Are Chicken Necks Good for Dogs? The Complete Truth You Need to Know

Are you wondering if those chicken necks sitting in your fridge could make a tasty treat for your furry friend? You’re not alone! Many pet parents are curious about adding chicken necks to their dog’s diet, but there’s a lot of conflicting information out there

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about feeding chicken necks to dogs – the benefits, risks, and how to serve them safely (if at all). By the end, you’ll have all the facts to make the best decision for your four-legged companion.

What Are Chicken Necks, Anyway?

Before diving into whether they’re good for your pup, let’s understand what we’re talking about. Chicken necks are exactly what they sound like – the whole necks of chickens, including:

• The spine
• The trachea (windpipe)
• Connective tissues
• Muscles

They don’t include the chicken’s crop or head. You can find chicken necks in two main forms:

Fresh (Raw): Available at supermarkets, butchers, and farmer’s markets as refrigerated or frozen products.

Dehydrated: Found in pet stores (in-person and online), typically air-dried slowly, freeze-dried, or dried using heat or a dehydrator.

The Potential Benefits: Why Some Vets and Owners Love Chicken Necks

Many dog owners swear by chicken necks, and there are some legitimate potential benefits worth considering:

1. Dental Health Champion

One of the biggest pros of chicken necks is their potential to improve your dog’s dental health. When dogs chew on raw chicken necks, the bones provide an abrasive action on the tooth surface, helping to remove plaque. It’s a similar concept to dental chews, but chicken necks are:

• More natural
• Crunchier
• Only about half the calories of typical commercial dental chews!

Think of chicken necks as nature’s toothbrush for your pup. Regular chewing can help rub plaque off teeth and potentially prevent dental issues.

2. Joint Health Support

Chicken necks contain plenty of connective tissue and cartilage, which are packed with

• Glucosamine: Helps maintain healthy joint function
• Chondroitin: Supports joint cartilage

These compounds have been clinically proven to help dogs with conditions like arthritis by improving pain levels, weight-bearing on affected limbs, and reducing the severity of joint conditions.

However, it’s important to note that the concentrations of these beneficial compounds vary from neck to neck, so they shouldn’t replace proper veterinary care or prescribed supplements for dogs with joint issues.

3. Nutritional Benefits

Chicken necks pack a nutritional punch with:

They’re also rich in calcium from the bone content, which contributes to stronger bones in your dog.

The Risks: Why Some Vets Warn Against Chicken Necks

Despite their benefits, there are several serious concerns about feeding chicken necks to dogs:

1. Choking Hazard

This is probably the biggest risk, especially with:

• Raw chicken necks (which dogs tend to eat quicker)
• Medium to large dogs (who might not chew them properly)

When dogs gulp down necks without proper chewing, pieces can get stuck in the throat or esophagus. Plus, the vertebrae might not be crushed appropriately, potentially causing trauma to the esophagus.

2. Bacterial Concerns: The APN Connection

Research from the University of Melbourne has identified a concerning link between raw chicken consumption and a condition called acute polyradiculoneuritis (APN).

APN is similar to Guillain-Barré syndrome in humans and causes immune-mediated nerve damage. The study found that:

• 26 out of 27 dogs with APN had been fed raw chicken (usually necks or wings)
• Dogs with APN were 9.4 times more likely to test positive for Campylobacter bacteria

This condition begins as hind limb weakness and can progress to affect the front legs, chest, and head. Recovery can take months and require extensive nursing care. Some dogs may even die if their chest becomes paralyzed.

3. Other Health Concerns

Raw chicken necks might not be suitable for:

• Overweight dogs (due to high fat content)
• Dogs with pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease (triggered by fatty foods)
• Dogs with chicken allergies (a common food allergy)
• Puppies (high calcium can disrupt growth, plus choking risk)

Raw vs. Cooked: A Critical Distinction

Here’s something super important: if you do decide to give chicken necks to your dog, they should ONLY be given RAW.

Cooked chicken bones (including necks) become brittle and can splinter while your dog chews them. These splinters can cause serious injuries including:

• Choking
• Intestinal damage
• Internal bleeding
• Perforations in the digestive tract

However, even raw chicken carries risks. The Peninsula Veterinary Surgery now recommends avoiding all forms of raw chicken due to the APN risk, suggesting cooked boneless chicken is okay, but not chicken necks.

How Many Chicken Necks Can I Give My Dog?

If after weighing all the pros and cons, you still want to give chicken necks a try, here’s a general feeding guide:

• Small dogs: No more than one neck per day
• Medium to large dogs: No more than two necks per day

Always adjust your dog’s regular food intake to account for these treats. Remember that chicken necks aren’t nutritionally balanced on their own and shouldn’t make up more than 30-50% of your dog’s diet.

Better Alternatives to Consider

If you’re not completely sold on chicken necks, there are several safer alternatives that provide similar benefits:

For Dental Health:

• Raw beef bones (not cooked!)
• Bully sticks (though high in calories)
• Antlers (low calorie, low fat option)

For Joint Health:

• Turkey necks (larger and potentially safer for bigger dogs)
• Chicken feet (bones are smaller and crumble more easily)
• Sprats (tiny dried fish high in omega oils that support joint health)

What Do the Experts Say?

The veterinary community is somewhat divided on this issue:

Many holistic vets and raw feeding advocates suggest that dogs fed a natural diet closer to what their wild ancestors ate tend to be healthier. They point to the dental and joint benefits of raw chicken necks.

On the other hand, many conventional vets now warn against raw chicken necks due to the choking hazard and the potential link to APN. The Peninsula Veterinary Surgery specifically recommends against any form of raw chicken for dogs, especially chicken necks.

My Personal Take and Recommendations

As someone who’s spent countless hours researching this topic, I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every dog is different, and what works for one might not work for another.

If you’re considering chicken necks for your dog, here are my recommendations:

1. Talk to your vet first – They know your dog’s specific health needs and can provide personalized advice.

2. Consider your dog’s size and eating style – Fast eaters and larger dogs may be at higher risk for choking.

3. Source matters – If you do choose to feed chicken necks, look for high-quality options:

   • In the UK: Look for free-range, organic chicken with quality assurance schemes like ‘RSPCA Assured’, ‘Soil Association’, or ‘Red Tractor’
   • In the US: Consider products like Vital Essentials that are USA-made with multiple quality control certifications

4. Supervision is essential – Never leave your dog alone with a chicken neck.

5. Consider safer alternatives – The benefits of chicken necks can often be achieved through safer means.

Final Thoughts

Chicken necks for dogs remain a controversial topic in the pet care world. While they offer some legitimate benefits for dental and joint health, the risks of choking and bacterial infections can’t be ignored.

If you’re looking for a completely safe option, there are plenty of alternatives that provide similar benefits without the potential dangers. Your dog’s health and safety should always be the top priority!

Have you ever given your dog chicken necks? What was your experience? We’d love to hear your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and doesn’t substitute professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before making significant changes to your pet’s diet.

To prepare chicken necks for dogs, they must always be fed raw, as cooking makes bones brittle and dangerous to dogs. You can feed them raw and whole for chewing and dental health, but for puppies or if you are concerned about choking, you may need to hold the bone or cut it into smaller, manageable pieces. Alternatively, you can grind the raw chicken necks or dehydrate them to create a safe and nutritious treat. Always supervise your dog while they are eating a chicken neck.