prone to choking.
Should you cook turkey necks for dogs?
Never cook turkey necks, as it causes the bones to splinter. Only feed raw or dehydrated turkey necks.
How often can dogs eat turkey necks?
Limit to one or two turkey necks per week maximum, as the fat content is high. Monitor your dog’s weight and adjust frequency accordingly.
Are frozen turkey necks okay?
You can feed frozen turkey necks after thawing them first. The frozen hard bones could damage teeth. Thaw in the fridge until pliable but still cool.
As you can see, there are some important factors to consider before feeding your dog turkey necks. They can make a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet when fed raw under supervision and in moderation.
Expert Tips on Feeding Dogs Turkey Necks Safely
If you do want to add turkey necks to your dog’s diet, here are some expert tips to do so safely:
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Choose an appropriate size for your dog. Whole necks work for medium/large breeds under 50 lbs. Larger dogs may need half pieces.
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Inspect quality first. Look for any debris or feathers, freshness, proper color.
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Never cook or microwave raw turkey necks, as this makes bones brittle. Always serve raw.
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Supervise your dog closely while eating to prevent rapid gobbling.
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Start slowly if your dog is not used to raw bones, giving small amounts at first.
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Limit to one or two necks per week depending on your dog’s size, activity level and overall diet.
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Store raw turkey necks properly in the fridge just 2-3 days. Freeze extras for longer storage.
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Wash hands and prep area thoroughly before and after handling raw meat.
By following these expert recommendations, you can safely add turkey necks to your dog’s diet and provide nutritional variety along with chewing satisfaction. As with any new food, monitor your dog closely at first to see how their individual digestion tolerates raw turkey bones. Adjust frequency and portion sizes as needed. Consult your veterinarian for advice on your particular dog’s unique needs.
The Verdict: Are Turkey Neck Bones Good for Dogs?
When fed responsibly, turkey necks can provide nutritional and dental benefits for dogs beyond just being a tasty, low-cost chew. The crunchy texture promotes dental health while the natural cartilage provides chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint health.
However, there are also some potential risks of gastro issues, choking or tooth damage to consider. Proper supervision, portion control and precautions are key to safe feeding. Avoid overly aggressive chewers and dogs prone to gulping food.
Overall, turkey necks can be a healthy component of your dog’s balanced raw diet when fed in moderation 1-2 times per week. The benefits often outweigh the low risks for most dogs. Just be sure to take the proper precautions and monitor your dog closely. As always, consult your vet if you have any concerns about adding turkey necks or raw bones to your dog’s diet, especially for dogs with medical conditions.
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.
Choking and Constipation
The high bone content in turkey necks can be problematic for dogs that like to swallow their food fast with minimal chewing. The bones are soft and unlikely to crack and splinter when given raw, but if your dog gulps down an oversized bite, it can become a choking hazard. Bone also makes stool firmer and more difficult to pass, and your dog may even suffer constipation if they eat turkey necks frequently. If this becomes ongoing constipation can become severe and cause your dog to become unwell, and they usually need veterinary treatment to recover.
Top Tips: Turkey Necks for Dogs | Dr. Alex Crow | PetHealthGuru | Dog Food | Veterinarian Tips |
FAQ
Can dogs eat turkey neck bones?
Yes, turkey giblets are safe for dogs when fed in moderation. They are a great source of protein and offer many other nutritional benefits.Dec 24, 2023
Are turkey bones safe for dogs?
Cooked bones can splinter and cause severe internal damage to dogs. Turkey bones from table scraps are absolutely off-limits, along with any other cooked bones.
Are neck bones safe for dogs?
Give your dog raw, meaty bones as part of his meals. These are softer bones that he can chew up and completely swallow to provide all the nutrients from the meat and bone. Choose meaty bones with small bones and joints. Necks, tails, and feet are great.
Is turkey neck safe to eat?
Since turkey necks are poultry and contain bones, they are not safe if cooked or boiled. Only raw or dehydrated is safe for consummation. I am hoping I can get some tips, advice, and/or insight for a safe cooking temperature and cooking time to do this! Thank you!