Short answer: Choose by size and chewing style. Chicken necks and chicken wings suit small dogs, while duck necks, turkey necks and turkey wings suit medium and large dogs. Neck muscle is a tough, boneless chew for dogs that like a long chew. For most healthy adult dogs, dried necks and wings make a good addition to the diet, as long as you supervise them and count them as part of their daily food.
What is the difference between necks, wings and neck muscle?
Necks and wings are parts of poultry with meat, bone and cartilage. Drying makes the small bones brittle, so your dog chews them into small, crunchy pieces. Cooked bone, on the other hand, becomes hard and can splinter. Neck muscle is dried beef muscle with no bone. It is fibrous and tough, so your dog stays busy with it for longer and doesn't swallow any bone.
The composition varies from batch to batch. Always go by the label for nutritional values. As a rule of thumb, treats with a lot of bone can make stools harder and more crumbly if you give them generously. Neck muscle doesn't have that effect, but it is still substantial meat that you need to count.
Which neck or wing suits my dog?
| Product | Size | Texture | Chewing time | Suitable for |
|---|
| Canis Kippennek | Small | Crunchy, with bone | Short | Small dogs, gentle chewers |
| Canis Kippenvleugels | Small | Crunchy, with bone | Short | Small to medium dogs |
| Canis Eendennekken | Medium | Firmer, with bone | Short to medium | Medium dogs |
| Canis Kalkoennekken | Large | Firm, with bone | Medium | Medium to large dogs |
| Canis Kalkoenvleugels | Large | Crunchy, with bone | Medium | Medium to large dogs |
| Canis Nekspier gezaagd and Canis ACTIEKNALLER Nekspier 3-8CM | Pieces of 3 to 8 cm | Tough, boneless | Medium | Smaller dogs, a chew in between meals |
| Canis Nekspier 30 - 40CM | Stick of 30 to 40 cm | Tough, boneless | Long | Medium and large dogs, keen chewers |
As well as weight, consider chewing style. A dog that gulps its food is better off with a size up, or a neck muscle stick that you hold. A gentle chewer with a small mouth will get on just fine with a chicken neck. If you'd like to compare with other types, take a look at our chew treats for dogs.
Is a dried neck safe for your dog?
Dried and in the right size, a neck is a sensible treat for most adult dogs. There are still risks, though, such as choking or swallowing a piece that is too large. That's why you should:
- Choose a size your dog can't swallow in one go.
- Stay with your dog while he chews and take away the last small piece.
- Never give cooked or roasted bones. They splinter.
- Make sure fresh water is always available.
Ingrid's tip: For the first few times, hold the end of the neck or neck muscle while your dog chews. That way he learns to chew rather than gulp, and you can see straight away how he handles this treat.
How many necks or wings can you give?
All treats combined should provide roughly 10 percent of daily energy. If you give a neck or wing more often, give a little less main food that day. For a small dog, one chicken neck is already a substantial treat. In the article how many treats can a dog have per day you can work it out for your dog.
Start with one and keep an eye on your dog's stools over the following days. Does your dog have a sensitive stomach or an allergy? Then introduce one protein source at a time, for example only chicken, duck or turkey. If your dog's symptoms persist, see your vet.
How do you store dried necks and wings?
Store them in a dry, cool place and well sealed, for example in a jar or a bag you close after each use. If you buy a large pack, fill a small tub for daily use and keep the rest sealed. If a treat smells different, feels damp or shows signs of mould, throw it away. The shelf life is on the label. Wash your hands after giving treats.
Frequently asked questions
Can a puppy have necks or wings?
A puppy is best given softer treats in small pieces, and nothing very hard while teething. Tough pieces of neck muscle, given under supervision, are a better fit than treats with a lot of bone. You can read more by age in from what age can a puppy have chew treats.
What should you do if your dog swallows a piece whole?
Keep a close eye on your dog over the following hours. If he starts gagging, vomiting or struggling to breathe, or has difficulty passing stools, call your vet straight away. Give a larger size next time.
Are necks good for the teeth?
Chewing is a nice addition to dental care. It doesn't replace brushing.
Which neck should you choose if your dog can't tolerate chicken?
Duck necks or turkey necks can be an alternative. However, some dogs react to several types of poultry. Beef neck muscle is a poultry-free option, but beef can also cause problems in some dogs. If an allergy has been diagnosed, consult your vet.
Why does my dog have hard stools after a neck?
This is usually due to the bone in the treat. Give a neck or wing less often, alternate with neck muscle and make sure your dog drinks enough water.
Sources
About the author
Ingrid Kooijman is the founder of Canis Snacks. She selects natural single-protein dog treats, sells them online and at markets in Brabant, and answers dog owners' questions about food and chews every day. Questions about these treats? Email info@canissnacks.com.
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