Antler dog chews are a popular and safe alternative to rawhides and other traditional dog bones. Not only are they wholesome and long-lasting, but they also offer numerous benefits for both dogs and their owners.
Unlike many other chew toys, antlers provide a harmless way to keep your pet occupied and their teeth clean without leaving a mess on your furniture or carpets. In this guide, we’ll explore why antler dog chews make excellent toys for pets and how they contribute to canine health and happiness.
Where do Antler Dog Chews Come From?
Antler dog chews come from naturally shed antlers of deer and elk. As these animals naturally lose their antlers in the winter, they are an ethically sourced and sustainable alternative to rawhide or plastic toys.
In 2009, the Peak Antler Company’s owner Jeff Musgrave noticed his rescue dog Aussie was chewing the antler ends of his coffee table. To keep her from continuing to ruin his furniture, he decided to give her one of the antler scraps made from his antler chandeliers.
He realized it kept his dog happy and occupied without making a mess, and decided to share the finding with neighbors and friends. Soon, we were shipping them to happy pets across the country!
Are Antler Chews Good for Dogs?
Antler chews are all natural and sustainable, meaning they are healthy and beneficial to your dog! One of the primary benefits of antler dog chews is their positive impact on canine oral hygiene. Not only do they help keep teeth clean, but they also provide essential nutrients such as calcium, glucosamine, chondroitin, and phosphorus, promoting healthy teeth and bones.
Additionally, antler chews offer mental stimulation, serving as an effective outlet for natural chewing instincts while preventing dogs from turning to less desirable items like furniture or shoes. They are particularly ideal for active and energetic dogs or those with powerful jaws, offering a satisfying chewing experience that can help prevent destructive behaviors. Puppies under 6 months of age and senior dogs should be given antler chews with more marrow exposed and monitored closely to ensure no teeth damage.
Antler Dog Chews: Pros & Cons
When it comes to choosing the right chew toy for your canine companion, antler dog chews stand out for their myriad benefits and positive attributes. Below is a list of pros for giving your pet antler dog chews:
Promotes oral health by keeping teeth clean
Provides essential minerals for a balanced diet
Helps prevent destructive chewing behavior
Offers mental exercise and stimulation
Lasts longer than traditional chew toys
Odor and stain-free, leaving your home clean and fresh
Despite their many advantages, it’s essential for pet owners to be aware of a few potential drawbacks associated with antler dog chews. Here is the (short) list of cons for antler dog chews:
Can pose a choking hazard when they become too small
Aggressive chewers may go through antlers quickly
Can brake puppy and senior teeth
When to Remove Antler Dog Chews
While antler dog chews are generally safe, it’s essential to monitor their size and condition. As they are chewed down, antlers can become small enough to pose a choking hazard, especially for larger dogs.
To prevent accidents, remove the antler once it has been worn down to 2 inches or smaller, depending on the size of your dog and replacing it with a new one to ensure continued enjoyment and safety for your pet.
Our Antler Dog Chews
Our antler dog chews are gathered either in the forest or on ranchlands throughout New Mexico, Utah or Colorado. They can sometimes look discolored or have hairline cracks, but we guarantee healthy chews that are not rotted or would be hazardous to any pet. The weathered bones are a great option for the older dog or mild chewer with a better ability to get the mineral benefits from the chews more quickly.
Antler dog chews offer a safe, healthy, and enjoyable chewing experience for dogs of all sizes and breeds. From promoting dental health to providing essential nutrients and preventing destructive behaviors, these natural chews have much to offer both pets and their owners.
