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.
Turkey necks have become a popular treat for dogs in recent years Their crunchy texture provides dental benefits for dogs while also providing mental stimulation. However, as with any bone treat, there are potential risks to be aware of, such as choking and intestinal blockages So should you be feeding turkey neck bones to your dog? Let’s dive into the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.
What are Turkey Neck Bones?
Turkey necks contain vertebrae, cartilage, muscle meat, connective tissue and the trachea. They come from the neck area of a turkey, after the head, skin and crop have been removed.
Turkey necks 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
Benefits of Feeding Turkey Neck Bones
There are several potential benefits associated with giving your dog turkey neck bones:
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Dental health – The hardness and crunchy texture helps scrape away tartar and plaque as the dog chews. This may help reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
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Mental enrichment – Gnawing provides enjoyment and relieves boredom. The treat keeps your dog busy for 20-30 minutes.
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Natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine – The cartilage contains these compounds to support joint health.
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Contains calcium and phosphorus – Important for bone health. Helps strengthen teeth.
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High in protein and fat – Provides energy. Supports lean muscle in active dogs.
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Nutrient-rich – Great source of B vitamins, zinc, iron, copper and selenium. Supports immune health.
As you can see, turkey necks offer a number of potential nutritional and health benefits for dogs beyond just being a tasty chew.
Possible Risks of Feeding Turkey Neck Bones
However, there are some potential risks to consider:
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Choking hazard – Dogs may gulp pieces down too quickly or try to swallow large chunks. Supervision is a must.
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Tooth damage or fractured teeth – Aggressive chewers and power chewers risk cracking teeth on the hard bones.
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Constipation or obstruction – Bone fragments can clump together in the intestines.
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Internal injury – Sharp bone pieces may puncture or lacerate the throat, stomach or intestinal tract.
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Contamination – Raw turkey necks risk bacterial contamination with salmonella or e.coli.
While the risks may seem concerning, most dogs can eat turkey necks safely with proper portion size and supervision. But dogs with a tendency to gulp food may be better off with an alternative chew treat.
Answering Key Questions on Turkey Neck Bones
To help you decide if turkey necks are appropriate for your dog, here are answers to some common questions:
Are turkey neck bones safe for puppies?
No, turkey necks are unsafe for puppies. The small bones pose a significant choking threat. And growing puppies require specific calcium ratios that turkey bones can unbalance. 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. Opt for chicken necks instead which are smaller. And supervise carefully since little dogs are more prone to choking.
Should you cook turkey necks for dogs?
Never cook turkey necks. High heat causes the bones to splinter which can severely damage the throat and stomach. Only feed raw or dehydrated turkey necks.
How often can dogs eat turkey necks?
Turkey necks are high in fat and calories, so limit to one or two per week as an occasional treat. Watch your dog’s weight and reduce frequency if gaining.
What about frozen turkey necks?
You can feed frozen turkey necks after thawing them first. The frozen hard bones could damage teeth. Thaw in the refrigerator until pliable but still cool.
The Verdict on Turkey Neck Bones
Turkey necks can make a nutritious, low-cost addition to your dog’s diet when fed responsibly. The benefits of chewing satisfaction, dental health, nutrition and enrichment often outweigh the low risks.
Supervise your dog when eating any raw bone product. Avoid overly aggressive chewers. Seek veterinary advice for dogs with medical conditions prior to feeding turkey necks.
With some basic precautions, turkey neck bones are a safe way to provide your dog with natural nutrition along with chewing entertainment. Monitor your individual dog’s eating habits and adjust as needed. Overall, turkey necks can be a healthy component of your dog’s diet when fed in moderation.
Other Important Considerations
Here are a few other important points to keep in mind:
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Consult your vet before introducing any new food to your dog’s diet.
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Always inspect turkey necks and remove any excess fat or cartilage pieces that could pose a choking risk.
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Opt for free-range, organic turkey necks when possible for higher quality.
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Wash hands and clean up thoroughly after handling raw turkey necks.
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If your dog shows signs of an obstruction or has difficulty eating, stop feeding turkey necks and see your vet.
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Consider an alternative treat like a bully stick if your dog is an aggressive chewer.
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Never leave your dog unsupervised when eating turkey necks or any chew treat.
With some common sense precautions, most dogs can enjoy turkey necks safely and gain health benefits from this raw meaty bone. Be sure to introduce them slowly and find the right portion size for your pet. Monitor your dog’s chewing habits and adjust the frequency of feeding as needed. Overall, turkey necks can be a tasty and nutritious supplement to your dog’s regular diet when fed responsibly.
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.
Drawbacks of Turkey Necks
The primary downside of turkey necks is the bone content. Many dogs won’t have any problems from eating the occasional turkey neck, but not all dogs will be able to cope with Turkey necks in the diet. Choosing to feed a bone always carries some risks, no matter how nicely your dog chews. Many vets do not recommend bones at all.
Top Tips: Turkey Necks for Dogs | Dr. Alex Crow | PetHealthGuru | Dog Food | Veterinarian Tips |
FAQ
Can my dog eat cooked turkey neck bones?
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones? No, dogs cannot eat turkey bones because they can be a choking hazard and potentially cause punctures or blockages.Sep 23, 2024
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 neck bones ok for dogs?
Yes, totally fine. Lots of people use them to supplement meals. The neck bones and ligaments and all that are a little softer than other bones, so they’re great for cleaning their teeth. Definitely, do NOT cook them.
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.
Is it safe for dogs to eat cooked turkey necks?
Cooked turkey necks should not be fed to dogs as they are too hard and indigestible and can splinter. However, raw turkey necks are safe to feed and offer benefits for teeth and digestion.
Can dogs eat cooked turkey bones?
As with cooked chicken bones, cooked turkey bones are a no-go. Cooking breaks down the structural integrity of the bone such that it can easily shatter. Not only are they a risk for intestinal obstruction, but if a bone were to shatter within your dog’s gastrointestinal system, a piece could easily perforate the tract.
Is Turkey Neck safe for dogs?
In conclusion: While no food item is entirely free from risks or contraversies, turkey neck provides an opportunity for keeping our pups healthy,happy and nutritiously satisfied provided certain cautions are followed strictly.Happy Feeding !
Are turkey necks healthy?
Turkey necks are known for being rich in vitamins and minerals similar to beef or chicken bone broth. They consist mainly of bones and cartilage with small amounts of muscle meat still attached.
Are turkey necks good for dogs with osteoarthritis?
The cartilage and connective tissue found in natural chews, like turkey necks, contains chondroitin and glucosamine, the building blocks of cartilage. These ingredients are commonly found in supplements designed to promote joint health in dogs with osteoarthritis.
How often should a dog eat a turkey neck?
Due to their moderate to high calorie content, turkey necks should only be given as an occasional treat to avoid unwanted weight gain. Feeding one dehydrated turkey neck 1 to 2 times a week is more than enough for a medium-sized dog. Turkey necks should not replace a complete and balanced diet and are best avoided in overweight dogs.