Are Deer Antlers Safe For Dogs?

Are Deer Antlers Safe for Dogs?

Deer Antlers are a popular choice of chew for many dog owners.  There are various types available on the market (such as full antlers, fallow antlers or split versions) but ultimately, are they safe?

Yes!

High quality Deer Antlers are completely safe for your dogs to chew, this is because they are very unlikely to split and leave sharp edges.  Deer antlers stay supple, don’t dry out, splinter or become brittle. They require time, patience and effort for your dog to break down the antler which makes them a perfect, long lasting chew.

The choking risk with Deer Antlers is small, as the antler is too large to gulp whole (but you should remove the antler once it is suitably worn down).

Are Antlers digestible?

Surprisingly yes.  As your dog gnaws on the deer antler, it starts to reduce in size as small pieces are worn away and ingested.  Antlers naturally contain zinc, iron, calcium and potassium, all of which have many nutritional benefits for your dog.

At what age can my dog have an antler and what size and type is best?

Our Split Deer Antlers are a perfect chew for puppies from 10 weeks of age.  The split antlers are slightly easier on the teeth so perfect for teething puppies.  The inside of the antler is much like a honeycomb texture which most dogs love to chew at.

More aggressive chewers may prefer our Full Antlers that take longer to gnaw on.  But be careful if your dog has particularly powerful jaws as teeth can be broken on deer antlers if they bite down too hard.  Antlers are designed to be gnawed not chomped.

If you have got a passionate chewer you could consider other long-lasting chews such as our Yak Bars, Camel Scalp and Deer Hide.

The Benefits of Deer Antlers  - A Natural Dental Chew

The main benefit of deer antlers is not only to keep your dog occupied - they also help to keep teeth clean by acting as a natural dental chew.  Gnawing at the antler helps to remove plaque off your dog’s teeth and therefore keep them clean and white. It is shown that if a dog chews on an antler for thirty minutes per day it can reduce the plaque on their teeth by 70%.

Antlers are also hypoallergenic meaning they are perfect for those dogs who have more sensitive tummies.

They also don’t have an odour which makes it a nice change from most other treats, and you don’t need to hide it away in another room or outside. Your pooch can sit comfortably with the antler in the same room and there won’t be a smell at all.

Dolly & Reggie both love our naturally shed deer antlers so it’s a big thumbs up from us.

Laura, Dolly & Reggie