Turkey Wing Treats for Pets

Turkey wings are the perfect part of the bird to make into pet treats. They are drastically undersized compared to the rest of the turkey but still  manage to get them airborne, somehow. These little wings are full of strong connective tissue and dense muscle from doing all that work which makes them annoying to eat but perfect for our pets.

Here is a two step process that will allow you to utilize turkey wings and leave you with two great treats that are full of nutrients for your animals.

Turkey Broth:

5 lbs BRD Turkey Wings
1 gallon Water
1 quart ice

Place turkey wings in a large stock pot and cover with cold water and ice. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a strong simmer, probably just under medium-low on your stove dial. Simmer for at least 6-8 hours uncovered, topping off with water as needed to keep everything submerged. 

If you are using an instant pot, set it to high pressure and cook for 2 hrs. Let it release the pressure on it's own.

If you are using a slow cooker, set to high and let it go as long as you possibly can. At least 6 hours.

Remove the turkey wings and set aside. Strain your broth through a wire strainer to remove any large pieces of material and wash out your stock pot. Return pot to the stove and replace the strained broth. Bring the broth back up to a steady boil and reduce. The more it reduces, the thicker and more gelatinous it will become once you store it in the fridge.

I like to reduce it to roughly a quart worth of liquid so that it stores easily in a single container in the fridge. Feel free to do less or more and store some in the fridge for later, just be careful because it will eventually burn.

You can even roast your wings in the oven on 425 degrees for 20 mins or until they start to develop color which means more flavor. I will let you decided whether or not your pet cares about this.

Once the broth is reduced to your liking, stick it in the fridge and let it set. If you simmered and reduced it long enough, you will have a thick, jello like substance that can be spooned into your pet's food.

This recipe can be scaled up or down as needed.

Turkey Treats:

While your broth is reducing, pick the meat off the cooked and cooled turkey wings and place it on a parchment paper lined, rimmed baking sheet. THROW AWAY THE BONES. DO NOT GIVE YOUR PETS POULTRY BONES.

Place into a 200 degree oven (or as low as it will go) for 30 mins and check them. Cook in 15 min intervals until they are done.

Done means that the meat has completely dried out. It should be tough but pliable with little to no moisture. Think turkey jerky but a little tougher. Cook longer if needed, but they can burn if left too long. Keep in mind that they will lose a little more moisture after they are removed from the oven and cool.

Let them cool all the way to room temp then store in an airtight container in the fridge. Distribute as earned or necessary.

 

Congratulations, you have just practiced responsible and sustainable consumerism. The world is now a little bit better for you and your pets.

AND PLEASE, introducing new foods into your pets diets can be detrimental to their health and should be done gradually and at you own discretion. We are not veterinarians and this is in no way intended to be medical advice. Please talk to your vet if you have any concerns.