Are Antlers Safe for Dogs to Chew?

February 20, 2019

Some typical dog “treats” can actually pose major health risks for your pet. Bones that are cooked can splinter as they’re chewed, which can be very harmful for your dog. Rawhide bones aren’t easily digestible and can cause deadly blockages in the digestive system. And what about antlers? Find out if antlers are safe for your dog to chew.

The short answer – yes!

Antlers are considered safer for dogs than bones or rawhide, primarily due to the fact that they don’t easily splinter and won’t cause internal blockages. Antlers are an extremely long-lasting treat in comparison to other dog chews.

You can choose from whole and split antlers. Whole antlers are full segments of antler, while split antlers are cut in half lengthwise, displaying the marrow. Split antlers are softer on dogs’ teeth. Depending on the level of chewer your dog is, it is recommended to start with split antlers so that dogs have easier access to the soft marrow core, and then graduate to whole antlers for aggressive chewers. As with any treat, it is important to supervise your dog as they chew.

The benefits of antlers

Antlers are a naturally-occurring source of protein and amino acids and aren’t processed like rawhide bones. They’re simply collected, cleaned, and cut. Antlers also contain many nutrients such as zinc, phosphorus, iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Because they are rich in protein, dogs should not chew more than a half-inch or so per day, or else they may get an upset stomach.

Animal lovers will love that antlers are a humane and sustainable natural dog chew. Elk and deer antlers are shed naturally every year, so these chews are cruelty-free. Because they grow new antlers every year, these chews are more sustainable for the environment (as well as biodegradable). Antlers are collected, cleaned, cut, and never treated with harsh chemicals or dyes.

Antlers are also odorless and stainless treats. They won’t smell or leave marks on your carpets or furniture, which is something both humans and dogs can appreciate.

Lastly, antlers will last your dog a long time. The average lifespan of an antler chew is six months to a year. This will depend on the size and cut of the antler, the hardness of the core, and how aggressive of a chewer your dog is. Our reinvented antler program ensures each dog finds the right type of antler to chew, based on their size and chewing tendency.

The negatives of antlers

Like any chew, antlers can pose certain risk for dogs. While a safer and more humane chew than rawhide and cooked bones, there are still some things to keep in mind when buying your dog an antler chew. Antlers are very hard, and this can mean that if your dog chews too aggressively they can chip a tooth or hurt their gums. This can be avoided by buying split antlers for first-time chewers and observing your dog as they chew to ensure they’re not chewing too aggressively.

Antlers are a bigger investment than other chews, but they also last a long time. When taking into account the lifespan of these chews, antlers are well-worth the price tag.

The bottom line

Overall, antlers are safe chews for your dog to enjoy with proper supervision. They are a cruelty-free and sustainable chew that will last your dog a long time. Elk and deer antlers are rich in protein and a natural source of many different nutrients for healthy dogs. If you are unsure what type of antler to buy or if an antler chew is right for your pet, consult with your vet for a recommendation.

Want to learn more pet health tips? Check out our blog. And for great deals on all-natural dog chews, visit our website.