Turkey necks for dogs have become a popular chew, with many pet owners choosing to feed them as a treat or part of a raw diet. So, what are turkey necks? What are the benefits of feeding them and are they safe for dogs?
USA Recommendation: Northwest Naturals sourced their turkey from a USDA inspected and passed human facility in the US. Buy their freeze dried turkey necks here on Amazon >>
UK Recommendation: Anco source all their meat from the UK and Europe. Buy their turkey necks on their website >>
This article will help you to understand the pros and cons of feeding turkey necks so you can make an informed decision before choosing to feed them to your dog.
Turkey Necks are moderate to high in calories and should be fed occasionally as a treat.
There are several risks associated with feeding Turkey Necks including bacterial contamination, intestinal blockages, constipation, and choking.
Turkey necks are a by-product of the meat industry, where welfare standards may vary so try to buy free-range products with animal welfare accreditation (RSPCA, Red Tractor, Soil Association).
Turkey necks have become a popular treat for dogs in recent years Many pet owners are curious about whether turkey necks are safe and healthy options to give to their canine companions This comprehensive guide will provide dog owners with everything they need to know about feeding turkey necks to dogs.
What are Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are the neck portions of turkeys They consist of vertebrae, cartilage, muscle meat, and connective tissue Turkey necks for dogs are usually about 6-10 inches long. Since they still contain soft bones and cartilage, turkey necks can make long-lasting chews for dogs to gnaw on.
Turkey necks are often sold frozen or dehydrated as dog treats. Some pet owners also choose to feed fresh raw turkey necks as part of a raw food diet. When shopping for turkey necks, look for products specifically marketed for dog consumption, rather than necks sold for human food.
Potential Benefits of Turkey Necks for Dogs
There are several potential benefits associated with feeding turkey necks to dogs in moderation:
-
Nutritional value – Turkey necks provide protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin may also support joint health.
-
Dental health – Gnawing on turkey necks may help clean tartar off dogs’ teeth and exercise jaw muscles.
-
Mental stimulation – Turkey necks provide a long-lasting chewing activity that can relieve boredom and be mentally stimulating.
-
Satiety – The high protein and fat can help dogs feel fuller compared to carbohydrate-heavy treats.
So turkey necks can provide nutritional, dental, and behavioral benefits for dogs. However, there are also some potential risks to consider.
Are Turkey Necks Safe for Dogs?
While turkey necks can potentially have some benefits, there are also some risks associated with feeding them to dogs:
-
Choking hazards – Turkey necks could become lodged in dogs’ throats or block their intestines if swallowed in large pieces.
-
GI obstruction – Turkey neck bones may not be fully digested, leading to constipation or intestinal blockages.
-
Bacteria – Raw or dehydrated turkey necks could contain Salmonella, E. coli, or other harmful bacteria.
-
Nutritional imbalance – Too many turkey necks could lead to an excess of calcium or imbalanced ratios of vitamins and minerals.
So while turkey necks can make suitable occasional treats, they should be fed in moderation under supervision to avoid potential choking, blockages, or nutritional issues.
Feeding Guidelines for Turkey Necks
If you do choose to feed turkey necks to your dog, follow these tips to reduce risks:
-
Start with small portions and increase slowly to monitor for tolerance.
-
Avoid feeding turkey necks daily or as a main part of the diet. Treat them as an occasional snack, not a meal replacement.
-
Supervise your dog when eating turkey necks to prevent choking.
-
Select turkey necks appropriate for your dog’s size. They may be a choking risk for small breed dogs.
-
Feed thawed turkey necks, not frozen ones that could damage teeth.
-
Introduce slowly if your dog is not used to digesting bone or raw meat.
-
Never cook turkey necks, as this makes bones more likely to splinter. Only feed raw or specifically dehydrated necks.
-
Practice proper food handling and storage to avoid bacterial contamination. Wash hands and bowls thoroughly.
Following feeding guidelines carefully allows dogs to gain benefits from turkey necks while minimizing risks. Moderation and supervision are key when introducing any new treat.
Should You Avoid Feeding Turkey Necks to Your Dog?
Turkey necks are not suitable for all dogs. You should avoid feeding turkey necks to dogs:
-
With a history of being prone to choking or gastrointestinal obstructions
-
Who tend to gulp food down quickly without chewing adequately
-
With digestive sensitivities like inflammatory bowel disease
-
With pancreatitis since turkey necks are high in fat
-
Who are obese or need to lose weight
-
With kidney or liver disease that requires a low protein diet
-
Who are very small breeds where turkey necks pose a choking hazard
-
That are puppies, since too much bone can disrupt growing bones
So while most healthy adult dogs can handle an occasional turkey neck safely, they make be better to avoid for dogs with certain medical conditions or tendencies to gobble treats down too quickly without proper chewing. Check with your veterinarian before introducing turkey necks if your dog has any health concerns.
