Dogs can eat raw turkey necks, but they are not risk‑free and are not suitable for every dog.
Benefits
- Raw turkey necks are high in protein and contain calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which support muscles, bones, and joints.
- Chewing raw, meaty necks can help clean teeth and provide mental enrichment for many dogs.
Main risks
- Raw poultry can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, and other pathogens that may make some dogs (and people in the household) sick.
- Bones, even when raw and softer, can still pose choking, constipation, or internal injury risks, especially for dogs that gulp food or are very small.
- Puppies, seniors, dogs with GI issues, immune problems, or dental disease are higher risk and generally poor candidates for raw turkey necks.
How to feed more safely (if your vet approves)
- Only feed raw or dehydrated turkey necks; never cooked, because cooked bones splinter more easily.
- Choose an appropriate size (turkey necks are usually best for medium–large dogs; very small dogs often should not get them).
- Supervise your dog the whole time, remove small leftover pieces, and provide fresh water.
- Use them occasionally as part of an overall balanced diet, not as a daily staple meal, and adjust other food to avoid excess calories and bone.
Recommendation
Because of the infection and bone risks, many vets are cautious or do not recommend raw meaty bones at all. Before giving your dog raw turkey necks, talk with your veterinarian about your dog’s size, health, and diet, and follow their specific advice.
