What Are Antler Dog Chews: Safety, Benefits, And Choosing The Right Type
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Time to read 4 min
Antler dog chews aren't your typical, boring dog chew. No they are filled with a rich history, adventure and uniqueness that can only be created in nature. Antler dog chews are the most interesting dog chew.
What Are Antler Dog Chews?
Antler dog chews have become increasingly popular among pet owners due to their numerous benefits for canine health and well-being not to mention dogs love antler dog chews! Antler dog chews come from antlers which come from male members in the deer family. These include a variety of animals such as white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, caribou and much more. Antlers grow and shed (fall off) yearly making them a renewable resource causing no harm to animals. Antlers are used for both display and fighting making them functional and aesthetic, as you see with antler dog chews.
In this article we will explore the advantages of antler dog chews, address safety concerns and provide guidance on selecting the right antler dog chew for your dog. Long-gone are the days of wandering in the dark, we are here to provide clarity and transparency to all things antler dog chews.
The Enchanting Antler Dog Chew
One of the most surreal experiences is walking up and finding an antler. Antlers generally shed in the late winter and early spring. Moose shed antlers as early as November and December. Deer generally shed antlers in January and February. Animals like elk shed later in March, April and May.
Finding antlers is best described as the ultimate game of Easter Egg Hunting. It can be incredibly difficult, tiresome and demanding to find antlers, especially on a consistent basis. So much so that it an be mentally challenging to cut them up into antler dog chews!
Benefits Of Antler Dog Chews
1. Dental Health: The hard surface of antlers helps scrape off tartar and plaque from dogs’ teeth, promoting better oral health and fresher breath. Regular use can reduce the need for frequent dental cleanings.
2. Nutritional Value: Antlers are rich in minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, contributing to a dog’s nutritional needs. These minerals support bone health and overall well-being.
3. Longevity and Safety: Antlers are durable and less likely to splinter compared to other chew options like bones or sticks. This reduces the risk of choking or intestinal blockages, making them a safer choice for dogs.
4. Mental Stimulation: Chewing on antlers provides mental stimulation and exercises jaw muscles, which can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. This is particularly beneficial for pets that are prone to destructive chewing.
5. Natural and Sustainable: Antlers are sourced from naturally shed antlers, making them a cruelty-free and environmentally friendly choice for pet owners who prioritize sustainability.
Antler Dog Chew Layers And Selections
Antler dog chews should be sized for your dog. Too large of a chew can make it difficult for dogs to gnaw away and to small of a chew can promote chomping rather than gnawing. We have a size guide you can find here.
Antler dog chews are comprised of two layers. A tough, durable outer layer and a soft, marrowy inner layer. This combination makes it an excellent chew as the dogs crave the inside but need to work through the outer layer to get it.
There are also different "cuts" of antler dog chews. We call them "whole" vs "split".
Whole Antler Dog Chew: This is an antler dog chew that has just been cut to size. It is generally rounded, with the outer layer going all the way around the chew and the inner marrow on the inside. This is perfect for tough chewers and big breeds.
Split Chew: Split antler dog chews are dog chews that have been sized and then cut in half to expose the delicious inner marrow. Instant access makes dogs go wild over these chews but they will not last as long. It is good to think of them as more of a treat or perfect for puppies and less aggressive chewers.
Whole Antler Dog Chew
Split antler dog chew
Safety Concerns And Precautions
While antler chews are generally safe, it’s important to monitor your dog’s behavior and health when introducing them. Ensure that the antlers are free from cracks or sharp edges that could cause injury. Also, supervise your dog during chewing sessions to prevent overconsumption or choking hazards.
You want to see your dog gnawing at the antler rather than trying to chomp it in half. It is also important to not play games like tug of war with antler chews because they are a hard chew, so they should be treated with care.
Quick Safety Tips:
- Do not rough play with antler dog chews
- Remove antler chews when they become too small and are a choking hazard
- Remove if your dog is trying to chomp in half rather than gnaw
Antler Dog Chew Summary
Antler dog chews are natural, healthy and long-lasting chews
Antler chews are 100% natural, renewable and sustainable perfect for eco-minded dog lovers
Antler chews deliver a terrific taste and texture while providing hours of endless fun
Never settle for a subpar dog chew, help your furry friend enjoy the very best with antler dog chews
Tap below to grab a beautiful antler dog chew for your dog
Do you make antler dog chews?
Nature makes the antlers. We simply find them and cut to size.
Do antler chews come from dead animals?
No our antler chews come from naturally shed antlers causing no harm to the animals.
Whats inside of antler chews?
Antler chews contain a number of essential vitamins and minerals helping improve dog health.
Will antler chews clean my dog's teeth?
Antler chews can help clean your dogs teeth by scraping away plaque and tartar.
How long do antlers take to grow?
Antlers take months to grow. It varies by species but roughly 5 months.
Where do you find antlers?
We find antlers in the wilds of Washington state and Alaska.
Blue
"Blue" is a co-founder of Blue Paws Pets and loves going deep into the wild to find antlers so dogs across the country can have antler dog chews. Blue Loves all things outdoors and adventure and provides most of the pictures you see on this site.