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 Have Boiled Turkey Necks? The Surprising Truth, Benefits, and Safety Tips
As a dog owner, you likely want to provide your furry friend with tasty and nutritious treats. Turkey necks may seem like an appealing option, but can dogs have boiled turkey necks? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the surprising truth about feeding dogs boiled turkey necks.
What Are Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are the neck portions of turkeys that contain bones, cartilage, connective tissue, and meat. They can be an excellent source of glucosamine, chondroitin, protein, calcium, and other vital nutrients for dogs when prepared properly.
Can Dogs Eat Boiled Turkey Necks?
The answer is yes, dogs can eat boiled turkey necks in moderation. However, there are some crucial factors to consider before feeding your dog boiled turkey necks.
Potential Benefits of Boiled Turkey Necks for Dogs
When prepared correctly, boiled turkey necks can provide the following benefits for dogs:
-
Excellent Source of Protein – Turkey meat is packed with protein needed for building and maintaining muscle mass. The high protein content helps support lean body composition in dogs.
-
Glucosamine and Chondroitin – Turkey necks contain natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, which helps promote joint health and mobility in dogs. This makes turkey necks an excellent treat for dogs with arthritis.
-
Dental Health – Chewing on turkey necks helps remove plaque and tartar buildup on dogs’ teeth, promoting better dental health.
-
Mental Stimulation – Turkey necks provide dogs with something productive to chew, which prevents boredom and destructive behaviors.
-
Nutrient Rich – Turkey necks contain calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, potassium, selenium, and B vitamins. All these nutrients support overall health in dogs.
Potential Risks of Boiled Turkey Necks for Dogs
While boiled turkey necks can provide benefits, they also pose some risks, including:
-
Choking Hazard – Turkey necks contain small bones that can become lodged in dogs’ windpipes causing choking. Always supervise your dog when feeding turkey necks.
-
Gastrointestinal Obstruction – Dogs that gulp down large pieces of turkey necks risk blockages in their digestive tracts requiring surgery.
-
Tooth Fractures – Aggressive chewers could potentially crack their teeth on turkey necks. Inspect your dog’s mouth after feeding.
-
Pancreatitis – High-fat foods like turkey skin and meat may trigger pancreatitis in prone dogs. Remove skin before feeding.
-
Nutritional Imbalance – Overfeeding turkey necks can lead to an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus levels. Feed in moderation.
How to Safely Feed Your Dog Boiled Turkey Necks
Follow these tips for safely feeding your dog boiled turkey necks:
-
Use fully cooked, boiled turkey necks. Raw turkey may contain harmful bacteria.
-
Remove any bones that could become choking hazards before feeding.
-
Cut turkey necks into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier chewing and digestion.
-
Supervise your dog during chewing to monitor swallowing and avoid gulping.
-
Introduce turkey necks slowly and in small amounts at first to avoid digestive upset.
-
Choose an appropriate turkey neck size for your dog’s breed and weight. Avoid large necks for small dogs.
-
Pair turkey necks with your dog’s balanced diet instead of an excessive amount of treats.
-
Inspect your dog’s mouth afterward for signs of injury from chewing.
-
Discontinue use if your dog experiences vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or other adverse effects.
Which Dogs Can Safely Eat Boiled Turkey Necks?
Most healthy adult dogs can eat boiled turkey necks in moderation. However, some dogs require extra precautions, including:
-
Senior Dogs – Remove any bones and cut turkey into small pieces easy on aging teeth.
-
Puppies – Feed appropriate sized pieces and always supervise chewing closely.
-
Small Dog Breeds – Select petite turkey necks to avoid a choking hazard.
-
Aggressive Chewers – Strong jawed dogs may crack teeth on turkey bones more easily.
-
Dogs Prone to Pancreatitis – Only feed lean turkey meat without skin attached.
If your dog is a gulper or has a sensitive stomach, talk to your vet before introducing turkey necks. They may recommend an alternate treat.
Interesting Facts About Feeding Dogs Turkey Necks
Here are some fascinating tidbits about feeding dogs turkey necks:
-
Wild relatives of domestic dogs, like wolves, consume the entire carcasses of birds and small mammals they hunt, including bones.
-
The tradition of feeding dogs turkey necks dates back hundreds of years when scraps like necks and organ meats were routinely fed.
-
Chewing turkey necks triggers the release of “feel good” hormones in dogs like serotonin, making it a mentally enriching activity.
-
Whole prey model raw diets for dogs containing raw meaty bones like turkey necks are rising in popularity due to claimed benefits.
-
Compared to weight-bearing bones of larger land mammals, the smaller bones of poultry like turkey necks are softer and less prone to splintering.
When cooked instead of raw, turkey necks become safer and easier for most dogs to digest while still providing nutritional benefits. With proper preparation and precautions, boiled turkey necks can be an excellent occasional treat for your dog!
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.
Pathogens in Raw Meat
Turkey necks must always be fed raw as cooked bones may splinter and cause serious problems. Unfortunately, raw meat can be contaminated with parasites and bacteria like E. Coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. Your dog could become unwell from eating raw meat. Campylobacter bacteria found on raw poultry has also been linked to a condition known as Coonhound Paralysis.
Top Tips: Turkey Necks for Dogs | Dr. Alex Crow | PetHealthGuru | Dog Food | Veterinarian Tips |
FAQ
Is it safe to give dogs boiled turkey necks?
Feeding a cooked turkey neck to your dog can be detrimental to its health. Cooked bones, including turkey necks, can splinter and pose a choking hazard or cause internal injuries. These splinters can lead to serious issues such as: Choking: Small pieces can get lodged in the throat.
Are boiled turkey bones good for dogs?
Dogs should not eat turkey bones, especially cooked ones. Cooked turkey bones can splinter easily, leading to potential choking hazards or serious injuries to a dog’s digestive tract. If a dog ingests splintered bones, it can cause blockages or lacerations in the mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines.
Are boiled turkey necks healthy?
High in protein and low in fat, they make for a healthy alternative to red meat; plus, they’re an excellent source of collagen, promoting joint health. Enjoy them in soups, stews, or as a savory stand-alone dish. Dive into the comforting taste of Boiled Turkey Necks and discover a true culinary delight!
Can dogs eat boiled neck bones?
Never feed your dog cooked bones. This includes those that originate in your kitchen and those that can be purchased.Mar 8, 2011
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.
Should I give my dog turkey neck?
This is especially important when giving them freeze-dried or dehydrated turkey necks. If your dog is not used to a raw diet or dehydrated bones, we suggest that you start slow. Giving small amounts of turkey neck twice per week will allow them to adjust to the new, healthy addition to their diet.
Are turkey necks bad for dogs?
Some dogs may have difficulty digesting bones, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Additionally, turkey necks are high in sodium and can contain preservatives, which can be harmful to dogs in large amounts.