What Type of Antler Is Best For Dogs?

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! If you're anything like most dog parents, you might be on the lookout for the best chew toys for your furry best friend. And let's be honest, nothing is better than a good old antler! 

An antler for a dog is a natural and long-lasting chew toy made from the shed antlers of deer, elk, or moose. Antlers are a great alternative to traditional dog chew toys because they're all-natural and provide various health benefits. 

These chew toys are rich in minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which can help strengthen your dog's bones and teeth. Their hard and durable texture can help clean your dog's teeth, massage their gums, and satisfy their natural urge to chew. 

However, the key question many people have on their mind is what type of antler is best for dogs? To help you make the right decision on which antler is best for dogs, let's explore this question in more detail.

Is It OK For My Dog To Eat The Whole Antler?

Yes, it is completely fine for your dog to eat the whole antler. At Pet Expertise, we make whole antler chews from 100% natural ingredients. Thus, these are safe for your furry friend as long as they do not chew them too aggressively. 

The best thing about whole antlers is that they are incredibly durable and can last for months. Hence, if you're a dog owner who is searching for a long-lasting and cost-effective chew toy option, a whole antler is a way to go!

Can Dogs Get Sick from Antlers?

A dog antler won't make your furry friend as long as you allow them to consume it in moderate amounts. Moreover, your dog can easily digest the antlers. In fact, even if your dog has a weak stomach, you don't need to stress over digestibility problems. 

When chewing on antlers, dogs are able to ingest small-sized pieces. Therefore, their stomachs can swiftly break down the nutrients and remove the excess. In addition, the bone marrow can help promote proper digestion in your dog. 

Nevertheless, this does not mean that you should feed them to your dog all the time. While antlers are excellent dog treats, you shouldn't consider them to be your sole nutritional source. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that antlers for dogs are a natural source of sodium. This can be dangerous to dogs if they consume it in large quantities. 

Besides this, there is no reason why your canine will get sick after chewing on antlers.

Should I Boil Deer Antler Before Giving To Dog?

Deer antlers have bacteria and grime when you pick them up fresh. Boiling is an excellent way to remove nasty substances from the surface that can compromise your canine's health. 

Along with bacteria and dirt, boiling can even remove the stench of deer antlers. Thus, you should always carry out the boiling process outside your home. If you do it indoors, your whole house will be filled with a foul odor. 

The antlers will feel soft when you remove them from the boiling pot. However, they will harden up again after a couple of minutes. 

How to Boil Deer Antlers?

Here are the steps you should follow when boiling deer antlers for dog. 

Step #1 – Fill up a large cooking pot with water and sprinkle some salt. 

Step #2 – Place the cooking pot over a stove and let the water come to a boil. 

Step #3 – Once the water starts to boil, place the whole antler into the pot and lower the flame so that the water is only simmering. Ensure that the whole antlers are completely submerged throughout. 

Step #5 – Do not keep the antlers in boiling water for over half an hour. You can use prongs to get them out once the 30-minute period is over. 

Step #6 – Allow the whole antlers to air dry for 24 hours. Do not keep them under sunlight for over a day, as their color can fade away. This is going to add a delicious flavor that your canine won't be able to resist. 

Keep in mind that if you boil the whole antlers for over 30 minutes, they can get brittle and splinter. This can be a choking hazard for your dog. 

How to Choose the Antler Size to Give Your Dog?

When it comes to antlers for dogs, it's important to choose one that's the right size for your canine. In case the antler is too large, your dog will not be able to chew on it comfortably. If the antler is too small, there is a risk of choking. With correctly-sized antlers, your dog will be able to chew comfortably without any risk. 

At Pet Expertise, we are proud to offer whole antlers in the following types and sizes:

Get the Best Chew Toys for Your Canine 

Pet Expertise is a top provider of natural dog chews to satisfy your canine's natural chewing instincts. From antler rope chews and whole antlers to Himalayan chew treats and bully sticks, we have a vast range of natural chew toys for every dog.

Click this link to check out our complete collection.