Which horns are best for dogs? A Comprehensive Guide

TIP: Horns for dogs are not safe for puppies (under 1 year of age) — because their teeth are too fragile. Since most horns are harder than a dog’s teeth, they may not be the best choice for a power chewer. Monitor your aggressive chewer closely — looking for fractured teeth or excessive wear on your dog’s teeth.

PRO: Made of keratin (like our fingernails are), horns for dogs usually range from 3 to 6 inches long.

PRO: They are 100% digestible by dogs.

PRO: They usually do not splinter.

PRO: They’re very long lasting!

PRO: Horns for dog chews are about half the price of dog antlers. (You might spend $6 to $15 apiece for high-quality goat horns, compared to $10 to $25 apiece for premium antlers.)

CON: The biggest downside is the fact that the marrow inside is rather hard to get at — so my dogs tend to get bored with chewing on a horn rather easily. (We have one goat horn that is almost 3 years old!)

CON: Plus, goat horns are relatively smooth in texture — which also makes them a little boring. As with antler dog chews… the rougher the edges and the more curve there is on a horn dog chew, the more my dogs seem to enjoy it — and they will chew on it much longer.

While many dogs seem to enjoy gnawing on goat horns for hours, my dogs tend to get bored with them after a few minutes of chewing.

Perhaps they aren’t “smelly” enough!

Regardless, my dogs are still intrigued enough to gnaw on a goat horn that’s been re-introduced to them after I removed it for a few weeks.

Best Water Buffalo Horns for Dogs

Water Buffalo horns for dogs to chew on are typically harvested from large free-roaming water buffalo and are an excellent choice for aggressive dog chewers. They typically come in sizes from 6 inches up to 10 inches and can weigh over 1 pound. The base of the water buffalo horn is also about 3 inches wide. Yes, water buffalo horns are extremely heavy and dense which means that these horns will last a long time. In addition, Water buffalo horns are excellent for dogs to chew on because this type of horn typically flakes rather than splinters which makes it safer for your dog to chew on.

For power chewers, water buffalo horns for dogs will provide entertainment for weeks on end. They are not extremely hard objects, but instead, soften up a little when dogs drool or chew on them. However, water buffalo horns for dogs last a long time because they are dense objects and you get a lot of horn. Our top picks for the best water buffalo horns for dogs are below.

Which horns are best for dogs?

Pros

  • This water buffalo horn makes for a long-lasting chew.
  • Perfect for a strong chewer. This horn is not easily destroyed.
  • No mess, no stains, just a water buffalo horn.
  • Comes in 3 different sizes: small, medium, and large for all sized dogs.
  • Cons

  • Water buffalo horns may start to smell after being chewed on. However, once you get used to the wet smell these horns are great!
  • Buffalo Hornz 100% Natural Water Buffalo Hornz is our top pick for the best water buffalo horns for dogs. These water buffalo horns are all-natural with no artificial flavors or preservatives. In addition, these water buffalo horns are high in protein and low in fat to promote a healthy dog lifestyle. A little unknown fact about water buffalo horns is that they also contain calcium and phosphorous that helps promote strong bones in dogs. This water buffalo horn dog chew is also safer than chewing rawhide and is great for cleaning your dog’s gums and teeth.

    Rough sizing of the water buffalo horns are as follows: the small water buffalo horn is 3-4 inches for dogs around 15 pounds, the water medium buffalo horn is 5-6 inches for dogs up to 45 pounds, and the large water buffalo horn is 8-10 inches for dogs over 45 pounds. When you feed your dog a water buffalo horn it is important to always supervise them to make sure they do not choke or hurt their gums due to the water buffalo horn splintering.

    The downside to this water buffalo horn chew is that some people find that the smell is bad. The fact is that these water buffalo horns for dogs are natural animal parts. Any animal part that you buy on the market is going to have some sort of smell or it is not authentic. Once you get past the smell of your dog chewing on a water buffalo horn you’ll realize that they are indeed great chew toys.

    Which horns are best for dogs?

    Pros

  • This is a HUGE water buffalo horn for your dog coming in at over 10 inches.
  • Made from free-range water buffalo with no additives or preservatives.
  • Completely organic and a grain-free chew.
  • Made for large and extra large dogs.
  • Cons

  • Slight smell, but nothing bad for an animal part.
  • The White Tail Naturals Monster 3XL Water Buffalo Horn is the best large water buffalo horn for your dog that you can buy. If you have a large dog that is 40 – 120 pounds then this is the perfect water buffalo horn for them to chew on for a long period of time. The White Tail water buffalo horn will have your dog chewing for days as it is highly durable and does not tend to splinter. This dog horn chew is also all-natural and sourced from free-range water buffalo. In addition, this large water buffalo horn chew for your dog promotes great dental health which helps keep their teeth, gums, and jaw muscles healthy by removing plaque and tartar.

