Are Antlers safe for dogs to chew?
Deer antlers are completely safe for your dog to chew and will provide a stimulating and nutritious snack they’ll keep coming back to.
Unwrapping an antler for the first time to hand to your doggo can be daunting. Not only can they come in huge and unique shapes, they’re incredibly strong and durable enough to last from months to years in your living room. You may have seen their size alone, and on that note, it’s made you hesitant to go out and snag an antler of your own.
Unlike traditional bones, bully sticks and dental chews, antlers are much slower to be eaten and require a little more tireless work to break down. Which makes them the perfect treat for your dog to sink their teeth into and chew.
Instead of coming apart in pieces, Antlers are gradually ground down by your doggo’s chewing. This makes them particularly low risk for choking, which is perfect for treat-guzzlers. They just might not be a match-made in heaven for highly-aggressive chewers seeking instant gratification.
As with any treat, it’s essential to monitor and supervise your pup to ensure they’re chewing safety. If you’ve got a seriously passionate chewer, Antlers might not be the one. Instead, consider digestible treats like Jerky, kangaroo bones andbully sticks.
As your dog grinds their deer antler down, they will be treated to bits and pieces of the goodness inside. These small pieces are completely safe for dogs to eat and are completely digestible. They even pack their own nutritional punch.
Antlers are a healthy and stimulating treat for your dog to sink their teeth into. But like any treat, it’s important to know when it’s time to go.
If the antler breaks down to a size small enough your dog might attempt to swallow it, it’s time to replace. This will depend on the size of your dog and how long they’ve had the antler for. But your doggo needn’t despair at the loss of their favourite chew – it just means it’s time to get a fresh new treat!
Can I give my puppy an antler?
We wouldn’t advise giving a puppy a tough chew like an antler if they’re just beginning the teething process.
At around two weeks of age, the puppy’s teeth – sometimes referred to as ‘milk teeth’ – begin to emerge. These will continue to grow in until the pup is eight-weeks old. Puppy teeth are considered to be deciduous teeth as they are only temporary and are designed to eventually make way for permanent adult-doggo-teeth. This mean, while they bite everything every in their site, the best treats for puppies keep them occupied as well as ease their teething ache.
The antler is just too tough at that youthful age.
Once your puppy is nearing the six-month age period, you should try introducing them to antlers. The solid shape and structure of antlers can aid in gently encouraging puppy teeth to vacate, giving room for grown-up pearly whites to sprout. Just like with adult dogs, supervision is vital when treating with antlers.
But if your puppy is already showing signs of having an over-the-top chewing style, there might be more appropriate treats that carry less risk of cracking puppy canines.
If your puppy just can’t go without antlers the safest option is smaller. The split varieties that require less grunt work to get to the good stuff – and you can stuff ’em with softer, denser chews to occupy them for longer!
Benefits of Deer Antlers for Dogs
Antlers are made up of mainly calcium and phosphorus, but also includes other vital minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, sulphur and zinc. These minerals are vital for keeping bones and muscles strong.
The main health benefit of deer antlers though, is their use in aiding in dental care for your dog. Gnawing helps to remove plaque on the teeth, and keep them clean. Most dental treats on the market are either full of calories, or brittle and can break off in your dog’s mouth. Deer antlers are neither of these, and an excellent solution to helping your dog maintain a healthy mouth.
What are the Best Dog Chew Toys – nylabones and antler or are there better? – Dog Health Vet Advice
Deer Antlers are like all-natural, super-chew magic. Whilst they’ve been around almost forever (well, as long as deer have been) they’ve recently become a staple of pet stores everywhere in a smorgasbord of shapes, sizes, colours and textures. From cap to tip, split or whole, small or large: antlers are a treat with incredible variety.
Being connoisseurs of fine dog treats, we figured it was time to bring the spotlight on this chew of champions. Deer antlers might be the treat your doggo’s been chewing in his dreams.