Turkey meat stock isn’t just a flavorful addition to your meals—it’s a nutrient-packed, healing powerhouse for people of all ages, from infants to adults, and even your pets. Made by simmering cuts like turkey necks, wings, and backs, this gelatin-rich stock supports gut health, immunity, joint function, and more.

Turkey stock is an ideal first food for babies, gentle on tummies and packed with nutrients for growth and development.

Here’s why turkey meat stock deserves a place at your table, and how it can transform your family’s health.

What Makes Turkey Meat Stock So Special?

Unlike bone broth (click here to read the differences between bone broth and meat stock), which simmers for many hours, turkey meat stock is cooked for a shorter time (about 3 hours), preserving its gelatin content and gentle digestibility. By simmering nutrient-rich cuts with connective tissue, skin, and a bit of meat, you extract collagen, amino acids, and minerals that provide profound health benefits.

Top Benefits of Turkey Meat Stock

1. Gut Healing & Digestive Health

• How It Helps:
  Rich in gelatin and amino acids like glycine, proline, and glutamine, turkey stock helps “seal and heal” the gut lining. This reduces inflammation, improves digestion, and addresses gut-related issues like:

  • Leaky gut.

  • Food sensitivities.

  • Bloating and irregular digestion.

2. Joint Support

• How It Helps:
  The collagen extracted from turkey meat stock supports cartilage repair and joint cushioning, reducing stiffness and pain. This makes it ideal for:

  • Aging adults with joint pain or arthritis.

  • Active kids who need strong, healthy joints.

  • Pets, especially aging dogs, who benefit from improved mobility.

3. Immune Boosting

• How It Helps:
  Turkey meat stock is packed with immune-supporting nutrients like:

  • Collagen: Strengthens gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), where 70% of the immune system resides.

  • Omega-3s: Found in pasture-raised turkey cuts, these healthy fats reduce inflammation and support overall immune health.

4. Better Sleep & Nervous System Support

• How It Helps:
  Glycine, a key amino acid in turkey stock, helps calm the nervous system, promoting restful sleep and reducing stress.

Special Benefits for Babies & Infants

Turkey meat stock is a gentle, nutrient-dense first food for babies, making it a cornerstone of healing diets like GAPS and Weston A. Price.

Why It’s Perfect for Babies:

1. Gentle Nutrition:
   Provides easily digestible proteins, healthy fats, and minerals to support growing bodies.

2. Soothes Digestive Issues:
   Relieves colic, gas, and tummy troubles by calming and repairing the digestive tract.

3. Supports Eczema & Skin Health:
   By healing the gut, turkey stock addresses eczema and skin conditions from the inside out.

4. Promotes Restful Sleep:
   The natural glycine content helps regulate the nervous system, improving sleep patterns.

5. Boosts Nutrient Absorption:
   Enhances nutrient uptake, ensuring your baby gets the most out of every bite.

Why Pets Love Turkey Meat Stock

Turkey meat stock isn’t just for humans—your furry friends can benefit too - especially by eating the leftover meat!

• Gut Health: Soothes and repairs sensitive stomachs in dogs and cats.

• Joint Support: Ideal for senior pets needing joint and mobility support.

• Flavorful Hydration: Encourages hydration, especially for pets who may not drink enough water.

How to Make Turkey Meat Stock at Home

Ingredients:

• 5.83 lbs of turkey necks, wings, and backs (pasture-raised for higher Omega-3s).

• 3 quarts filtered water.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Grass Roots Co-op Meat: Click here for a discount off your first order.

• Cast Iron Dutch Oven (7.3 Quart): Click here for the one I use.

• Organic Cheese Cloth: Click here for the brand I use.

• Freezer-Friendly Glass Containers: Click here for my favorite brand.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Stock Base:

   • Place turkey necks, wings, and backs into a large pot or Dutch oven. Cover with 3 quarts of filtered water.

2. Bring to a Boil:

   • Heat the pot until it reaches a boil. Let it cook for 10–15 minutes, skimming off the brown “scum” (impurities) that float to the top.

3. Simmer:

   • Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover, and let cook for 2–3 hours. For maximum nutrient density, opt for the full 3 hours. You’ll know its done with the meat easily falls off the bone.

4. Strain the Broth:

   • Use a cheese cloth and strainer to remove bones and solids. Pour the broth into glass containers. Collect the meat and use it to eat throughout the week or give to very thankful doggies as meal toppers.

5. Cool and Store:

   • Let the stock cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Store in portions for up to 3–4 months.

Pro Tip: Save the bones for making bone broth later for your dogs!

Ways to Use Turkey Meat Stock

For Family Meals:

1. Soups & Stews: Add to chicken soup, veggie stews, or chili for a nutrient boost.

2. Savory Porridge: Cook rice, quinoa, or oats in stock for added flavor and nutrition.

3. Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower: Use stock instead of milk for extra depth and gut-healing benefits.

4. Sauces & Gravies: Use as a base for homemade sauces or gravies.

For Babies:

1. Plain with Fats: Serve warm with ghee, coconut oil, or butter for a nutrient-rich sip.

2. Purees: Blend stock with cooked carrots, sweet potatoes, or squash for creamy, baby-friendly meals.

3. Hydration: Offer stock in a cup for hydration and gentle nourishment.

For Pets:

1. Food Topper: Pour over kibble or raw food for added flavor and nutrition.

2. Frozen Treats: Freeze stock in ice cube trays for refreshing pet treats.

3. Digestive Aid: Serve small amounts to soothe upset stomachs.

Creative Recipe Ideas Using Turkey Meat Stock

1. Bone Broth “Tea” for Adults:
   Warm stock with a pinch of turmeric, ginger, and a touch of sea salt for an anti-inflammatory drink.

2. Noodle Broth for Kids:
   Use as a base for cooking pasta or ramen noodles to make a flavorful, nutrient-packed meal.

3. Grain-Free Savory Casseroles:
   Incorporate stock into pot pies or baked casseroles for added moisture and flavor.

4. Smooth Purees for Baby:
   Blend stock with vegetables for smooth, gut-friendly meals.

5. Pet-Friendly Freezer Cubes:
   Freeze stock into pet-safe portions for easy meal enhancements.

Why Choose Pasture-Raised Turkey?

I source my turkey cuts from Grass Roots Co-op because their pasture-raised birds offer:

• Higher Omega-3s: Anti-inflammatory fats for better health.

• Nutrient Density: Turkeys raised on fresh pasture daily are naturally more nutritious.

Turkey meat stock is a nutrient-dense, versatile, and healing food that supports the health of your entire family. From soothing babies’ tummies to strengthening joints and boosting immunity in adults and pets, it’s an easy and effective way to add profound nutrition to your routine.

💬 Do you use meat stock in your home? Comment below with your favorite uses!

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