    There are also no preservatives, chemicals, or grains in this water buffalo horn chew. The White Tail water buffalo horn for your dog is also high in protein and low in fat which helps keep your dog lean. For the amount of time that your dog chews on this water buffalo horn it will be money well spent.

    Which horns are best for dogs?

    Pros

  • Arguably the toughest water buffalo horn on the market.
  • The top of the water buffalo horn is cut to reduce the amount of splintering.
  • This horn will last months and months.
  • Comes in all different sizes from small to extra large horns.
  • Cons

    This Stash Treat Company Water Buffalo Horn is one of the toughest water buffalo horns on the markets which means that it will last a long time. This water buffalo horn for dogs also comes in a jumbo size that weighs up to 16oz and is meant for dogs that are over 50 pounds. This is an excellent horn for heavy and active chewers. If your dog is destroying elk and moose antlers and you want a more durable all-natural chew toy then you should purchase this water buffalo horn. This water buffalo horn for your dog is guaranteed to keep your dog chewing for long periods of time.

    This water buffalo horn is different from the other horns because the top is already cut off. This is great in regard to two aspects: 1) This prevents splintering of the water buffalo horn and 2) This prevents your dog from hurting their teeth on the sharpest part of the horn. I would highly recommend this water buffalo horn for your dog if you are looking for a long-lasting chew treat.

    Reindeer horns for dogs are also known as deer antlers and are typically harvested from whitetail deer or mule deer. Whitetail deer are typically farm-raised rather than free-roaming animals like the mule deer. Reindeer horns for dogs are thinner than water buffalo horns and are usually a little softer. They typically come in different varieties from whole reindeer antlers to split deer antlers. Whole reindeer antlers are recommended for dogs who are extremely aggressive and power chewers while the split reindeer antlers are for dogs who simply like chewing on bones or sticks and aren’t as aggressive chewers.

    Reindeer horn sizes range from 4 inches to around 8 inches and weigh around 8 ounces which is significantly less than the water buffalo horn. Since reindeer horns are less dense than water buffalo horns, they will not last as long when your dog chews on them. However, I personally like reindeer horns because they don’t smell as bad as water buffalo horns. Reindeer horns are virtually odorless and don’t make a mess all-around your house. In addition, since deer horns are softer, they work a lot better for puppies or older dogs and won’t chip their teeth or make their gums bleed.

    For aggressive dog chewers, reindeer horns will provide a great toy to chew on for about a week. They also have similar characteristics to other horns and bones: high in protein which makes great lean dog treats, great for your dog’s teeth, and provide a long-term distraction for dogs who love to chew on things. Our top picks for the best reindeer horns for dogs are below.

    Which horns are best for dogs?

    Pros

  • Happy Dog Guarantee or you get your money back!
  • Get between 4-6 antler pieces of different types of variety.
  • Custom cut, trimmed, and sanded deer horns.
  • Antlers don’t chip or splinter.
  • Cons

  • Not as long-lasting as water buffalo horns.
  • These are some of the best-rated deer antlers for dogs because you get a variety of different types of antlers. You’ll get some thicker reindeer antlers, thinner reindeer antlers, and split antlers which all vary in density and hardness. This deer horn package is great for dog owners who have never tried deer antlers before and want a variety to try out. Not to mention these reindeer antlers for dogs have no added preservatives, are sanded down to prevent splinters, and are a fantastic source of calcium, manganese, zinc, and phosphorous. These nutrient-rich reindeer horns are healthy for your dog.

    In addition, each antler is at least 6 inches long which helps ensure that your dog won’t choke on these reindeer antlers. Compared to bones or other long-term plastic treats you can’t really beat the price and value that reindeer horns provide. Deer antlers don’t make a mess, they don’t smell, and all dogs love to chew on them. In addition, if you purchase these reindeer horns and your dog doesn’t like them, you can return them for no questions asked with their Happy Dog Guarantee.

    Which horns are best for dogs?

    Pros

  • Longer reindeer antler that is about 7.5 inches.
  • Last longer than artificial chews and is 100% all-natural.
  • You can also get a smaller antler option that is 4-6 inches.
  • Guaranteed not to be a dry or brittle antler.
  • Cons

  • You only get a single horn. No variety.
  • This deer horn for your dog is a naturally shed and whole piece of antler that will last your dog a long time. These deer antler chews will last longer than artificial bones and are better for your dog. In addition, these deer horns are made in the USA and there is a 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back.

