Deer antlers for dogs
Have you already found a natural, calorie-free treat for your dog? Do you dream of finding an alternative to stop chewing your shoes and furniture? Are you looking for a treat that also has health benefits? Deer antlers are made for your dog!
In this article, we will first explore what deer antlers are and their many positive aspects. Subsequently, we will find out if they correspond to the specificities of your dog. Finally, we will give you the precautions to take when giving your dog an antler.
What is a deer antler?
Antlers grow on more than sixty types of male deer. Their consistency resembles that of a bone, in the form of cartilage which slowly mineralizes. A special feature of deer antlers is that they shed naturally every year and new antlers grow for the breeding season. The fallen wood is then collected, cleaned and cut up. No chemicals are then added.
Antlers can often be confused with horns, but their structure is very different.
Both females and males can have horns, they are covered in keratin in the same way as our nails, and have a bony core. They are permanent structures that do not fall.
The benefits of deer antlers
- Nutrient-Rich: Deer antler is composed primarily of calcium, phosphorus, and vital minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sulfur, and zinc. They are essential minerals for keeping bones and muscles healthy.
- Promotes oral hygiene: gnawing on antlers helps remove plaque and keeps your dog's teeth clean.
- Zero fat: Unlike most treats which are often high in calories, and which can sometimes break apart in your dog's mouth, deer antlers are neither. They are therefore perfectly suitable for overweight little ones.
- Takes a long time: the diversity of deer antlers allows you to adapt your choices according to the morphology of your dog so that chewing lasts longer.
- 100% natural: after being harvested, the antlers are sanded and cut to fit the size and sharp points. This is the only treatment given to them, so they are entirely natural products!
- Non-odorous: if you are sensitive to the strong odors that certain natural treats can give off, deer antlers are made for you! Indeed, they are odorless for us humans.
- Long shelf life: a deer antler can be kept for a lifetime, enough to stock up to entertain your little one for a while.
- Exceptional strength: deer antlers are renowned for their extreme strength. Therefore, they are ideal for destructive dogs, who have strong jaw power.
- From wild molting: Antler shedding occurs over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. The shedding process does not cause harm to the deer. The tissue beneath the antler slowly decomposes, causing the antlers to molt. The antlers end up falling. New woods take place in spring to prepare for a new mating season. The fallen wood is then collected, cleaned and cut up.
- Appetizing aroma thanks to the marrow: there are also sliced deer antlers . Sliced deer antlers are suitable for all breeds of dogs, especially puppies, older dogs, beginner chewers who no longer have a strong jaw or are not expert chewers. That's because sliced deer antler is cut lengthwise to directly expose the (highly nutritious and flavorful) inner marrow of the antlers, allowing dogs to enjoy the flavorful interior without chewing too much.
Deer antlers: for what type of dog?
Experienced chewers: due to their extreme hardness, we recommend deer antlers for dogs who are expert chewers.
Destructive Dogs: Antlers are ideal activities for dogs who have high jaw pressure and tend to shred a toy in two minutes.
All Dog Sizes: Antlers are excellent for small, medium, large and giant dogs. Simply choose a size of antler suited to the size of your dog. To help you, we have made a little “size guide” for you.
For puppies from 6 months sliced deer antler: sliced deer antlers are good treats for puppies, especially when they are teething to relieve the discomfort that regrowth can cause them. However, a puppy like a baby is more likely to swallow objects, so you need to be very careful. Therefore, make sure you choose a size large enough that it won't be swallowed, but small enough that your puppy can still chew it effectively.
Deer antler size guide for dogs
- XS : for dogs weighing -5kg
- S : for dogs weighing between 5 to 10kg
- M : for dogs weighing between 10 to 20kg
- L : for dogs weighing between 20 to 30kg
- XL : for dogs weighing between 30 to 50kg
- XXL : for dogs doing + 50 kg
Deer antlers: what precautions should you take?
Always supervise your little one when he is chewing. Since deer antler is not a treat that breaks into pieces, the risk of choking when swallowing pieces is very low. This is always possible when the tip is too worn and therefore too small. If your dog can easily fit the whole thing into his mouth, then the end is too small. In this case, it is best to get rid of it.
It is best to remove the wood from your dog if you notice that he is starting to gnaw on it too aggressively. Don't leave room for doubt, prevention is better than cure for dental fractures.
FAQs
Are deer antlers beneficial for dogs?
Deer antlers are full of minerals and unlike many other dog treats, they contain no calories. They are excellent for promoting good dental health and they last a long time.
What should you do if your dog doesn't seem to like deer antlers?
The fact that deer antlers have little odor and are non-greasy can make them less attractive to your dog. It is therefore possible that he could sulk. To remedy this, you can opt for deer antlers that have been cut in half lengthwise. The tastiest part of the wood is then exposed, this will allow your dog to access it more easily. We also advise you to sand an area of it or wet it to increase its appeal.