Do you want the short answer or the long answer? The short answer is YES! Absolutely. They’re a fantastic dog chew. That’s really it. They’re healthy, long lasting, don’t snap, or shatter. They’re 100% natural and ethical, because Deer drop them every year.
You genuinely can’t go wrong with buying an antler for your dog.
This is a blog, however, so you know, I’m going to talk about this more.
What is a Deer Antler, and how are they formed?
I could get really technical and share a link to Wikipedia about Deer antlers. If you want to know more about their make-up this is the link.
However, I’ll quickly tell you if you’re unsure… A deer antler is a bony extrusion from the deer skull (from the males, that is) that they use during the rutting season. That’s mating to us normies. Each antler has a healthy supply of blood, fibrous tissue, bone and cartilage, that after the “drop” dries up and makes a lovely hard dog chew.
They’re also used for other things, like tools, and decorations. You’ve probably seen a few here and there. We don’t care about that right now. We’re here for the dogs.
Can dogs eat Antler chews?
Yes they can. They won’t though. This is due to antlers being extraordinarily tough! Your dog will gnaw away at their new antler for a fair ol’ while, but eating; I don’t think they’ll make it through.
However, antler powder exists! This fine powder has amazing benefits from relieving joint inflammation, and aiding muscle support, to dental health and promoting healthy skin and coat. There’s many other benefits that I won’t list here. I may write a review on antler powder so keep an eye out for that!
So, even though your dog is chewing an antler. they won’t eat it, so buying antler powder as a supplement is a great decision!
Are antlers better than rawhide?
You can guess my answer! Yes! Empathically yes.
I may be biased because I don’t believe rawhide has any place in a dogs enrichment life. There are so many better alternatives to rawhide like dried venison skin, dried tripe, and pigs ears. In fact, the list is endless.
Basically- Don’t feed rawhide. It’s dangerous, it doesn’t digest as well as others chews, it’s created with substandard materials. It’s not good.
So why, I hear you ask.
Firstly – Antlers are natural, hard wearing, ethical. They support gum health, and last much longer. Secondly, they aren’t made with leather not good enough to be used for purses, bags, and other leatherwork.
Need I say more? You can read my hot take – Rawhide – is it safe for dogs
What benefits do Antlers have on dogs?
Good question – fine dog owner. Lots.
Antlers have a plethora of benefits to dogs. They help with reducing stress, boredom, and anxiety, while your dog chews. They’re natural, and ethical! Someone has to search for them and process. No deer are ever harmed in the collection of antlers.
They also have health benefits for dogs, which we’ve previously mentioned. However, the difference is the antler chews benefits are aligned with enrichment and boredom busting, while antler powder is aligned more towards the internal health benefits.
Although, that being said. While your dog chews their antler it will help with reducing plaque and tartar buildup through natural gnawing, equally it will help strengthen and massage your dogs jaw muscles.
There is so much an antler can do for your dog. And knowing that antlers are naturally dropped each year, you can be safe knowing that you’re giving your dog an ethically sourced dog chew.
Conclusion:
Antlers are one of the best dog chews you can get your dog, and you will see how much your dog will love them after 30 seconds of giving them one. Our Pippi adores her one, and you can hear the stress leave her body as she gnaws.