    The only downside of this deer antler for your dog is that it doesn’t contain any variety. You can’t try a split deer antler or thinner type reindeer horn for your dog. Instead, you only get one type of reindeer antler which is the larger and thicker horn type. Lastly, you should always supervise your dog when you give them a reindeer antler chew to prevent your dog from swallowing the antler.

    Which horns are best for dogs?

    Pros

  • Smaller 4-6 inch deer antlers.
  • WhiteTails is a well-known and reputable dog treat brand.
  • Deer horns are washed, custom cut and sanded to ensure that they are smooth.
  • Sourced and crafted in the USA.
  • Cons

  • The bone is small, but perfect for medium-sized dogs.
  • WhiteTail Naturals deer horns and antler dog chews are popular because they come from a reputable brand that sources all their reindeer horns and makes them in the USA. Since these deer horns and antlers for your dog are on the smaller side there are perfect for small to medium-sized dogs who love to chew on things. In addition, these deer horns can also be used for puppies or elderly dogs when you soak them in water to make them softer. Whitetail custom makes their own reindeer antlers by cutting them, sanding them, and washing them.

    If you have a small to a medium-sized dog that needs a stimulating chew then these deer antlers are a perfect choice. These deer horns for dogs have no odor and there is no mess. Lastly, chewing on these antlers helps to keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean, so if you haven’t been brushing your dog’s teeth regularly consider getting them a reindeer horn.

    Which horns are best for dogs?

    Pros

  • HUGE deer antler that is around 14 inches.
  • Whitetail deer antler that is custom cut and pre-sanded.
  • Perfect for larger dogs.
  • Full deer horns last a long, long time!
  • Happy Dog Guarantee!
  • Cons

  • Relatively expensive, but will last a long time!
  • If you have a large dog who loves to chew on everything then this full-sized deer antler is the perfect product for you. This reindeer horn for your dog is different from the others because they come from free-roaming deer instead of the typical farm-raised whitetail deer. This means that these deer horns don’t contain any steroids, antibiotics, or artificial preservatives and are sustainably sourced when deer naturally shed their antlers.

    This deer antler is also one of the easiest digestible forms of calcium for your dog that promotes strong bones. In addition, this full-sized deer horn will not splinter or chip like other types of bones or plastic chews. This deer chew for your dog is extremely long-lasting, will not smell, and won’t leave a greasy mess all over your floor. This reindeer antler has GREAT reviews on Amazon and for good reason.

    Elkhorns or elk antlers are great for dogs that love to chew on everything. Elkhorns for dogs are different from deer horns for dogs because they have a softer outer core which makes them easier to chew and less prone to splintering or chipping than deer horns. Elkhorns and antlers for dogs make for great chew toys for dogs who don’t need to chew all day, but instead prefer to lightly chew or have something in their mouth. This typically includes puppies, older dogs, or dogs who occasionally chew and aren’t aggressive chewers.

    Like deer horns for dogs, elk horns can come in split elk antlers or whole elk antlers. Split elk antlers are easy for dogs or puppies to chew on since eating a split elk antler makes it extremely easy for your dog to eat the bone marrow which is rich in nutrients. However, split elk antlers will not last as long as whole elk antlers because they are already broken.

    Whole elk horns are better for dogs that are more powerful chewers. Your dog will have to slowly break down the horn to get to the bone marrow which makes whole elk horns more of a challenge for your dog. Whole elk antlers will last significantly longer than split elk antlers, but they often cost a little bit more.

    Which horns are best for dogs?

    Pros

  • Large antler that is 7-9 inches long.
  • Makes for a great bully stick type chew.
  • Good source of glucosamine, phosphorous, calcium, and other nutrients.
  • Dense bones that weigh up to a 1/2 pound.
  • Cons

  • There’s no split antler option. You only get a whole antler.
  • Heartland premium elk horns for dogs represent the top 10% of all elk horns that are harvested. Competitors will sell Grade-B, Grade-C, or even lower type elk antlers which is why they are priced a lot cheaper. In general, lighter-colored elk horns indicate that they have been bleached by the sun, weathered, and dried out. These types of elk antlers for dogs have fewer nutrients, can brittle easier, and splinter which causes damage to your dog. The Heartland premium elk antler for your dog is dark brown and fresh which ensures that you get the best available elkhorn for your dog. This is a Grade-A antler.

    In addition, this elkhorn is basically a long-lasting bully stick that will last weeks for your dog. They are naturally shed elk antlers from the USA and are naturally shed from elk. No elk are harmed in the making of Heartland premium elk horns for dogs. Dogs love these elk antlers and they are great for dogs of all sizes. Be sure to watch your dog while they eat these elk horns for any choking or splintering. They should never completely eat the whole elkhorn. Make sure that you take the elk antlers away after it gets too small.

    Which horns are best for dogs?

