The Ultimate Guide to Antler Dog Chews

All dog owners know that keeping the pups happy and healthy is of utmost importance. One of the best ways to do so is by giving them chew toys that satisfy their instinct to chew and explore the world while burning off some of their energy.

These treats also ensure your shoes, furniture, and other household items remain safe from your pooch's sharp teeth, especially if he is an aggressive chewer and a bit of a destructive force.

So, it's a win-win!

Unfortunately, typical dog toys come from dangerous materials that can harm your pet. But now there's a new alternative that is safe and healthy for dogs: antler chews!

These exciting new treats are the latest trend in canine nutrition, offering various health benefits for your pet. The best thing is that they're perfect for dogs of all sizes, from a small Pug to a large Labrador.

Make sure that you choose natural and high-quality antler dog chews that'll last longer and improve your dog's health. At Pet Expertise, we offer premium Natural Whole Antlers for Dogs in small, medium, and large sizes to keep your furry baby happy, healthy, and active!

Special Offer: You can get these treats at discounted prices if you buy them in bulk.

Top 8 Benefits ofChoosing Antler Dog Chews

If you're looking for a safe and nutritious dog treat that your furry baby will love, you should consider switching to antler dog chews.

Here are eight convincing reasons to do so:

1. Natural and Nutritious Treats

Antler dog chews are a great alternative to traditional treats like bones or rawhide, which often contain harmful chemicals and may be unsafe for your pet.

Made from the real antlers of deer or elk, they're a natural source of nutrients like zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. They also contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which are beneficial for joint health.

2. No Odor, No Stains

Antler chews are odorless, so you don't have to worry about your home smelling like a dog treat. Moreover, these natural dog chews don't leave any residue on the carpets.

3. Hypoallergenic Chews

If your dog has sensitivities and is allergic to certain foods or chew toy materials, it's time to introduce a healthy and allergy-friendly antler dog chew to make playtime safe and extra fun.

You can let your dog chew on the antlers without worrying about hives, rashes, or vomiting.

4. Free from Dyes and Preservatives

Antler dog chews are 100% natural, containing no artificial ingredients. Hence, they're a much healthier option for canines. Rest assured that your dog won't be ingesting unnatural and toxic dyes or preservatives that might upset their stomach.

5. Good for Your Dog's Oral Health

Contrary to popular public opinion, antlers are safe treats for your dog. There is little risk of splintering or chipping, making them a great option compared to processed bones.

Antler dog chews are beneficial for your dog's teeth, as they help exercise the jaws and remove plaque and tartar build-up to reveal clean teeth and get rid of bad breath. They also help massage the gums, easing the frequent itching and improving the overall oral health of your furry baby.

6. Durability? Check!

Antler dog chews are highly durable because they contain natural materials. They may last much longer than bully sticks and rawhide chews or those made of compacted starch. Your dog may enjoy chewing on these treats for six months or even a year!

7. Variety, Variety, Variety

Antler dog chews come in various colors, thicknesses, and shapes; no two treats are alike. Your furry baby will enjoy the chews variety, staying entertained throughout the day.

8. Sustainable and Biodegradable

Many species of deer (the males) shed antlers naturally every year, which makes antler dog chews cruelty-free.

Antlers are also a renewable and biodegradable resource, meaning that they won't harm the environment when you throw them away.

Biology of Deer Antlers: Where Do They Come from?

Antlers are extensions of the skulls of the male members of the Cervidae (deer) family. They emerge as cartilage layers on top of a young buck's head and gradually mineralize into intricate bone structures.

The antlers on a deer's head can grow up to an inch per day. As theygrow bigger, the velvet starts expanding. Meanwhile, the blood flow in the cartilage layers decreases by the day, slowly transforming into bone.

Deer use these antlers to defend themselves against predators or deer attacks. However, the main reason male species growthese beautiful antlers is to attract a female mate. The structure gets pointier and more intricate as the deer grows older.