Healthier Alternatives to Turkey Necks for Dogs
If you decide turkey necks may not be the best option for your dog, consider these healthier alternatives:
-
Dehydrated chicken or duck neck treats
-
Raw meaty bones from grass-fed animals
-
Dental chews with VOHC approval for oral health
-
Antlers or bully sticks for chewing satisfaction
-
Food puzzle toys to provide mental stimulation
-
Frozen carrots or apples for low-calorie chewing
While turkey necks can offer nutritional and oral health benefits, for dogs at risk of choking they may not be worth the risk. Safer alternatives provide chewing enjoyment without high obstruction risks.
The Verdict: Are Turkey Necks Good for Dogs?
Overall, turkey necks can potentially provide some benefits when fed properly to healthy adult dogs. However, turkey necks do come with considerable risks including choking, blockages, bacteria, and imbalance nutrition. Because of these risks, turkey necks should only be fed occasionally and with great supervision.
For dogs at high risk of choking, obesity, or other medical conditions, safer chews like vet-approved dental sticks are a better choice. While the right individual dogs can gain benefits from turkey necks, they are not ideal treats for all dogs due to their inherent risks. Pet owners should consider all factors carefully when deciding whether to add turkey necks into their dog’s diet.
Turkey necks can provide protein, minerals, and dental cleaning when fed properly, but also pose risks like choking and nutritional excess. Weigh pros and cons carefully for your individual dog. Supervise closely, feed only occasionally in moderation, and avoid in dogs predisposed to choking or with certain health conditions. For some dogs, safer chews are a better choice. Consider your own dog’s needs, tolerance, and risks before feeding turkey necks.
Downsides & Risks of Turkey Necks for Dogs
Turkey necks, even when dehydrated, carry the risk of contamination with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E.coli. Safe food hygiene practices, such as careful cleaning of surfaces and handwashing after handling these products are essential. Turkey necks, like any product containing bone, are also a potential choking hazard and may cause other complications including constipation and intestinal blockages.
Bacterial contamination (including Salmonella and E.coli)
Raw meat and bones may be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E.Coli that can cause illness in dogs, particularly if they have an underlying illness or are immunocompromised (e.g. undergoing chemotherapy). Air-dried treats, like dehydrated turkey necks, still risk contamination with these bacteria.
Even if your dog does not show any signs of illness, bacterial infection can still be transmitted to humans during close contact. Young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised family members are at higher risk of becoming ill. If your pup or your family is considered high-risk, it might be best to avoid feeding turkey necks and look for other alternatives instead.
Otherwise, make sure to follow strict food hygiene practices including washing your hands regularly after handling treats and petting your dog.
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!
If a large piece is swallowed it could become stuck in the oesophagus on the way down to the stomach, or even lodged at the back of the throat. If a small piece of bone makes its way into the trachea (windpipe) this is an emergency as your dog will struggle to breathe. This is an important reason why your pup should be supervised closely when eating any type of chewable treat.
Choosing the right size chew to suit your dog can also help reduce risk, with turkey necks being better suited to medium, large, or giant breed dogs.
Poorly digested bone fragments can cause constipation in dogs which may vary from mild to severe. In severe cases, evacuation may be required and your vet will need to perform an enema under general anaesthetic.
Sharp bone fragments can also cause trauma to the intestines and gastrointestinal tract and even life-threatening perforation, which is why cooked bones should never be fed to dogs as they are more likely to splinter.
In some cases, large pieces of bone may also cause a blockage (obstruction) in the stomach or intestines. This is considered an emergency and requires urgent surgery to remove the obstruction.
- Your dog is overweight as turkey necks are moderate to high in calories. If you think your dog may be overweight, please consult your veterinarian for a weight loss plan.
- Your dog has an underlying illness such as pancreatitis or is currently receiving chemotherapy unless your veterinarian has advised otherwise.
- Your dog has an allergy or sensitivity to turkey products.
Top Tips: Turkey Necks for Dogs | Dr. Alex Crow | PetHealthGuru | Dog Food | Veterinarian Tips |
FAQ
Can dogs eat the turkey neck?
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Necks? Yes, dogs can eat turkey necks as long as they’re prepared safely and cooked thoroughly. While cooked turkey necks are high in protein and offer nutritional benefits, raw turkey necks contain harmful bacterial like salmonella and can cause food poisoning in dogs when eaten.
Are raw neck bones safe for dogs?
It’s important to understand what bones your dogs can eat (based on their size) and how much they can eat. Necks. Dogs and cats of all sizes can eat chicken necks. Duck necks are better for medium-sized dogs, while turkey necks are best for larger pups.
What is turkey neck treat for dogs?
BJ’s Turkey Necks are not just chews, they’re a natural dental floss for your dog, helping to scrape away plaque and tartar and promoting good oral hygiene. It’s a treat that also serves as a healthy addition to a balanced meal, making it a versatile choice for your pet.
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.