Your pet is in the corner, licking their chops and panting uncontrollably while they watch you passionately devour your delicious holiday meal. With the help of these Thanksgiving recipes, you can express to your pet your gratitude for sharing their lives and your desire for them to feel included in the celebrations. They will taste delicious and be healthy at the same time!.
Hey there, fellow dog lovers! Are you looking for a way to add a nutritious and delicious boost to your furry friend’s diet? Look no further than turkey necks and giblets! These often-discarded parts of the turkey are packed with essential nutrients that can benefit your dog’s health in numerous ways.
We’ll dive into the world of cooking giblets and turkey necks for dogs in this extensive guide, covering everything from choosing the right ingredients to safely preparing them and So, grab your aprons and let’s get cooking!.
Benefits of Turkey Necks and Giblets for Dogs:
Let’s pause to acknowledge the nutritional powerhouse that turkey necks and giblets provide before we begin the cooking process:
- Rich in protein: These parts of the turkey are packed with protein, which is essential for building and maintaining strong muscles, healthy skin, and a shiny coat.
- Excellent source of vitamins and minerals: Turkey necks and giblets are a treasure trove of essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, vitamin A, iron, and zinc. These nutrients play a crucial role in boosting your dog’s immune system, promoting healthy growth, and maintaining overall well-being.
- Joint health support: The cartilage found in turkey necks can provide natural support for your dog’s joints, especially as they age.
- Dental health benefits: Chewing on turkey necks can help scrape away plaque and tartar buildup, promoting healthy teeth and gums.
Choosing the Right Ingredients:
When selecting turkey necks and giblets for your dog, freshness is key. Look for organic, high-quality options from a reputable source. Avoid giblets with added seasonings, preservatives, or flavorings, as these can be harmful to your dog.
Preparing Turkey Necks and Giblets:
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of preparing these delicious treats for your canine companion:
1. Cleaning:
- Wash the turkey necks and giblets thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue.
- Remove excess fat and separate the organs if they are still connected.
- Be cautious of any bones or cartilage that may be present, as they should be removed to prevent choking hazards.
2. Cooking Methods:
There are several ways to cook turkey necks and giblets for your dog:
- Boiling: Place the necks and giblets in a pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-30 minutes until fully cooked. Ensure there is no trace of pink, and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the necks and giblets in a baking dish and cover them with aluminum foil. Bake for 30-40 minutes until cooked through, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Steaming: Use a steamer basket or a dedicated steamer pot to cook the necks and giblets. Steam for around 20-30 minutes until they are cooked thoroughly.
3. Cooling and Serving:
Once the turkey necks and giblets are cooked, allow them to cool completely before serving them to your dog. Cut them into small, manageable pieces suitable for your pup’s size and chewing ability. You can mix the necks and giblets with your dog’s regular food or serve them as a special treat. Remember to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Important Note:
While turkey necks and giblets can be a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet, moderation is key. They should be served as a part of a balanced diet and not as the main staple. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion size based on your dog’s specific nutritional needs.
By following these simple steps, you can provide your beloved canine companion with a delicious and nutritious treat that they will surely adore. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can dogs eat turkey necks and giblets raw?
While raw turkey necks and giblets are not inherently harmful to dogs, it’s generally recommended to cook them to eliminate any potential bacterial contamination. Cooking also makes them easier for your dog to digest.
How often should I feed my dog turkey necks and giblets?
Turkey necks and giblets should not be the sole source of nutrition for your dog. It’s recommended to feed them as an occasional treat or as part of a balanced diet. You can offer your dog turkey necks and giblets once or twice a week, depending on their size and dietary needs.
Are there any alternatives to turkey necks and giblets for dogs?
Yes, there are other nutritious organ meats you can offer your dog if turkey necks and giblets are not available or if you want to provide some variety. Chicken liver, beef heart, and lamb kidneys are some examples of alternative organ meats that can be cooked and served to your dog in the same way as turkey necks and giblets. Just remember to consult with your veterinarian regarding your dog’s specific dietary needs and any potential allergies.