    Pros

  • This antler box contains 1lb of elk antlers.
  • All-natural and long-lasting organic chew toy.
  • Variety of elk antlers from split antlers to whole antlers.
  • Odorless and mess proof elk antlers.
  • Cons

    The Antler Box contains Grade-A Elk antlers that is a super great value for your dog. Each box weighs 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) and contains approximately 4 to 5 whole and split elk antlers for your dog. All of these elk horns are a healthy, all-natural, and organic dog chew that is full of nutrients. In addition, as your dog chews on these elk horns it will naturally scrape away plaque and tartar to keep your dog’s teeth healthier and gums stronger. Lastly, the best thing about elk horns is that when your dog chews on them there is basically no smell and it won’t make a mess everywhere inside your house.

    In addition, this company makes an elk antler box that is fully biodegradable, plastic-free, and eco-packaging. Everything is biodegradable and made of renewable materials! If you don’t like the elk horns for any reason there is a 100% Money Back Guarantee. Treat your dog today and get an antler box on the way!

    Which horns are best for dogs?

    Pros

  • Comes in all sizes, but we recommend the XXL Jumbo that will last a long time.
  • Elk antlers will keep your dog mentally stimulated.
  • Long-lasting, Grade-A Elkhorns.
  • A portion of your sale is donated to a rescue dog.
  • Cons

  • There is no split antler option.
  • Have you ever came home and noticed that your dog chewed up all your shoes, toys, remotes, or things that they weren’t supposed to? An elkhorn for your dog will provide a great distraction that physically and mentally stimulates your dog. This prevents your dog from getting bored and partaking in destructive behavior. Elkhorns for dogs are great long-lasting treats that smell better than bully sticks or pig ears and safer than rawhide chews.

    Devil Dog Chews Wild Elk Antler Dog Chews are really great because they are never sourced from elk farms and are always all-natural. They source their elk horns from the Rocky Mountain region of the USA and the top 5% of all elk antlers. In addition, it’s great that every time you purchase one of their elk antlers they set aside a percentage of the sale to support a rescue dog. You should definitely try one of their long-lasting elk antlers.

    Which horns are best for dogs?

    Pros

  • Split elk horns make for easier chewing for your dog.
  • Perfect antler chews for small to medium-sized dogs.
  • Antlers come custom cut and sanded which removes jagged edges.
  • Odorless and mess-free.
  • Comes in a 3-pack with 4 to 5-inch antlers.
  • Cons

  • Aggressive chewers will chew through these elk horns fast.
  • WhiteTail Naturals premium split elk horns for dogs are the ideal antler chew for smaller to medium-sized dogs. Since these elk antlers come split, they are soft and easy to chew for your dog. Your dog will love eating the split elk horns because the bone marrow is already exposed which dogs love chewing on. In addition, the bone marrow is also the best part of the elkhorn because it contains the most nutrients.

    These elk horns are also naturally shed by elk that come from the wild to ensure cruelty-free sourcing. WhiteTails elk antler chews are also more durable when compared to normal bones which means they won’t splinter or crack as easily. Chewing on elk antlers is also the smart way to keep your dog’s teeth clean as it naturally scrapes away plaque and tartar.

    Benefits of Water Buffalo For Dogs

    Are water buffalo horns good for dogs? Let’s take at the benefits they have for both dog & owner.

    First and foremost, buffalo horns are natural. Of course, they go through a process before they are suitable for sale, but nothing unnatural is added to them. Unlike some other chews, however, where artificial flavorings and colorings are used. These are bad for dogs and may upset their stomachs. Similarly, some chew toys contain toxic materials and chemicals like PVC and BPA.

    Water buffalo horns are also very nutritious. They are high in protein and low in fat, making them the perfect treat for overweight dogs. They are also high in calcium and phosphorus which contribute to healthy bones and muscles.

    This is important for all dogs, but especially those that are developing or getting older. That said, these treats are not appropriate for puppies with baby teeth and elderly dogs with weakening teeth.

    Arguably the biggest benefit of chewing on buffalo horns, they are fantastic for your dog’s dental health. The tough texture scrapes plaque off of your dog’s teeth as they chew. Plaque can cause bad breath, yellow teeth, tartar, and gum disease, which can lead to life-long health problems, a reduction in quality of life, and expensive vet treatment.

    The horns have a hollow center, so owners can fill them with tasty treats like peanut butter. This adds a fun element to the treat and turns it into a mentally stimulating game, which allows dogs to exercise their foraging instincts.

    Finally, giving your dog water buffalo horns is also beneficial for owners! They are extremely durable and can last anywhere from weeks to months, meaning you won’t have to replace them every week. They’re also inexpensive, so you don’t have to break the bank.

    Which horns are best for dogs?

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