It isnt a big mystery as to whether turkey is safe for dogs to eat or not. Spoiler alert: Turkey is not only safe, but its a commonly used protein source in commercial dog foods. Throwing your dog bits of turkey while you prep dinner can be a perfectly healthy treat, but not all parts of the turkey are safe. So whats a dog-owning foodie to do?
As a dog owner, I’m always looking for healthy, nutritious treats and meals to feed my furry friend Around the holidays, one great option is turkey necks and giblets These nutrient-dense parts often get discarded, but they can make a tasty and beneficial treat for your pup. In this article, I’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook up turkey necks and giblets your dog will love.
Why Cook Turkey Necks and Giblets for Your Dog?
Turkey necks and giblets provide tons of key nutrients:
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High in protein – Turkey is a lean source of protein to maintain your dog’s muscles The necks and giblets are extra protein-rich
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Packed with vitamins and minerals – These turkey parts contain iron, zinc, B vitamins and more to support immune health, metabolism, skin health and digestion.
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Promotes dental health – Chewing on turkey necks helps clean your dog’s teeth and reduce plaque buildup.
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Natural glucosamine – This supports joint health and mobility.
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Low calorie – Turkey is lower calorie than beef or pork, so you can feed it without weight gain worries.
With all these benefits, it’s clear why turkey necks and giblets make a nutritious treat!
Choosing Turkey Parts for Your Dog
When selecting turkey necks and giblets, look for:
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Raw turkey necks – Choose meaty necks, avoid bony ones.
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Fresh, raw giblets – Liver, heart and gizzard. Avoid dried out giblets.
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Unseasoned – Don’t use smoked or seasoned turkey. Stick to plain.
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Organic/free-range – Opt for higher quality turkey when possible.
For a medium dog, get 1 pound turkey necks and 1 cup giblets. Adjust for your dog’s size.
Prepping the Turkey Necks and Giblets
Before cooking, prep the turkey:
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Rinse – Thoroughly rinse the necks and giblets.
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Trim – Remove excess fat and membranes from giblets.
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Check for bones – Carefully remove any loose neck bones.
Proper prep ensures even cooking and tender giblets.
How to Cook Turkey Necks and Giblets for Dogs
Here are some cooking methods:
Stovetop Simmering
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Place necks and giblets in a pot and cover with water. Use 2 cups per 1 pound turkey.
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Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 20-30 minutes until fully cooked.
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Drain and cool before serving.
Simmering gently cooks the turkey while keeping it moist.
Slow Cooker
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Add necks and giblets to a slow cooker and cover with water.
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Cook on low 4-6 hours until fall-off-the-bone tender.
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Drain and cool before serving.
Slow cooking ensures super tender turkey.
Oven Baked
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Place necks and giblets in a baking dish.
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Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until fully cooked.
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Let cool before serving.
Baking gives the turkey a nice crispy exterior.
Always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
Serving Turkey Necks and Giblets to Your Dog
Once cooked, here are some serving tips:
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Cool completely before feeding.
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Shred or chop meat into bite-sized pieces.
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Mix small portions into your dog’s regular meals.
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Top food with turkey gravy or broth.
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Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze.
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Reheat leftovers before reserving.
Start with small portions to avoid stomach upset. Soon your pup will love this tasty, healthy treat!
Answering Common Questions
Here are some common queries when cooking turkey necks and giblets for dogs:
Are raw turkey necks safe?
Raw poultry can contain bacteria. Always cook necks thoroughly before feeding.
Should I remove the bone from the neck?
For large breeds the bone is okay, but remove it for small dogs to prevent choking hazards.
How long does cooked turkey last?
Cooked turkey necks and giblets can be refrigerated for 3-4 days in a sealed container. Discard if it smells or looks spoiled.
Can I season the turkey with herbs?
Avoid onion, garlic or salt. Light herbs like parsley or rosemary are okay in small amounts. Feed plain turkey to be safe.
What if my dog has an upset stomach after eating turkey?
Stop feeding immediately and contact your vet if your dog has vomiting, diarrhea or other reaction to the turkey.
How often can I feed turkey necks and giblets?
Turkey necks and giblets can be fed 1-2 times per week as an occasional treat. Monitor your dog and adjust quantity as needed.
Make This Nutritious Holiday Treat for Your Pup!
With this handy guide, you can easily whip up a batch of tasty and nutritious turkey necks and giblets for your dog. This makes a super healthy holiday treat they’ll beg for year-round!
Feeding your dog homemade food provides key nutrients while adding mealtime variety. If you have extra turkey necks and giblets this holiday season, put them to use for your pup! Follow this guide for how to safely cook and serve them. Soon you’ll have a tail-wagging happy and healthy pooch.
Turkey Giblets
Oftentimes the turkey giblets, which can include the liver, kidneys, heart, gizzard, and neck, are included in store-bought turkeys. Most of these extras are perfectly safe for your dog to eat when fully cooked (so long as they wont be missed by any of your dinner guests). The only part that is not recommended for your dog is the neck as there are bones in that part. Even if you already feed your dog a raw meat diet, its not recommended to give the giblets to your dog raw. Instead, wash them with water and then boil them for five to 10 minutes or sear them on the stovetop for a few minutes on each side. As with any new food item, though, if you add in too much too fast you can cause a gastrointestinal flare-up in your dog. So if you opt to give the turkey giblets to your dog, cut them into small pieces and portion them out as special treats over a few days.
Turkey as a Protein Source
Turkey is a highly digestible protein source for dogs. It contains various macronutrients (that is, any nutritional component that is required in large amounts) like protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It also contains micronutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals. While it is very similar in quality to chicken, turkey can contain slightly more concentrations of certain vitamins and minerals than chicken.
There is some thought among integrative practitioners that turkey is a “cold” protein while chicken is a “hot” protein. In integrative medicine terms, this essentially means turkey isnt as inflammatory as chicken. So if your dog suffers from an acute or chronic inflammatory condition, be it gastrointestinal upset, environmental allergies, or something else, some feel that turkey is a better protein than chicken as turkey wont exacerbate any inflammation already in the body. It should be noted, though, that chicken is the most common food allergen in dogs. Since chicken and turkey are so similar, depending on how sensitive your dogs immune system is, they may generalize their chicken allergy to turkey as well.