When the antlers reach full growth, the deer naturally shed them each year. This usually happens from December to February. People then use these structures for various purposes.

Health experts use them in health supplements, considering their fast cell growth. Meanwhile, scientists continue to research to find innovative ways to use antlers asnatural cures for some diseases.

Moreover, since the antler shedding process is completely natural, they make a cruelty-free dog chew option. You don't have to worry about hurting the environment or harming deer when choosing these natural chews for your dog.

Deer Antlers Safety Protocol: How Long Should Your Dog Chew at a Time? 

Chewing or gnawing at antlers for 30 minutes a day removes 70% of plaque from your dog's teeth. It would be best to stick to this when treating your pet to minimize the risk of mouth soreness and teeth damage. 

Alternatively, you can keep an eye on the portion of the antler your dog chews in a day – it should be no more than an inch. 

How to Monitor Your Dog Chewing Antlers?

As with all dog treats, you mustsupervise your pup after offering an antler dog chew.If they get aggressive while chewing or attempt to break the bone into pieces, take it away.

More importantly, you must choose high-quality antlers strong enough to withstand dog bites. Get a few in different textures and sizes, so your dog gets used to its hardness.

Don't forget to inspect the antlers after a few days to ensure they're in good condition (without cracks). If it's too small for the dog to swallow, throw it away to avoid a choking hazard.    

What to Do if Dogs Don't Chew Antler Dog Chews?

While most dogs love chewing on antlers to get to the soft spongy texture inside, some canines don't like gnawing on such hard surfaces or aren't pleased with the taste.

If your dog isn't interested in gnawing at the natural chew toy right away, you can try the following tricks to make the antler dog chew more appealing and delicious.

Rub it with Sandpaper

Antlers are naturally sharp with pointy ends that could irritate your dog's mouth. Your dog might not like how they feel against the inside of the mouth.

To allowsafe and comfortable chewing, you can sand down the rough surfaces and blanch the antler to remove any bacteria. You'll be glad to see how much more fun your dog has gnawing at the softened and dulled antler!

Dip it in Peanut Butter

If your dog doesn't seem to like the taste of the antlers, try smearing some peanut butter on them. The delicious smell of peanut butter may tempt your furry baby to lick and eventually chew the antler.

Rinse it Thoroughly

It's a good habit to wash antler dog chews with non-toxic soap and rinse thoroughly with warm water before offering them to your pup.  

Soak it in Water/Broth Overnight

If your dog isn't convinced to give antlers a try as they are, you can soak them in refrigerated water or broth overnight to make them more appealing to their taste buds. It'll also help soften the bone, making chewing more comfortable for the pup.

When Not to Give Antler Dog Chews to Your Furry Baby?

Antler dog chews may not suit all dogs due to their hard exterior and sharp edges.

Below are a few cases when you should avoid giving your furry baby an antler at all costs.

If Your Pup is Less than 10 Weeks Old  

Antler dog chews are NOT suitable for puppies under ten weeks, even if you've split or smoothed them down. The jaws of these young pups aren't powerful enough to break down or gnaw aggressively at the hard surface. Ultimately, the chew can hurt their teeth, causing chipping or cracks.

If Your Dog Has Sensitive Teeth

You shouldn't give antler dog chews to a pup with sensitive teeth, as it can be painful to gnaw at the hard substance. The extra pressure on their teeth can cause cracks and even result in broken teeth.

Get 100% Natural and Safe Antler Dog Chews for Your Pet

Antler dog chews are the perfect alternative to traditional bones and chew toys. They provide a safe, healthy way for canines to satisfy their need to chew. Plus, they're durable and long-lasting, serving as a fantastic source of entertainment for your dog for up to a year.

With their many benefits, these spongy, nutritious chews will become your dog's new favorite!

Make sure you smooth them down to get rid of sharp edges and splinters before treating your pup, and keep an eye out for aggressive chewing.

Pet Expertise is the pioneer in introducing these natural dog chews in the market and has an excellent selection for all breeds and sizes of dogs.