Additional Resources:
Probiotic Pumpkin Pies
Pumpkin is excellent for your dogs digestion. 16 ounces of plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling), ½ banana, ½ cup gluten-free flour, ½ cup gluten-free oatmeal, ½ cup plain low-fat yogurt, ¼ to ½ cup of water, and 1-2 scoops of dog pre-probiotic powder are all you need to make these probiotic pumpkin pies. You’ll need a cupcake or muffin tin with liners for these, which will be helpful especially if you’re not the only one tempted to feed your dog Thanksgiving table fare this year!
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit. Mix flour and oatmeal in a bowl. Slowly add water to the mixture. Be sure to add it slowly because you want the consistency of the dough to be both firm and soft enough to be pliable. Line the cupcake tin with liners. Take pieces of the dough and press into the liners. The dough should be about ½ inch thick per liner. Bake for about 8 minutes until lightly brown. Remove the crusts from the tin and allow to cool on a rack. In a separate bowl, combine the banana, yogurt, canned pumpkin and pre + probiotic powder for dogs. Mix together well. Fill each tiny crust with the probiotic pumpkin mixture. You can freeze or serve as is! We don’t recommend giving them more than 2 probiotic pumpkin pies in a day. They contain a healthy chunk of fiber to help ease digestion!
We don’t recommend feeding your cat or dog food made for humans all of the time. This can instill some bad habits. However, for the holiday, you can indulge them for the day. When preparing a turkey, there is that part which makes even the best chefs a little squeamish. The giblets are what we pull out from the turkey cavity before preparing the turkey to bake. The giblets contain the liver, kidneys, heart, gizzard and neck. Instead of just tossing them, we can turn them into a healthy treat for our pet!.
Remove the turkey giblets from the turkey cavity. Be sure to not include the neck as it contains bones. If the giblets are in packaging, remove them from the packaging. Rinse the giblets thoroughly. For cats and smaller dogs, chop them into small pieces. Place the giblets in a small pot and cover with water. Bring the pot to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cook for 5 to 10 minutes. You want to be sure they are cooked through. Transfer them to a separate bowl to cool down. Mix the giblets with the recommended dosage (based on weight) of salmon + hemp oil. This natural salmon + hemp oil for pets combination contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are exceptional ingredients to reduce inflammation, boost a healthy heart and provide a shiny coat.
Immune-boosting Turkey Meatballs
Use that leftover turkey to make your pet a delicious treat! About 1 lb of leftover turkey meat will work for this recipe. Be sure to remove all of the skin and bones. Turkey skin contains too much sodium, which isn’t healthy for your cat or dog to consume. Use ½ cup rolled oats, 2 eggs, 2 tbsps plain low-fat yogurt, ¼ cup fresh parsley, 1 cup mixed veggies (carrots, peas or green beans) and 1 scoop of pre + probiotic for cats or 1 scoop of pre + probiotic powder for dogs. The powder depends on whether or not you are giving to a cat or a dog. Be sure to not give a probiotic powder made for cats to dogs and vice versa.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit. Add the leftover turkey to a food processor or blender to chop up the meat. Add rolled oats and blend together the ingredients. Next, add the eggs, yogurt and probiotic powder. Be sure they mix well enough to hold together. Transfer to a separate bowl. Mix in your veggies and parsley by hand. Roll them into 1 inch balls. Place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes. You want to be sure they are golden around the edges. Be sure they cool down before serving to your furry friends. They can last up to 5 days in the fridge. These are the perfect turkey balls to strengthen your pet’s immune system, but after they bake, you should cut them into smaller pieces for cats and small dogs!
We recognize that you may be tempted to sneak a few treats under the Thanksgiving dinner table for your pet. Don’t do it! Instead utilize those leftovers or make them something special for the holiday. They will thank you for it!.